Looking At The NFC North: The Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings (10-6) last year, enter 2009 with high optimism and a young talented team. Not to mention surprising many by winning the NFC North division in 2008.

Of course as with all teams, the Minnesota Vikings will find defending their title won't be easy this year. Not to mention the key issue revolving the quarterback position, which is still a toss up.

The Vikings tried to answer this problem by trading a fourth round pick during this year's free agency, adding former Houston Texans backup QB, Sage Rosenfels.

However Sage comes with nine years of backup experience on three other teams (the Miami Dolphins, The Washington Redskins, and The Houston Texans). The other key issues the Vikings hope to solve before the regular season starts (Sept. 10), is the center position in their offensive line and right tackle in that line.

Lets take a closer look at the Minnesota Vikings:

Free Agent Signings

Key Losses 

Center - Matt Birk - signed with the Baltimore Ravens

Defensive Back - Darren Sharper - signed with the New Orleans Saints

Key Additions

Quarterback - Sage Rosenfels - signed a two year contract

Defensive Back - Cedric Griffin - signed a three year contract extension

Tight End - Jim Kleinsasser - re-signed to a three year contract extension

Fullback - Naufahu Tahi - re-signed to one year (Matched Offer sheet)

Defensive End - Otis Grigsby - re-signed to one year contract

Nose Tackle - Fred Evans - re-signed to one year contract

Defensive Back - Benny Sapp - re-signed to one year contract

Special Teams/Wide Receiver - Glenn Holt - signed as a unrestricted free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals

2009 NFL Draft picks

Round One - Pick No. 22 - Florida WR - Percy Harvin

Round Two - Pick No. 54 - Oklahoma OL - Phil Loadholt

Round Three - Pick No. 86 - Georgia CB - Asher Allen

Round Five - Pick No. 150 - South Carolina - ILB Jasper Brinkley

Round Seven - Pick No. 231 - Mississippi FS - Jamarca Sanford

2009 NFL schedule

Week 1--Sept. 13--Vikings @ Cleavland Browns

Week 2--Sept. 20--Vikings @ Detroit Lions*

Week 3--Sept. 27--San Fransisco 49ers @ Vikings

Week 4--Oct. 5--Green Bay Packers @ Vikings*

Week 5--Oct. 11--Vikings @ St. Louis Rams

Week 6--Oct. 18--Vikings @ Baltimore Ravens

Week 7--Oct. 25--Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 8--Nov. 1--Vikings @ Green Bay Packers*

Week 9-- BYE

Week 10--Nov. 15--Detroit Lions @ Vikings*

Week 11--Nov. 22--Seattle Seahawks @ Vikings

Week 12--Nov. 29--Chicago Bears @ Vikings*

Week 13--Dec. 6--Vikings @ Arizona Cardinals

Week 14--Dec. 13--Cincinnati Bengals @ Vikings

Week 15--Dec. 20--Vikings @ Carolina Panthers

Week 16--Dec. 28--Vikings @ Chicago Bears*

Week 17-- Jan. 3--New York Giants @ Vikings

                   *=Division opponent

Looking to 2009

The Minnesota Vikings have an easier schedule this year, but with tough away games against defenses like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, the Minnesota coaching staff will have their hands full. The Vikings also have to be aware of their division rivals who are bolstering their rosters this offseason.

With the NFC North rivals focusing on their key issues, the Vikings will find it quite a bit harder to defend their title in the "Black and Blue" division. Success this season will depend solely on the quarterback position, and how well they perform on the field.

Of course this depending on who the starter is coming out of training camp (Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels). The Vikings hope to continue their success on defense with their dangerous pass rushing core and more outstanding play from NFL's best running back Adrian Peterson.

Key Note

The Vikings could bring a new element to their play calling this year with the addition of the elusive and explosive rookie WR Percy Harvin—a player known for playing WR and RB at Florida.