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NFL.com: Minnesota Vikings Among NFL’s Most Talented Teams

By Chris

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It’s no surprise that there’s quite a bit of optimism floating around among Vikings fans. The quarterback position is no longer a question mark, the defense is quietly becoming a dominant force, and Mike Zimmer has the feel of a real NFL head coach.

What is surprising, is to hear the Vikings praised by national media. Recently, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com published his list of the 10 most talented rosters in the NFL. The entire article can be read here at NFL.com.

Here’s what Mr. Brooks had to say about the Vikings:

"“10) Minnesota VikingsBlue chips (5): DE Everson Griffen, RB Adrian Peterson, TE Kyle Rudolph, S Harrison Smith, WRMike Wallace.On the rise: LB Anthony Barr, DT Sharrif Floyd, CB Xavier Rhodes."

"I’m sure the Vikings’ placement on this list will be met with some criticism, but a closer look at the roster reveals a number of big-time playmakers on both sides of the ball. The offense returns one of the top runners in NFL history (Peterson) — and added a lethal deep threat in Wallace. Additionally, the presence of Rudolph as an “MOF” (middle of the field) threat gives Minnesota an impressive collection of offensive firepower. Defensively, Griffen’s emergence as a dominant pass rusher has not only elevated the play of the unit, but it has allowed the team’s underrated ballhawks (like Smith) to feast on hurried throws between the hashes. With young players like Barr, Rhodes and Floyd on the verge of becoming household names, the Vikings suddenly look like emerging contenders in the NFC.”"

Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor during the NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Wembley Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Steelers 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to argue with Brooks, the Vikings are building the kind of defense that makes a team playoff contenders time and time again. According to ESPN.com, the Vikings finished 7th in pass defense and only 25th in run defense in 2014. We will certainly look to see the run defense improve with the additions of Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter solidifying the front 7. If Trae Waynes can be the player he was drafted him to be, the Vikings can have one of the most talented secondary units in the NFC.

This kind of defensive firepower combined with the best running back in the game reminds me of a certain team that’s gone to back to back super bowls. If Bridgewater can maintain above average quarterback play, and Adrian Peterson is on the field, there’s no reason the Minnesota Vikings can’t emulate the kind of success that the Seattle Seahawks have seen the past few years.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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