Jerry Burns, who coached teams that generated Super Bowl predictions, will be “tickled” if the 2008 Vikings make the playoffs. That was his response when told famed pro football writer Paul Zimmerman is picking the Vikings, who were 8-8 last season and missed the playoffs, to win the next Super Bowl.
Burns, the Vikings’ head coach from 1986-1991, said he respects Zimmerman, known to generations of Sports Illustrated readers as Dr. Z. “It’s hard for me to go out on a limb to that extent (winning the Super Bowl),” Burns told Sports Headliners. “I think they’ve unquestionably improved their defense. …And offensively they’re very good with (Adrian) Peterson. I look for them to go some place around 8, 9, 7 (wins), and I would say I would be tickled right now if they were 10 and 6. Because if they were 10 and 6, I think they’d be a playoff team.
“So much of it depends on the continued development of Tarvaris Jackson, the quarterback. …If Jackson continues to develop, if the defense plays well and they’re injury free I think they could have a very successful season.
“I like Brad Childress very much as a football coach. Very much as a person. I wish him nothing but the best, but I don’t want to go out on a limb to the extent that they’re going to win the Super Bowl, or be in the Super Bowl.”
Dr. Z wrote a column on SI.com last month headlined: “Dare I Pick Minnesota to Win It all?” While Dallas is a popular choice, Dr. Z is intrigued by the Vikings’ efficiency at running the ball and stopping the run. Best in the league at both last year, he writes.
Dr. Z liked the Vikings’ defense last year but he wouldn’t be suggesting the Vikings will win their first Super Bowl in history if not for signing free agents Jared Allen (defensive end), Madieu Williams (safety) and Charlie Gordon (cornerback). He describes Peterson as the NFL’s “flashiest” runner last season and the left side of the offensive line as “arguably the best” in the league at run-blocking.
His column provides attention to Jackson, the third year quarterback. Count Dr. Z as a Vikings believer who thinks Jackson, his coach and team can travel the playoff road all the way to the end.
Burns coached his 1987 team (8-7 during the regular season) to within one win of the Super Bowl. His 1988 group finished 11-5, and then went 1-1 in the playoffs. The 1989 team, with Herschel Walker inspiring Super Bowl hype, was 10-6 and lost its one playoff game.
Burns, 81, said Super Bowl talk didn’t impact his team. “It didn’t affect us negatively or positively in any way that I can put a finger on,” he said.
Burns was an assistant under head coach Bud Grant on all four Vikings teams that went to the Super Bowl between 1970 and 1977. He said it’s “very, very difficult” to make the Super Bowl and win it. That’s why Dr. Z implies in his column it’s a guess as to who will be Super Bowl champs each year. New Orleans, which finished 7-9 and didn’t make the playoffs, was his pick last year.
Best to take all of this with a wink.