Hope summers eternal (see what I did there?) for fan bases this time of year. And for several but not all, that hope is justified. Vikings fans mostly are in that group with justifiable hope. For many of us, a deep run in the playoffs would be most satisfying. For some, it’s all about that elusive trophy. As I analyze teams that have had that joyful experience, I am struck with some common themes.
First, if you name any position, I can name a championship team that won without a premier player at that position. QB? Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson were fine, but Canton is not beckoning. You have to go back a way to find a team without an edge rusher, but the Dolphins in that perfect season didn’t have a Deacon Jones or Carl Eller. Also going back, the Steelers of that era had multiple Hall of Famers but remain one of the few Super Bowl Champion teams that did not have a truly outstanding tight end. In fact, thinking of those Steelers teams, most fans would have to look up the name Bennie Cunningham.
Very few teams, even the best of all-time had stars at every position when they won it all. But recent winners, and especially the Patriots dynasty, had some consistencies that fit the common theme theorem. Bill Belichick always had a defense with one stud pass coverage player (almost always a cornerback) on defense. It was one of the few positions he would pay a premium. He also always had one stud edge rusher whether outside linebacker or true defensive end. And those championship defenses had versatile linebackers, as well as defensive tackles who could stuff the run. On offense, aside from Tom Brady were running backs that could catch and block, wide receivers most with decent, but not world class, speed and reliable hands. They could get open and be where Brady expected them to be. Aside from Randy Moss, Brady didn’t have many truly elite wide receivers. On offensive line, the group was told by Brady don’t get beaten inside and don’t get beaten fast. Again, not a lot of household OL names on those teams. The defining factor for those successful Patriot offenses aside from Brady was the tight end position. When Rob Gronkowski went from New England to Tampa, “Hoodie” didn’t waste much time before acquiring Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. The pattern and formula for those championship teams seem pretty clear.
The Vikings have at least 15 (maybe 20) players who under the right circumstances could have Pro Bowl seasons. And 3-5 All-Pro selections would not shock me. The Vikings certainly have the talent to beat any team on its schedule and compete for a ring. We all know the variables that contribute toward wins and losses. Health, turnovers, penalties, red zone efficiency, clutch field goals, big plays in big moments all factor in.
This Viking fan is as optimistic as I have ever been. I’ll be watching training camp and throughout the season as the team marches toward that elusive goal.
— Jeff in Sacramento, California
Star power is entertaining and one of the most alluring qualities of football, but it ultimately is a team sport where multiple aspects must work together to accentuate strengths and minimize weaknesses.
I’d say most teams had a general philosophy they deployed — a certain identity. What is wild to me is that the Patriots in the early Brady years produced the desired results by leaning on defense and ball control, and they also enjoyed tremendous success once they aired it out with Moss for 23 touchdowns in 2007.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell participated in a joint press conference last Tuesday, and Adofo-Mensah explained the offseason efforts have been made with the goal of becoming “the type of team that can show up to a fight not knowing what the fight is going to be and be the last one standing.”