Let me just preface this by saying that I am a lifelong Packers fan from Appleton, WI, who now lives in the Twin Cities. Since I’ve lived here I’ve learned that watching the Vikings games and rooting for them to lose is almost as fun as watching the Packers. I’ve been keeping up with the Vikings news probably more than most Vikings fan, just so I can have the insider info on our most hated division rivals.
It’s been very interesting, and somewhat laughable as of late in regards to the Vikings news around here. Once DE Jared Allen was signed, suddenly all the local TV stations and newspapers are reporting that the Vikings could possibly make a super bowl run this year. Wow, really? Apparently they have already forgotten about their mostly dreadful 8-8 season last year, that they still don’t have a decent QB, and a delusional coach that said the Vikings offense “kicks ass” right after getting a hefty bludgeoning by the Pack in ’06.
I must admit I was a little shaken by the Jared Allen signing at first. However, by landing the deal a few days before the draft, it allowed all teams in the NFC North division to react by beefing up their O-lines through the draft, which is exactly what they all did. The Lions and the Bears both picked up OT’s in the first round, and the Packers did the same in later rounds.
By making the Jared Allen trade, the Vikings also paid a pretty hefty price. They gave away their 17th overall first-round pick and two third-rounders, ultimately leaving them with only 5 picks this year. Not to mention they are paying the guy $31-74 million.
In my opinion the Vikings and the state of Minnesota are putting too much stock in one guy. I was worried the Minnesota D-line would be hard to defend when they signed Erasmus James, but look how that panned out. Actually, the Vikings have had a lot of talent on their D-line over the last several years, but they just haven’t been as productive as predicted (not that I mind).
The Jared Allen trade could be another Herschel Walker fiasco (which btw is pretty much a swear word around here) in the works. Here’s hoping.
Go Pack!
Kevin the Viking Spy