Bob Lurtsema played for the Vikings from 1971-1976 and remains a close observer of the team, attending practices and games. He told Sports Headliners “you never heard me this excited before.”
Lurtsema all but gushed when asked about his optimism concerning the Vikings after watching them acquire quarterback Brett Favre and prepare for their season opener on September 13 at Cleveland with the Browns. How does he calibrate his level of optimism?
“All I can say is wow! I am so excited. I mean the highest rating possible for enthusiasm, I have that for Brett Favre. The puzzle is put together.”
Describing the defense as “unbelievable,” Lurtsema said the arrival of Favre is a dramatic upgrade for the team’s offense. No longer will defenses be able to crowd the line of scrimmage with a majority of its players, intent on stopping running back Adrian Peterson.
Lurtsema said Favre can read defenses and call plays so expertly he will be a mega difference maker for Peterson and the offense. Lurtsema believes the boost to the passing game with Favre will result in Peterson gaining 2,000 or more yards this season. He led the NFL in yards rushing last year with 1,760.
Favre will help, too, with his leadership including his passion to play football. “He really wants to win and that attitude is contagious,” Lurtsema said.
Lurtsema respects NFC North title contenders Green Bay and Chicago, but believes in the Vikings. “I think we’ll win it,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy, but we have the stronger team.”
What will the season record be? “The Vikings will win at least 12 games,” Lurtsema answered. “I am very confident of that because there’s not a weakness on that team.”