2014 Vikings offense- a chance to dominate

                                               

               

      

                                                                               

                                                               

                                                                               

The 2013 Vikings offense went through a quarterback merry go round until the end last season. We finally saw Matt Cassel find his stride and start to have connections with Patterson and Jennings.

The team finally used Cordarrelle Patterson towards the end of the season and it was more than just kick returns and look how he did. We now have an offensive coordinator that I believe will explore Patterson’s abilities. I am looking for a huge season out of “Flash” Patterson. The emergence of Jennings also gives me hopes a much improved passing game.

The X-Factor to me will be Tight End, Kyle Rudolph. If he can stay healthy I look for nothing but great things out of this 6’6” guy.

I like the fact that Cassel came back and can continue to improve with his relationship with all receivers including Jarius Wright and Jerome Simpson.

The team lost tight end, John Carlson to free agency but look for a player whose name is Chase Ford to be an asset helping out with the pacing game.  He ended up with 11 receptions for 133 yards in 2013. Ford caught my eye in training camp last year and when Rudolph went down Ford stepped in. He too is 6’6” making 2 tight ends that make nice big targets for Cassel.

The running game will be back stronger and add in the offensive line is all signed for another season together. Adrian ended the last year with injuries but now has an offseason to get ready for 2014.

I thought Felton had a better year 2 years ago than last season so look for a big year out of him to help AP with big holes.

The draft is coming and whoever we get whether it’s a quarterback or not I say I like what the team has to start and can only build and get better. If its Johnny Football, Bortles, Bridgewater or a name we may not see coming I believe this offense is set up for a big season.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

2014 Vikings defense- Has there been enough changes?

                                                                                            

 

                                                               

 

                         

 

The Vikings came within 146 seconds of winning 5 more games than they did in 2013. The team saw Chicago score with 10 seconds left, Cleveland win with 51 seconds, Dallas won with 35 seconds, Green Bay tied with 46 seconds left and Baltimore won with 4 seconds left. It is heartbreaking to think of the what ifs?

It leads me to looking at what the team has done to prevent devastation again in 2014. I like the start in free agency and now must wait for the draft.

In the above I have posted pictures of a possible starting 11 and see what you think. The defensive line I have Everson Griffen , Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd and Brian Robison with Joseph and Floyd flip flopping.

The linebackers are concerning only early just because of the youth. I have Chad Greenway outside, Audie Cole in the middle and on the other outside could see Gerald Hodges or Michael Mauti both young and unproven as of yet.

The corners I have Xavier Rhdoes who showed signs of why the team thought so highly of him that he went in the first round until he got injured late last year. The signing if Captain Munnerlyn from Carolina for now I put him starting.

The safeties I have Jamarca Sanford and Harrison Smith, who might be the hardest hitting safety in football.

Will this 11 be better than what we had last season with this group of men? I just think its fun to speculate and of course the draft could play a part. I do think the team will draft a linebacker rather high maybe as early in the 2^nd round.

What do you think? Can this young bunch of men get the job done and shut down this tough upcoming schedule of teams.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick