Two games away from the halfway mark of the season, the Minnesota Vikings’ record is a below average 2-4. With the “first semester” ending soon, Sports Headliners interviewed a former NFL personnel evaluator who was asked to grade the Vikings’ offense, defense and special teams. Here’s a detailed breakdown by the expert who requested that his name not be used:
Quarterbacks: D- Tarvaris Jackson has completed only 45.9 percent of his passes and thrown five interceptions and just two touchdown passes in four games. The evaluator likes Jackson’s “skill set” but said the 24–year-old quarterback’s performance hasn’t matched his potential. “The development hasn’t kept up with the amount of preparation that’s gone into it,” he said. The quarterback situation has placed the season in jeopardy.
Running backs: A Chester Taylor has been productive and my source said rookie Adrian Peterson “is a super star in the making.” Peterson, who leads the NFL in rushing, is under utilized. “He should touch the ball 25 to 30 times including carries, receptions and kickoffs,” the source said.
Receivers, including tight ends: C- The evaluator said the grade is “gracious” considering how under utilized wide receiver Bobby Wade and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe have been. No one has emerged at wide receiver as a deep threat. “The wide receiver down field blocking is exceptional, and a credit to George Stewart (wide receivers coach),” the evaluator said.
Offensive line: C+ Overall, the run blocking has been encouraging, and the source praised center Matt Birk and left guard Steve Hutchinson, said the right side of the line is “a work in progress,” and added that right tackle Ryan Cook at times is in “over his head.”
Defensive line: A- Tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are the “best duo in the NFL,” according to the evaluator. Defensive end “production” has improved significantly from last season because of Ray Edwards, Kenechi Udeze and rookie Brian Robison. “They (the unit) still need to bring more pass rushing production,” the source said.
Linebackers: A- The move of E.J. Henderson to middle linebacker (“explosive tackler”) has been a success, Ben Leber is versatile and effective, and 24-year-old Chad Greenway has “shown flashes of his upside,” the evaluator said. All three can play effectively against the run and pass.
Secondary: C+ The source said “there have been some breakdowns” in the secondary including confusion last Sunday on a touchdown reception by Terrell Owens of Dallas. Inexperience and match up problems have been part of the difficulty. As expected, teams have picked on rookie cornerback Marcus McCAuley and second year corner Cedric Griffin.
Special teams: B Punter Chris Kluwe is averaging 44.2 yards and has “been exceptional.” Long snapper Cullen Loeffler is as good as ever and “never gets enough credit,” the evaluator said. Veteran place kicker Ryan Longwell who won the Chicago game with a last play field goal is “very good.” Blocking by the field goal unit needs to improve, but the return and coverage teams are solid. However, the source is “shocked” that the Vikings aren’t using Mewelde Moore to return punts instead of Wade. Moore had 71 yard touchdown returns in both 2005 and 2006.