By Eric “Big E” Jacinto
2013 Minnesota Vikings
2012 Record: 10-6 (2nd in NFC North)
Head Coach: Leslie Frazier (3rd Season); Lost 24-10 to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round.
2013 Minnesota Vikings’ Schedule: click here to view!
The Vikings ended last season losing to their arch-rival, the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round, 24-10. Last season was a historic year for Vikings’ all-world RB, Adrian Peterson, who was named both the NFL’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. He was nine yards away from breaking the all-time season rushing record of 2,105 set by Eric Dickerson in 1984. The Vikings signed former Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings to a five-year deal worth $45 million.
Vikings’ Off-Season Moves:
Key Additions: Greg Jennings, (WR, Free Agent), Matt Cassel, (QB, Free Agent), Sharrif Floyd, (DT, Drafted), Xavier Rhodes, (CB, Drafted), Cordarrelle Patterson, (WR, Drafted).
Key Departures: Percy Harvin, (WR, Traded to the Seattle Seahawks), Michael Jenkins, (WR, Released; Signed with New England Patriots), Antoine Winfield, (CB, Released; Signed with Seattle Seahawks).
Big E’s Biggest Questions heading into the season:
Can Adrain Peterson have another historic season? Can Christian Ponder take that next step and lead the Vikings back to the playoffs, or will he lose his job to newly-signed QB Matt Cassel?
Big E’s Final Thoughts and Predictions:
The Vikings might have traded their second-best offensive threat in Percy Harvin, but they still have the best running back in the NFL in Adrain Peterson. If Peterson stays healthy, he is capable of carrying the Vikings on his back. The addition of Greg Jennings is not upgrade from Percy Harvin but it is a solid signing if Jennings stays healthy.
Big E’s Vikings Prediction:
8-8 (3rd in NFC North): The Vikings will miss the playoffs because they don’t have the wide receiver depth (which will hurt their running game as teams stack the box against AP), and their defense won’t be good enough to help them win enough close or important late in the season.
Thanks for reading! ~BigE
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Edited by: Todd LaPlante