Drink Discussion: Realistic expectations for the 2010 Minnesota Vikings
Yesterday, Brad Childress talked to a radio station based somewhere in the northern heartland. He played all coy, like a 16 year-old girl. "I don't know if Brett Favre is coming back." (pause) "I wouldn't be surprised either way." That's complete BS and he's hosing us entirely. He knows for certain Brett Favre is coming back, and skipping training camp. You know how Childress became a head coach? He worked as offensive guru for the Philadelphia Eagles. You know who their QB was up until this winter? Donovan McNabb. He was shipped out. You don't think Childress woulda made a play for his boy if he thought he didn't have the ultimate gunslinger coming back to the fold? Ludicrous.
Here's the thing, though: the Vikings' schedule is effin' brutal. Yes, the inclusion of "effin" was a bit much, but in this case it might be valid.
They open with these three: at New Orleans, at home to Miami, and at home to Detroit. Say what you will about the Saints, but they got the ring right now. That's a loss, especially in Big Easy. Miami is a good team; the game being in Minnesota helps, but it could be closer than you think. Let's be nice and give it to Minnesota. Detroit is a win.
We're at 2-1 so far.
Then it gets ugly: at Jets, home for Dallas, at Packers, at Pats. That's a legitimately 0-4 stretch if handled badly. At Jets could be a loss. Seems like it will. Dallas at home is nice, and the Vikings absolutely plastered the Cowboys at home last year in the playoffs, but Dallas is deep this year. I'm gonna say Dallas wins a big road game there. At Packers? Loss. Packers are offensively amazing. They have next to nothing on the offensive line and their secondary is elite, but old... but it's hard to win in Green Bay, even with Jared Allen and company rushing a crappy line. At Pats? I have no idea what to expect from the Pats this year. The Brady contract thing seems awkward, the Logan Mankins contract thing seems awkward, and they seem older than they should be on offense. Belichick is smart, though, and it's hard to win in New England too. That game's on Halloween. It'll be cold up in 'dere.
Let's give 'em one, maybe Pats, and say they're 1-3 in that stretch; that brings us to 3-4 through seven games.
Next four are Arizona at home, at the Bears, Packers at home, and at the Redskins. Arizona at home seems like a W; that team might fold under Leinart. At Bears? I'm gonna give that to the Bears. I think they're the sleeper of the NFC North this year. (More on that down the road.) Packers at home? Win. Redskins in DC? I have no idea about that team -- rookie at LT, McNabb in a new system, three aged tailbacks? Defense is pretty good. Might be a home statement game for Shanahan vs. Favre. Let's say Skins win. I just made the Vikes 2-2 across those four games.
We're at 5-6 right now through 11; the sharks are circling on Brad Childress and Old Man Favre.
Next four are Buffalo, Giants and Bears at home, then Eagles on the road. This stretch could save the Vikes' season if it unfolds according to the above plan. Buffalo is awful; they might go 1-15 this year. That's a W. Giants are eh. Traveling to Minnesota? Vikes win. Bears in the Dome? Vikes win. Eagles in Philly? If the Vikes are rolling nicely, I'll give it to 'em. I think the Eagles might be a 7-9 team this year while Kolb gets footing, etc. I just made Minny 4-0 in this stretch.
We're at 9-6 now, with one game to go -- which is at the Lions. By the end of the 2010 season, the Lions will be getting better -- Stafford, Johnson, Best, Smith, Suh, etc. -- but 9-6 headed to final weekend likely means you need a win to lock up a wild-card, so the Vikings should have enough to do it.
I have 'em finishing at 10-6 and making the playoffs; most people I've seen or talking heads I've vaguely listened to think this could be a 13-3 team. It's hard to underestimate AP, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, seemingly-ageless Brett Favre, and that front four on defense ... but man, this schedule seems tough.
Plan is to be back next week with Texas football (Wednesday) and the New England Patriots (Friday). Keep those barstool discussions rolling.
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