Viking Improvement

Charles Robinson excerpts an email from a reader and replies:

I have suffered with the Minnesota Vikings since the 1970s. This is a franchise that is still going nowhere. Not only is Mike Tice a meathead of a coach, but a dishonest one at that.
Brian McLane
New York, N.Y.

The scalping issues aside, the Vikings have actually made some strides toward improving themselves this offseason. Depending on the results of the draft, this could be a greatly improved team – even without Randy Moss.

Ya think? Let's see. Defense. Last year's pathetic secondary now features two outstanding corners and a very good safety in Darren Sharper, so that unit should be one of the best in the league next year. Linebackers? Picked up two, including Sam Cowart, a well regarded player formerly with the Jets. Defensive line? They've added another well regarded player in Pat Williams (left tackle, the second best free agent at the position, according to Scout.com) to go with Kevin Williams (left end). They have the makings of one of the top defenses in the NFC next year. (I do think they should have gone for a linebacker in free agency as well. They certainly have the cap space, and the Ravens' Edgerton Hartwell and the Steelers' Kendrell Bell were out there for a while. But they still did well.)

Offense, you say? Nate Burleson had better stats, in nearly all categories, last year than Randy Moss. He had more catches, yards, more yards per game, more first downs, and fewer fumbles than Moss. In terms of catches, Moss was third on the team. (Admittedly, he missed three games due to injury.) Moss' one statistical victory was in touchdowns, certainly the most important. But there's little reason to believe Burleson can't step up a bit in that category. Besides, having done so well in free agency filling holes on the defense, the Vikings are now free to address wide receiver with that 7th pick they picked up for Moss.

Basically, the Vikings have no excuse (other than they are the Vikings) for not being a primary Super Bowl contender next year.

Believe it or not, I'm a Packer fan! Hence, the pain with which I write this.