Minnesota finished last in the NFC North division last season with a 3-13 record. The Vikings’ biggest offensive struggle came from under center. I

n his rookie season, Christian Ponder played in 11 games, throwing for 1,853 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In his 11 starts, Ponder only led the Vikings to two victories over Carolina and Washington. Ponders’ favorite target was wideout, Percy Harvin. Harvin caught 87 passes for 967 yards and 6 touchdowns. Overall, the Vikings were ranked 28th in passing yards. Vikings are hoping Ponder has shaken off his rookie jitters and will improve this upcoming season.

On the contrary, Minnesota’s run game was one of the best in the NFL. The Vikings were ranked 4th in the NFL with 2,318 rushing yards. A large part of this success is from star running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson played in 12 games, rushing for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns. His season was cut short after suffering a gruesome knee injury last December. Peterson is recovering extremely well and should be ready to go week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If Peterson does not play, Toby Gerhart will get the start. Gerhart played in all 16 of the Vikings’ games last season rushing for 531 yards and 1 touchdown.

As for Minnesota’s defense, they were also towards the bottom of the NFL, ranked 21st in total yards given up and 21st for yards per game. Linebacker, Chad Greenway had a team leading 154 tackles, 3rd in the NFL. As for the “sack-star,” Jared Allen, he had another impressive season finishing atop the NFL with 22.0 sacks.

The Vikings start off the season with two favorable match-ups against Jacksonville and Indianapolis, which could help kick them off to a 2-0 start. However, their division may be the toughest in the NFL this upcoming season and they have little hope of making any noise.

Image Courtesy of  Minnesota Vikings

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About the author

Giuseppe DAloisio
My name is Giuseppe D'Aloisio. I am a junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. My major is mass communication with a concentration in journalism. I show a great enthusiasm and passion for sports. I am reporting from Eastchester, NY.

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