The Player Versus the Playbook: A Look at the Minnesota Vikings Receivers

Even in his earlier Chicago Bear days Bernard Berrian had been especially known for his speedster abilities translating into big play moments. He among many of the other offensive weapons that are the Minnesota Vikings have potential to hit home runs at any given second.

The fact of the matter is that an accurate long ball accompanied by a speedy and well adjusted receiver equal the most exciting instances that ever occur in the modern NFL. This was made evident by the realm that was first the Cunningham/Moss connection which later became the Culpepper/Moss team and then Most recently Brady and Randy. 

This may never become a reality in the city of lakes due to the latest investments into more qualified game managing quarterback types rather than big play potential type of athletes, maybe because of the struggling Tarvaris Jackson saga.

Tarvaris Jackson has a combination of both great speed and arm strengh but has trouble executing even the most simple plays. A lot of his success is reliant on a run game that, when flourishing, can really effect the dynamic of a game in that a defense can never fail to recognize the Adrian Peterson potential to break a big one out at any moment.

A defense's focus on his threatening existence can make play action extremely effective, especially when accented by a speedster QB. 

Aside from his lack of speed and strength of arm, newcomer Sage Rosenfels brings an element of control, not only in the sense that the game is more easily managed but also in his ability to stay calm and collected, which can help to create a sense of confidence for the entire team.

He can move the ball down the field slowly but surely, rather than ever hitting homeruns but that is simply the trade off the Vikings seem to be happy with. 

Backing up Sage will be former 5th round draft pick out of USC John David Booty. Neither Booty or Rosenfels will have the speed to roll out of the pocket after a deceiving play action attempt but will hopefully excel in other area's that will prove beneficial.

Obviously Jackson will comepete with Rosenfels but with the completely different playing styles and abilities it will be interesting to see how the play calling will be influenced but these variations. 

Sidney Rice, the 6'4" third year receiver out of South Carolina is especially good and going up for jump balls and will bank on great ball placement and accurate lofting to really let his abilities shine through.

Bernard Berrian will make plays no matter what but his deep ball game will be hurt by weaker armed quarterbacks.

2009 Rookie wide out Percy Harvin has a similar style to Berrian and is a possible X factor due to the fact that he'd make an ideal slot type of receiver on any NFL depth chart and will help quarterbacks like Rosenfels to be able to exploit defenses in new ways. 

Hopefully success will be made evident in 2009 because the Vikings are making enough changes to attract attention. Brad Childress has been on the hot seat since the first day he drafted Tarvaris and correcting his mistake could be in the form of a Jackson break out season or a change at the position.

Either way the Vikings certainly have the tools to succeed, they just need to harness the potential that has been so strategically put together by the coaching staff.

The passing game had seemed to disappear around the same time Moss decided he was greater than the franchises game plan. Once the team is able to recreate the quarterback Receiver magic it once was defined by, it can relive the glory that was once associated with the teams image.

Moss and Carter are no longer but the question becomes will there ever be a Berrian and Rice era? Time and play calling will only tell. And, anything is an upgrade from a Brad Johnson comeback attempt in the City of Lakes.