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Vikings' season in review
Feb. 12, 2008
Overview: Boiled down, it was a subpar passing game that kept the Vikings out of the postseason. In the ground game, no one was better; the Vikings ranked first in rushing offense behind Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, and they were first defensively vs. the run. But Tarvaris Jackson, two backup QBs and a so-so group of pass catchers were unable to total 200 yards passing in 11 of the 16 games. And on defense, the Vikings were ranked dead last in passing yards allowed. Jackson had his moments in his second season, but he and the passing game must improve to make the offense more balanced.
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Date
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Opponent
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Spread
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Result
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09/09/07
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Atlanta
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-3
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24-3
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09/16/07
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at Detroit
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+3
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17-20 (OT)
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09/23/07
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at Kansas City
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+3
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10-13
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09/30/07
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Green Bay
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+1
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16-23
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BYE WEEK
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10/14/07
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at Chicago
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+4
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34-31
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10/21/07
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at Dallas
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+9½
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14-24
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10/28/07
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Philadelphia
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pk
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16-23
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11/04/07
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San Diego
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+7
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35-17
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11/11/07
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at Green Bay
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+5½
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0-34
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11/18/07
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Oakland
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-4½
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29-22
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11/25/07
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at NY Giants
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+7
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41-17
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12/02/07
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Detroit
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-5½
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42-10
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12/09/07
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at San Francisco
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-8
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27-7
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12/17/07
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Chicago
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-10½
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20-13
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12/23/07
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Washington
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-6
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21-32
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12/30/07
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at Denver
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-3
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19-22 (OT)
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Team MVPs: There are few harder positions to find outstanding players than at defensive tackle, but the Vikings are blessed with two. Kevin Williams and Pat Williams form the best DT tandem in the NFL, dominating against the run despite seeing multiple blockers on every play. With no real threats at defensive end, teams can pinch down on the two Williams, but they made plays every week and seldom let opponents run the ball inside.
Biggest surprise: A close third on the team MVP ballot might be MLB E.J. Henderson, who moved from the weak side to take over for Napoleon Harris and had his best season to date. It’s not a surprise that Henderson played well, but few expected him to be so good. He totaled a team-high and career-best 118 tackles (14 for loss), 4½ sacks and three forced fumbles. Henderson played a better Tampa-2 “Mike” than anyone could have hoped.
Biggest disappointment: TE Visanthe Shiancoe was signed to a five-year, $18.2 million deal that already looks regrettable. He was a nonfactor in the red-zone offense, dropping three passes in the endzone and catching only one TD after being billed as a perfect fit in the Vikings’ West Coast offense. For the season, he caught only 27 passes for 323 yards and was nothing special as a blocker. As of now, the signing ranks as an unwise one, and none of the other tight ends contributed much to the passing game, either.
Offseason outlook: With the coaching staff appearing to remain intact, the focus now turns to improving the team’s personnel, namely upgrading the talent in the passing game and on pass defense. All indications are that owner Zygi Wilf has given the green light for the team to spend more money in free agency, and that could include going after a speed receiver, a right tackle, a cornerback or safety, and a pass rusher. Those positions also could be addressed through the draft, where the team picks 17th. There are likely to be some changes among players on the roster now. Dwight Smith, Erasmus James, Troy Williamson and others might not be back.
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