If Sage Rosenfels Falters, so Will the Minnesota Vikings

The 2009 offseason could have been highlighted by one the biggest additions in recent history of the franchise. Instead the Vikings have let the most hot air out of their fanbase since they joined the NFL in 1961.

After failing to sign Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Vikings then let two of the bigger veterans on the squad leave to free agency in Pro Bowl center Matt Birk and Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper.

THEN, the Vikings, just when they couldn't let their fans down any lower, had an opportunity to sign arguably the most decorated quarterback in the history of the league...and worse still, had him in the palm of their hand and let him go.

To make things even more interesting, Tarvaris Jackson has a sprained MCL. Although Brad Childress won't admit it, his confidence in Jackson is wavering, and Sage Rosenfels is all but securing his role as the starter.

With all that said, the Vikings are literally only Sage away from near disaster. If something happens, the Vikings can almost kiss any chance of playoff return (forget Super Bowl run) goodbye.

Then again, John David Booty remains untapped and could prove to be worth a gamble.

The roster (with the exception of the quarterback position) seems very clear at this point.

With Aundrae Allison now free to sign with any team he pleases after his recent release, the wide receiver depth is beginning to take shape.

Bernard Berrian has his role solidified, Percy Harvin is proving to be just as versatile as advertised, Sidney Rice is showing great improvement in camp, and Bobby Wade is reliable as always.

There still is a small voice that Marvin Harrison is still in contact with the Vikings front office, but like Brett Favre, we'll believe it when we see it.

The offensive line is still a bit dry. John Sullivan is currently etched in as the starting center with Ryan Cook as the only reasonable backup. Anthony Herrera is proving solid and could be the surprise in 2009 if the running game can flourish on the right side of the line.

Phil Loadholt will be interesting. His transition to the right side may prove to be a bit of a slide, but he may prove to be worth the grab.

Steve Hutchinson should be the pro guard everyone knows him as, and Bryant McKinnie could finally break through as a Pro Bowl tackle if he can keep his garbage off the field.

The Big Questions still left...

Will the Vikings sign a veteran later into camp as price tags begin to fall, or will they be content with what they have?

If Childress is as desperate as he's appeared this offseason, then all signs point to yes.

Will the Vikings find help for second-year safety Tyrell Johnson or baptise him under fire in 2009?

Much like the last question, if Childress wants to keep his job. Tyrell appears to be transitioning to the NFL quite smoothly, but some veteran insurance wouldn't be a bad idea.

Michael Vick anyone?

Considering that T-Jack already has the same elements as Vick, it makes little sense to replace a running quarterback with another, especially one with a colorful background.

*Money Question* Should the Vikings cancel training camp for a day and send the whole team to Hattiesburg, Miss., and publicly beg Brett Favre on his front lawn to come back?

It's a funny thought to imagine nearly a hundred football players on their knees begging Favre to come back and lead them. Then again, knowing Zygi Wilf's and Childress' egos, they wouldn't even dream of the thought, but it still is an interesting thought.