The last few weeks have been a case study of how varied the roller coaster of emotions can be for Minnesota Vikings followers. After the Vikings lost at home to Philadelphia in late October their record was 2-5. Coach Brad Childress had a career Vikings coaching record of 8-15. Through the last 10 games of 2006 and first seven games this season his record was 4-13. The Vikings appeared to have a quarterback puzzle with no pieces that fit and an offense not capable of producing many more points than their turn-miscues-into-touchdowns defense.
The talk shows and e-mailers suggested that Childress leave town and quarterback Tarvaris Jackson could be on the same airplane. A lot of media joined the rock throwing, suggesting that the Vikings didn’t have a plan to win and there was speculation the season might end at 4-12, or 5-11.
The pit party for the Vikings was too soon. The first lesson to be learned is don’t judge a season until it’s over. The second lesson is to allow a second year coach like Childress to have time to see what he can accomplish before trying to terminate him.
The 6-6 Vikings are an improving group but it will make things a lot saner around here if fans and media understand this is not an elite team. Jackson is playing better but a second year quarterback has a lot of potential for growth. The wide receiver corps (bless them for their downfield blocking) rates with the least talented and effective units in the NFL. The right side of the offensive line is still a project (kudos to guard Anthony Hererra for his improvement) and the secondary can have pass coverage issues, particularly in man-to-man coverage.
Before the season I targeted the Vikings for a 7-9, 8-8 or 9-7 record. With a talented running game, opportunistic defense and four upcoming opponents with a combined record of 18-30, I will luck out on my prediction.
Of course only a playoff spot for the Vikings will satisfy the masses. With the team playing better and so many mediocre NFC teams, it just may happen. As of today in the 16 team NFC there are five teams with 5-7 records and three with 6-6 records. The NFL’s legacy of parity is alive and flourishing.