Vikings lean on Magnificent Seven
By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 9/01/2004


Vikings lean on Magnificent Seven

It's hard to ignore that the Vikings really look good. On paper, that is. 

It's also hard to believe that it's been three long years since the purple last qualified for the playoffs. Unless something strange happens, the playoffs are in the Vikings' future -- like, this season. 
This is year three of the Vikings' master plan to rebuild around the nucleus of superstars Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper. They have done a good job of that; now what you have is the Magnificent Seven, a menu of star players on both sides of the ball that combines youth, talent, and experience: Moss, Culpepper, Matt Birk, Kevin Williams, Corey Chavous, Bryant McKinnie and Michael Bennett.

"We have a lot of weapons," said Culpepper. "This offense is like a car -- all I have to do is drive it. I don't have to change the tires, I don't have to check the oil or change the transmission fluid. All I have to do is run the offense and make good decisions. And with the players we have, big plays are going to happen." 
This core group of seven Vikings is as good as any team in the league. Five of the seven are veterans with Pro Bowl experience. If the Vikings do what they did last year and blow the playoffs again in 2004, it would be a shame.

It also confirms that it takes much more than just talent to win games. Last year, the Vikings were number one in total offense in the NFL and forced a bunch of turnovers on defense. Yet, they still lost seven of their last 10 games. 

Now that George O'Leary, whose defense collapsed down the stretch last season, has gone to Central Florida and been replaced by Ted Cottrell as defensive coordinator, this team appears to be formidable on both sides of the ball.

"We just have to go out and establish our own identity, and that identity is playing fast and aggressive football, and being assignment perfect, and really communicating," said Pro Bowl safety Corey Chavous.
"

Ted Cottrell is a tremendous addition for our entire organization," Chavous said, "and I think some of the things that he brings to the table will help alleviate some of the problems we had last year."
Football Operations Vice President Rob Brzezinski, Scott Studwell and Mike Tice have combined to help put a solid group together that should challenge for the NFC North and the Super Bowl. Cornerback Antoine Winfield, signed in free agency, is a shut down corner, and he would not be here if Cottrell had not taken the job.

Rookie defensive end Kenechi Udeze and veterans Brian Williams and Chris Hovan are all expected to help make this Vikings defense go. Special teams and the kicking game appear to potentially be the Vikings' weak link; last year, the Vikings lost two games directly related to failures in the kicking game.
Last year, the Vikings started fast, 6-0, and faded down the stretch. As a team, they did not handle success very well. Mentally, this team should be stronger after what they experienced last year. 
However, injuries always seem to pop up. Matt Birk is still out, and Bennett and McKinnie were both hurt in the 23-10 win over San Francisco Friday. Bennett's knee injury is the most serious; he will miss the season opener against Dallas. And with backup Onterrio Smith suspended for the first four games, always-dependable Moe Williams will again be counted on heavily. 

Fitz Notes & Quotes
The Vikings will really be tested this week in their final preseason game at Seattle Thursday. If the NFL officials continue to flag defenders for holding after five yards, Randy Moss could become the first 2,000-yard receiver. 
Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has recovered from his ankle sprain and will be ready for the Cardinals' season opener at St. Louis.