Two Weeks Down: What We've Learned Of The Minnesota Vikings

Andy Rarick by Analyst Written on September 21, 2009
DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 20:  Wide receiver Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball past safety Louis Delmas #26 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 20, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Vikings won 27-13.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Two weeks are down and only 20 more to go...hopefully!

The Vikings are off to a 2-0 start with their defense clicking and offense plugging along.

We've seen some pretty amazing moments along with some pretty bad ones. I think it's safe to say that the Vikings record has lived up to the expectations of its fans, but not necessarily the play.

We'll take a look and analyze a couple of points,some good and some bad, on the Minnesota Vikings.

THE GOOD

1) Percy Harvin is a beast. Among all rookies, Harvin is tied for first in receptions (8), fifth in receiving yardage (77), first in touchdowns (2), fourth in rushing yards (36), first in kick-return average (29.7), and third in kick-return yardage (178).

I'll admit, I wasn't too happy when the Vikings selected him with their 22nd overall pick in this year's draft. With Michael Oher still on the board at the time, I thought it was a no-brainer. I mean, Harvin tested positive for drugs right before the combine!

Well, he's done a great job turning my view around. The guy simply won't go down to the ground with the ball. I haven't seen a wide receiver run so hard in my life. The guy lowers his shoulders and pushes his way through the defense gaining an extra three or four yards every time.

Harvin has done a great job thus far. I give him a solid A.

2) Favre hasn't thrown an interception. He has been very consistent with his throws. He's getting the ball to his intended target which is exactly what the Vikings needed. Favre is able to convert those third downs that Jackson or Frerotte could not do last season.

Favre has done a great job of lighting the mood on the Vikings offense. There is a sense of joy that hasn't been seen for quite some time. I can finally see the Vikings players smile on a routine basis and it's not because of Peterson. Favre has been a calming presence that has kept this team alive.

3) Peterson is astounding. The guy is currently leading the league in rushing as well as touchdowns. He was the number one fantasy pick in nearly every draft this season and he has not disappointed. His four rushing touchdowns leads the league.

His touchdown run against the Browns shows us just how dominant of a runner he is. In one play, he showed off his lightning speed, supurb agility, and behemoth-like strength all within three seconds. There is not a single player in the game today more explosive than Adrian Peterson.

4) The pass defense has been fantastic. While the Vikings are lacking a bit in the sack department thus far compared to last season, they are still getting good pressure on the quarterback. Both Quinn and Stafford had some pretty ugly plays against the Vikings defense.

Three interceptions in the first two games are more than we had in nine combined games last season. It's a sad stat for last season, but good for this season. The Vikings are currently ranked 5th in the league in passing defense.

Single Page
Vote Now! - Author Poll

What grade would you give the Vikings through the first two weeks of play?

  • A: I couldn't have asked for more!
  • B: There could be some improvements, but so far so good!
  • C: This team doesn't seem to have what it takes quite yet
  • D: Just flat-out horrible
  • F: Who are the Vikings? No, seriously, someone's going to have to explain this one...
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

What grade would you give the Vikings through the first two weeks of play?

  • A: I couldn't have asked for more!

    7.0%
  • B: There could be some improvements, but so far so good!

    77.3%
  • C: This team doesn't seem to have what it takes quite yet

    14.8%
  • D: Just flat-out horrible

    0.0%
  • F: Who are the Vikings? No, seriously, someone's going to have to explain this one...

    0.8%
  • Total votes: 128
(0)
...
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written on September 21, 2009 Opinion

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