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

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

This past season, Peterson faced many nine-man fronts—by far more than any other back in the league. If it wasn’t a nine-man box, he was facing eight-man fronts—which is already a fierce battle for a tailback and his offensive line.

But with success out wide with Harvin, the chances the Vikings are confronted with another nine-man front is as likely as Brett Favre actually being done toying with the idea of returning to the NFL. In other words (for the non-sports fan) it’s not going to happen.

For Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin is a godsend. After two completely successful seasons for the Vikings’ run game in 2007 and 2008, Peterson is ready to embark on a second consecutive rushing title, rushing for more than 2,000 yards, and earning the coveted MVP award.

I can’t even imagine what Peterson will be able to do to defenses with only an eight-man box in front of him. The sky will be the limit, or at least the Metrodome ceiling.

So, we can already see the immediate impact that Harvin can have on the running game and his fellow receivers. But we aren’t even close to being done, well, maybe not.

Percy Harvin also has a legitimate shot at initiating big strides in the special teams aspect of the game. In the past few seasons, the Vikings have had dreadful special teams, aside from field goal kicking. After watching their coverage teams the past two seasons, I feel my USC Trojans can do a better job.

No, Harvin will not help the coverage teams. Or, at least, I wouldn’t think so. But he can electrify the Dome in an instance with a shifty punt return to the house. Or an equally exciting play in football—the 100-yard kickoff return for TD. He will definitely bring some smiles to Vikings’ fans that haven’t been evident in years past.

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