Why Tony Pike Could Solve Minnesota Vikings' Quarterback Dilemma

At the moment in Minnesota, the quarterback position seems to be an issue that no one wants to discuss. Brett Favre has lost, and the typical offseason questioning has already gotten underway in regards to his future in the NFL.

Brad Childress has gone on holiday, Percy Harvin has dosed up on Panadol, and Brett Favre is taking a notable leave of absence from the spotlight. With no Pro Bowl and no certain future in football, Favre's decision is still hanging in the balance.

As much as Favre turned the Vikings into a top-caliber team, Childress and the young Vikings' roster can't afford to gamble their promising future on the return of No. 4. Retired or not, the draft is fast approaching, and the options are endless for the Minnesota Vikings.

Snagging Harvin last season from the Florida Gators, Minnesota fans were able to stand up and applaud Brad Childress' effort in gaining a future star wide receiver with the talent that Harvin packs.

That's in the past, though. Today is the future, and there is no time like the present to build on a team that is sure to go places within the next decade.

With the 30th pick in the NFL Draft, let's be realistic here. Minnesota isn't going to gain any real talent that could help them in the future, right? Wrong.

The quarterback position is vital, particularly in the ever-growing NFC North division. The Vikings proved last season that no matter how star-studded their roster may be, with no quarterback alliance, the team suffers. Go ask Tavaris Jackson—he'll tell you that.

Therefore, it seems only fitting that the Vikings go after a slightly lesser-known quarterback who may slip through the cracks in the draft. Analysts are predicting Tony Pike would be a good option for the Vikings, and I tend to agree.

As the former Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback, Pike finished his Orange Bowl-winning 2009 campaign with 2,168 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Throw in the stat that he completed 63 percent of his passes, and you've got yourself a fairly well-rounded guy who could fit into the mold of a purple and gold uniform.

One thing Pike does lack, though, is strength. Not necessarily a small man by any stretch of the imagination, Pike does tend to take the hard hits on the odd occasion that the offensive line doesn't hold up.

Easily fixed, yes, but it would need to happen quickly if he were thrown into the Vikings' starting job pending Favre's decision.

The short game of Pike's is a talking point. You only have to look at his stats to notice that the deep ball is an area Pike would rather stay away from, which would suit the Minnesota Vikings just fine.

Arguably one of the best young quarterbacks to come out of the draft, Pike's game plan would be a picture-perfect match with the Minnesota Vikings' offense.

The short passes down the field, followed by a handoff to Adrian Peterson, is the way the Vikings like to get things done. Similar to the Bearcats, dare I say. 

Still a possibility, Pike is something to think about for Vikings fans nationwide. Just consider him, that's all I ask.

Potential, accuracy, speed, and athleticism—Pike is definitely an option for the Minnesota Vikings. Forget Brett Favre; welcome in the Bearcat.