Minnesota Vikings: Five Reasons Why 2010 Will Not Be a Repeat Of 2009

There's a buzz in the Twin Cities. It has all the fervor of a playoff atmosphere.

No, it's not the excitement of the impending baseball playoffs—it's the sweet anticipation of the upcoming Vikings season.

After coming so close last season, the expectations for the 2010 Minnesota Vikings are as high as ever.

It's the second coming of Brett Favre to Minnesota (not that he ever really left), and the hope for that elusive Super Bowl Championship. 

But alas, all is not rosy in Vikings land.

There is concern that Minnesota's best chance has passed.

Looking over the current landscape of the Vikings here are five reasons why 2010 will not be a repeat of 2009:

No. 5—The NFC North will be tougher.

The Vikings went 5-1 within the division last season. Their only hiccup was a Monday night overtime loss to the Bears in Chicago.

Don't expect the same divisional record.

The NFC North boasted two of the top four quarterbacks in Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

Both Chicago and Detroit should be improved as Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford start their second season with their teams. 

I don't see the Vikings sweeping the Packers again this year.

Going 4-2 in divisional games will be very tough; expect the Vikings to go 3-3.

No. 4—Changes, or lack thereof, within the roster.

The Vikings roster looks to be very close to that of last year. The only key loss to the team is Chester Taylor.

Taylor continued to see less action each year, and in 2009 had only 338 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Yet, he was an experienced backup for the team.

Minnesota drafted Toby Gerhart, the Heisman runner-up from Stanford, to replace him, but don't expect Gerhart to be as effective as Taylor this year.

In 2009 the Vikings' defense led the league in sacks, and had the second best run defense. 

But their passing defense had the worst opponent quarterback rating allowed of all six playoff teams.

They allowed a 92.5 rating against, compared to that of 68.6 for the New Orleans Saints.

The safety tandem of Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson only had one interception last year.

Antoine Winfield is coming off a season in which he missed six games due to injury, and at 33 years old, is on the downside of his career.

The Vikings drafted corner back Chris Cook in the second round, but look for him to make his mark on special teams in 2010.

No. 3—Strength of Schedule.

In 2009 the Vikings had the second easiest schedule in the NFL.

The opposition carried a .420 winning percentage from the previous season. They only faced four play-off teams, going 2-2.

Their schedule will be significantly more difficult in 2010.

With the 14th toughest schedule, they kick off the season against the Super Bowl Champion, New Orleans Saints. 

They will face a total of seven playoff teams in eight games. A .500 record in such games will make another 12-4 record nearly impossible.

No. 2—Injuries have the Vikings depleted.

The Vikings are not starting off on the right foot (or ankle).

Favre's ankle is not yet completely healed, and will have a huge impact on his mobility and effectiveness.

One of Favre's favorite targets, Sidney Rice, is now contemplating hip surgery that will keep him out until mid-season.

E.J. Henderson, Winfield and Cedric Griffin are all coming back from injuries; depending on how effective they are, the defense could keep the team from starting out fast.

The wild card to all of this is Percy Harvin. Due to the unpredictable nature of migraines, the returning Offensive Rookie of the Year has not been able to fully participate in training camp or preseason play yet this year. 

Adrian Peterson has also been slow to get going in 2010. He will need to be more effective in order to take some of the pressure off Favre.

No, 1—Brett Favre's effectiveness.

In October Favre will turn 41.

2009 was Favre's best season in his career. His quarterback rating of 107.2 was 20 points higher than his career average.

He only threw seven interceptions in the regular season—nearly half as many as his previous lowest full season total.

Favre has been extremely consistent throughout his career. But coming off the ankle surgery, and with a depleted receiving corps, the only direction to expect his play to go is down.

Expect his interceptions to be closer to his average of 17 per season, while his touchdowns to drop from the 33 he threw in 2009.

Teams saw the success New Orleans had in their attempt to take Favre out of the game.

The Saints will be aiming low on opening weekend, hoping to re-injure that ankle.

The Vikings will have a tough time replicating their 12 win season from 2009.

They will even find it difficult to repeat as NFC North Champions.