The 2009 Minnesota Vikings: The Man Who Will Make or Break the Season

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

No, not Adrian Peterson. And no, not that starting quarterback who has yet to be identified.

The Minnesota Vikings have worked, prepared, and established themselves as one of the better teams in the NFC and the NFL for that matter. But there always seems to be one Achilles’ heel that prevents the Vikings from hoisting the Lombardi trophy in the Super Bowl.

For the upcoming 2009 season, the Vikings’ Super Bowl chances seem to hinge on one player.

Rookie and wide receiver—Percy Harvin.

The two-time NCAA Football champion from the University of Florida has the game-breaking potential on both offense and special teams to elicit an NFC Championship for the Minnesota faithful.

Making him the 22^nd pick of this past NFL Draft has been said to be a risk versus reward pick. I believe we have found a much bigger reward in Harvin.

With that said, there are many ways within the X’s and O’s that Percy Harvin can elevate the adequate play that the Vikings have been making a mockery of this past decade.

First of all, we all know that Percy Harvin provides that game-breaking speed that is so rare to find at this level. He can make something out of nothing. Having a speed threat is always a plus; there’s the intimidation factor for opposing teams' defensive backs and points are scored much quicker. But most importantly, “speed demons” provide a sense of momentum that can’t be found anywhere else on the gridiron.

Percy Harvin brings all three of those qualities to the Minnesota Vikings.

With him, the Vikings will be a defensive nightmare. We could easily see some double teams on Harvin out wide. With that, more and more options open up for Coach Brad Childress. Maybe Bernard Berrian frees up out as the flanker, or Sidney Rice or Bobby Wade in the slot.

But the best possibilities, you ask?

Well, look no further than halfback. Adrian Peterson is ready to attack his third season in the league in full gear. The speed on the edge that Percy Harvin provides will ultimately even help MVP candidate Adrian Peterson elevate his game.

If Harvin can sustain some success in the wailing moments of the season, defensive coordinators will be scratching their heads as if they were aerospace engineers developing new futuristic aircrafts.

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