NFL AFC West 2005 Minnesota Vikings Published: 2005-08-28
2004 record: 8-8 (Wildcard)
Playoffs:
Won NFC Wildcard at Green Bay Packers, 31-17
Lost NFC Divisional at Philadelphia, 27-14
Offense:
The NFC’s top quarterback Daunte Culpepper amassed 5,123 total pass/rush yards, breaking former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino’s record of 5,077 set 20 years ago. Also placed 4th all-time highest single season QB rating (110.9) and tied 7th all-time single season pass/rush touchdowns(41). #1 in the NFL in passing yards and completion percentage. But that was last year. Culpepper is set to do this type of damage again with wide receiver Nate Burleson assuming the #1 spot for the departed Randy Moss(Oakland Raiders) in a trade that added wide receiver Troy Williamson (South Carolina) with the 7th pick in the draft. Williamson can provide an immediate stretch route and high-ball threat although Marcus Robinson(Culpepper’s largest receiver target) is currently slated ahead of the rookie with the third spot. Culpepper will no longer have to think about the “Randy Ratio”, and will look to have balanced distribution amongst many targets like that of New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady. Robinson’s former teammate Travis Taylor(Baltimore Ravens), a possession receiver limited to 10 games last season(groin), now starts, but the rotation behind Burleson could change up lots. Tight end Jermaine Wiggins (Culpepper’s favorite target last season) and Burleson are set for a monster season. The offensive line lost all-pro center Matt Birk as he has opted for season ending surgery to his hip which won’t help a unit which gives up a lot of sacks. Backup center Cory Withrow will step in for Birk. The running backs are deep with Michael Bennett, Moe Williams, and Mewelde Moore and they may all see touches this year. Last year’s starter, Onterrio Smith has been suspended for the 2005 season for an NFL substance abuse violation but his production shouldn’t be missed.
Defense:
All the Vikings defensive units were addressed and this is the primary reason why the they may have had the best offseason in the NFL and they definitely had the cap room to do it. Nose tackle Pat Williams(Buffalo Bills) and 1st round draft pick defensive end Erasmus James(Wisconsin) joins All-Pro Kevin Williams(tied 1st in the NFL for sacks by a defensive tackle with 11.5) on the Vikings deepest unit. The defensive line on paper looks good. The secondary will now have two new starters with free agent veteran acquisitions of cornerback Fred Smoot(Washington Redskins) and free safety Darren Sharper(Green Bay Packers). Smoot along with Antoine Winfield now form one of the top cornerback tandems in the NFC. The Vikings defense was the NFC’s worst team in pass yards/game. The linebacker unit will also have two new starters in newly acquired Sam Cowart (NY Jets) and Napoleon Harris (Oakland Raiders) to help improve weak tackling issues suffered last season. If the revamped defense can gel, they have the
potential to near 50 sacks and will definitely add to their pathetic interception statistics from last season.
Overall:
The Vikings have a light schedule compared to the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and the Carolina Panthers and this could prove crucial for home field in the playoffs. Prediction: 1st in NFC North.
Date Opponent Time/Result
Aug 12 Kansas City Won 27-16
Aug 19 @N.Y. Jets Lost 21-28
Aug 26 San Diego Won 19-16
Sep 2 @Seattle 9:00pm
2005 Schedule
Date Opponent Time/Result DIRECTV® Channel
Sep 11 Tampa Bay 1:00pm 706
Sep 18 @Cincinnati 1:00pm 710
Sep 25 New Orleans 1:00pm 712
Oct 2 @Atlanta 4:15pm 713
Week 5 BYE
Oct 16 @Chicago 1:00pm 708
Oct 23 Green Bay 1:00pm 710
Oct 30 @Carolina 1:00pm 704
Nov 6 Detroit 1:00pm 710
Nov 13 @N.Y. Giants 1:00pm 706
Nov 21 @Green Bay 9:00pm
Nov 27 Cleveland 1:00pm 710
Dec 4 @Detroit 1:00pm 711
Dec 11 St. Louis 1:00pm 710
Dec 18 Pittsburgh 1:00pm 711
Dec 25 @Baltimore 8:30pm
Jan 1 Chicago 1:00pm 706
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