Minnesota Vikings 2011 Preview: Can QB Donovan McNabb Help Vikes Get Back on Track?

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Vikings.com

By Daniel Wolf
Senior Writer

2010 Record: 6-10

Last Playoff Appearance: 2009, lost to New Orleans Saints in NFC Championship Game

Coach (Record): Leslie Frazier (rookie coach)

Offensive Coordinator: Bill Musgrave
Defensive Coordinator: Fred Pragac

Offensive Rankings, 2010: 26th passing, 10th rushing, 29th scoring
Defensive Rankings, 2010: 10th passing, 9th rushing, 18th scoring

Key Additions: Bill Musgrave (offensive coordinator), Mike Singletary (assistant head coach/ LB coach), QB Donovan McNabb (Redskins), WR Michael Jenkins (Falcons), WR Devin Aromashudo (Bears), DT Remi Ayodele (Saints), QB Christian Ponder (first-round pick), TE Kyle Rudolph (second-round pick)

Key Losses: Darrell Bevell (offensive coordinator - Seahawks), WR Sidney Rice (Seahawks), QB Tavaris Jackson (Seahawks), DT Pat Williams (still unsigned), LB Ben Leber (Rams)


Player to Watch

How can anyone not have new quarterback Donovan McNabb listed right away in this section?

McNabb's arrival in Minnesota signals his third stop in three years. He is coming off arguably the worst season in his 13 years in the NFL. In 2010, he established the second-worst quarterback rating of his career (77.1), threw more interceptions than he ever has in one season (15) and recorded the second-lowest touchdown season total as a pro (14).

After being traded in two consecutive offseasons, the six-time Pro Bowler is in need of a fresh start and Minnesota may provide that.

Look for him to have a nasty chip on his shoulder and if he is focused on the team, more than himself this season, then he could really shine playing in the dome this year.

Vikings.com

What to Watch For

Can WR Michael Jenkins or Bernard Berrian be a consistent No. 2 receiver?


Losing a big piece like receiver Sidney Rice was a big surprise and the Vikings are hoping new receiver Michael Jenkins can step up his game to another level and be the No. 2 receiver he could not be while with the Falcons.

Jenkins had 41 receptions for 505 yards and two touchdowns in 2010, in just 11 games with Atlanta.

He played his first seven years with the Falcons recording 276 receptions for 3,512 yards and 20 career receiving touchdowns. Jenkins could provide McNabb with a big red zone target considering his 214-pound, 6'4" frame, compared to the Vikings No. 1 wideout, Percy Harvin, who stands at 5'11", 184 pounds. If productive, he could easily be Minnesota's No. 2 option.

That is unless Berrian can finally be a true No. 2 option. It will be a battle for the No. 2 receiver spot all season long or until one of these two players can step it up.

Can WR Percy Harvin be a No. 1 receiver?


Harvin's migraine issues have been made public so it is no surprise when it comes to any concerns surrounding him being the team's top receiving threat in their new offense.

Harvin has yet to play in all 16 games with the Vikes in his first two seasons, but hopefully he can overcome his migraines and play a full season in Minnesota. Despite the injury concerns, Harvin was a very productive No. 2 opition alongside former Viking turned Seattle Seahawk, Sidney Rice. His 71 receptions, 868 yards and five touchdown catches in 2010 could be an afterthought if he is indeed able to play a full slate of games with a relative clean bill of health.

Harvin's speed and playmaking ability should provide McNabb with the consistent homerun threat he had with the Eagles in DeSean Jackson and lacked during his one-year stint with the Redskins. Harvin's reception numbers surpass Jackson's but his total yards and yards per catch will need to improve before living up to any such comparison. Anyway you slice it, the Vikings need Harvin to stay healthy and be the man in the passing game in 2011.

Can new DT Remi Ayodele really replace Pat Williams?


The Williams wall is gone from the interior of the Vikings defensive line, since they have moved on from Pat Williams.

The Vikes went out and signed former Saints lineman Ayodele, who started 16 games last year and 13 in 2009 for New Orleans. He can hopefully assimilate into the starting role next to Kevin Williams this season. Ayodele's only has 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his four-year NFL career, and he has some big shoes to fill.

Conclusion:

It looks to be a long season for the Vikings and their fans, especially in the highly competitive NFC North. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will continue to lead the charge in this division, with the Detroit Lions quickly gaining ground on those two, but the Vikes have lost too many important pieces this offseason to be able to rebound and recover in 2011.

Perhaps 2012 will bring the Vikes back to prominence in this division and in the NFC, but 2011 looks to be a tough road ahead.


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Other NFC North previews:

Detroit Lions 2011 Season Preview: Can Matthew Stafford Stay Healthy in 2011?

Green Bay Packers 2011 Season Preview: Can Aaron Rodgers Lead the Pack Back in 2011?

Chicago Bears 2011 Season Preview: Was the Bears Trip to the NFC Championship a Fluke?