How the Minnesota Vikings Can Reach the Top

A Super Bowl contender turned in to a 2-3 team, who, at times, has been an afterthought. Injuries have plagued their season: E.J. Henderson: Out for season. Madieu Williams: Out six weeks. Adrian Peterson hasn't been 100 percent in some time. Sidney Rice has missed a game and hardly played in the ones he has started.

What can you do? Injuries are a part of a team's season. There is simply no excuse. Bring in your backup and let him fill in for the guy that is injured.

Minnesota's run defense is still spectacular, giving up only 68 yards per game. With that number, they are third in the league in that category. Surprisingly, their pass defense improved as well.

Minnesota only gives up 230 yards per game for the 24th overall rank in the league. On offense, the Vikings manage to get 122 rushing yards per game, along with 191 passing.

With how on and off the Vikings have been lately, I wonder: What must the Vikings do to improve?

1. Give the ball to Adrian Peterson more often!

Adrian only has 104 attempts in five games. That's a little under 21 per game. Not enough for one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL. His 452 yards are only topped by Michael Turner and Clinton Portis.

Adrian is only on pace for nine rushing touchdowns. In his rookie season he had 12 rushing touchdowns and even missed two games. Give him the ball more at the goal line. He has the ability to shake defenders and get to the end zone.

2. Pass the ball to Bernard Berrian down field.

Berrian was known for his ability to use his speed to pass by corners to get the ball. It seems as though Minnesota is scared to do that now that he's in town. You're paying him the big bucks, Minnesota. Berrian still has 305 yards, but only one touchdown? That's simply absurd. Guys named Chansi Stuckey and Kevin Walter have three times as many.

3. Make a trade or two!

The loss of E.J. Henderson leaves a big hole at the middle-linebacker spot. Nothing against David Herron's abilities, but he isn't quite a caliber starter.

Here's something to make you think: Dhani Jones leads the league in tackles. Dhani Jones? I thought that guy sold bow ties in New Orleans? Back to being serious now.

Minnesota could make a deal for a middle linebacker like Dhani Jones or possibly a Paris Lenon from the Lions. These guys aren't Pro Bowlers by any means, but they bring young potential to the Vikings.

Minnesota should also be in the market for a wide receiver to play opposite of Bernard Berrian. I love Sidney Rice, don't get me wrong, but he's fairly injury prone. Roy Williams, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Chad Johnson are all on the trading block.

Roy Williams would be the most likely, considering he fits in to Minnesota's style a lot more than the other two. Don't count out Torry Holt either. He's suggested being traded before, and once he realizes his team has yet to win a game, he'll be looking to bounce to a different location.

If Minnesota is able to make to get a receiver, they could move Sidney to slot. Although he could be included in the deal.

4. Get Touchdowns when you're in the Red Zone!

Minnesota has the worst red-zone offense in the league. Most of the time, when within scoring distance, they pass on the first two downs and then run on third. It puzzles me when this is done. On 1st-and-goal, run the ball! Try to pick up a good four or five yards and then try for a pass to the end zone.

If it's 3rd-and-goal and you're on the five, then it's a good idea to give Peterson the ball and have him punch it in. Minnesota only has seven offensive touchdowns through five games. Three to Peterson, two to Shiancoe, one to Berrian, and one to Sidney Rice.

5. Let Visanthe Shiancoe get more receptions

Shiancoe has stepped up compared to last year. With his 145 yards and two touchdowns, I'll admit, I've hopped the bandwagon. Dropping easy catches has also went down, which is a big plus.

Visanthe is 6'4", taller than most of the defenders. Throw him more passes when he's open. Side note: If you're in need of a tight end, pick up Visanthe Shiancoe. I certainly did.

Minnesota's next three games are against teams with a combined record of 3-13. On Sunday, they face Detroit, who hasn't won in Minnesota for 10 solid years. The following week the Vikes pack up and head to Chicago. The weather should be very cold, which is an advantage for Chicago. Keep in mind that Minnesota beat Chicago last year on the road.

Week Eight is a bye for the Vikings. Week Nine, they are at the Dome to host the current 0-4 Houston Texans.

By Week 10, Minnesota could be 5-3 if they play up to their potential. Chicago should fair to be a tough game, but the other two look to be relatively easy wins. You never know what can happen in the NFL.

Any team can come out of nowhere to win a huge game. Miami over San Diego, Miami over New England, Atlanta over Green Bay. If I would have told you that these games would turn out this way, you would have called me crazy.

Any questions or comments or another way Minnesota needs to improve their squad, just holler at me!