The Vikings had a bye this week, so while 28 other teams suited up today the Vikings were off resting and watching the action from home. Earlier this week, we took stock of the Vikings big stars of the first quarter of their season as well as a few of their scapegoats for their first three losses. Today, we take a much broader look, assigning grades just like I do after every game, only taking all games up to this point into account. After aggregating all the grades from the first four games, here are the results:
Offense: B-
Even though the offense ranks 5th in the NFL in points per game, it also ranks 4th in the NFL in turnovers and has left even more points off the board. The offense never really was successful with Christian Ponder was successful, and it never established consistency until Matt Cassel started in London. The offense has also been held back by conservative play calling, especially at the end of games, as the Vikings are being outscored badly by opponents in the 4th quarter. (9 points in the fourth quarter through four games, compared to 31 fourth quarter points for their opponents)
Quarterbacks: B-
The grade the Vikings' quarterbacks receive is mixed, because of the difference between the two starters the team has used thus far. Christian Ponder showed little progression in his third year in the NFL, showing little poise in the pocket, failing to throw deep routes accurately or on time, and struggling to move the offense consistently. Not to mention, Ponder turned the ball over seven times in three starts this year. Veteran backup Matt Cassel performed much better in his one start for the Vikings, using his wide receivers to stretch the field with quick throws from the pocket. Cassel also avoided turning the ball over (though he needed some help from teammates) and was able to keep the offense moving more regularly.
Running Backs: A-
Adrian Peterson is off to a great start to the season, as he is currently on pace for the best season by a running back following a 2,000 yard season. Even though Adrian got off to a rough start on the year after his first carry went for a touchdown. The offensive line was not giving AP room to run so he became tentative around the line of scrimmage and starting dancing in the backfield, which did not help him gain extra yards. However, when the line finally came together in London, Peterson took off and had his best game of the season. Through four weeks, AP was 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards, so the reigning MVP is still playing like the best running back in the league.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B
The Vikings' receivers have made some nice plays for the team when they've had opportunities, those opportunities have just been few and far between. When Ponder was playing quarterback, the throws were often late or inaccurate, meaning receivers had almost no chance to make a play with the ball. Vikings' receivers actually had no touchdown passes when Ponder was playing. Cassel, however, showed that he is able to use the weapons around him, as Jerome Simpson and Greg Jennings both showed they have great athletic ability with the ball in their hands. The Vikings' tight ends have been almost invisible so far this year, and they don't seem to be a part of the team's offensive game plans. That's downright confusing when you have Kyle Rudolph on your squad, and that's something that needs to be corrected, because wasting talent like Rudolph's makes no sense.
Offensive Line: C+
The Vikings' offensive line was extremely disappointing through the first three games before getting their act together in London. The line allowed ten sacks in the first three games and made life difficult for Adrian Peterson, as they were often getting pushed around at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman. It's possible injuries played a role in the line's early struggles, as John Sullivan suffered a knee injury during the offseason and week one against the Lions, and Phil Loadholt was listed on the injury report until week four. In London, however, the line only gave up one sack and paved the way of AP's best game of the year, the first complete game the line played all season, a performance they need to build on the rest of the season.
Defense: C-
The Vikings' defense has been less than stellar through four weeks. The unit ranks 29th in both points and yards per game, including ranking dead last in the NFL in passing yards per game. Teams are seemingly passing at will against the Vikings, as teams are neglecting the run game when playing the Vikings to attack their secondary. The one bright spot for this unit is the fact that it forces turnovers, as its 12 takeaways was tied for third in the NFL through four games. Unfortunately, those turnovers haven't been enough to prevent scoring, especially late in games, as the two minute drill failed twice for the Vikings as they gave up two game winning drives in weeks two and three.
Defensive Line: B-
Like the offensive line, the defensive line has had its moments but overall more was expected from these guys. The line had trouble pressuring quarterbacks in the first three games, and the Vikings resorted to blitzing their linebackers frequently in week three in order to get a pass rush going. The line came alive against the Steelers, sacking quarterback Ben Roesthlisberger four times, including a sack that sealed the game for the Vikings. The line has been doing a decent job battling the run as well, but for most teams the run game is becoming an afterthought, and the line's primary directive so far this season has been to hunt for quarterbacks.
Linebackers: C
So far, the Vikings' linebacker play has left plenty to be desired, even though it was a position they tried to upgrade in the offseason. The Viking linebackers excel at stopping the run, but with teams looking to throw so often the linebackers have not been playing to their strengths so far this year. Both Chad Greenway and
Erin Henderson have struggled in coverage this year, as teams are finding plenty of yardage in the middle of the field. The linebackers have been able to compensate for their poor coverage skills by being able to generate turnovers, but those turnovers have not scared anybody off from targeting the Vikings' middle zone.
Secondary: C-
The Vikings' secondary is the weakest unit on this team, and is one of the weakest units in the NFL. On the bright side, Harrison Smith has established himself as one of the NFL's premier young safeties, and rookie cornerback Xavier Rhodes looks like he belongs in the NFL (in fact, he may already be the best corner on this roster). Sadly, other members of the secondary have not performed nearly as well. Cornberback Chris Cook has already started missing time due to injuries, something that seems like a yearly tradition with him. Safety Jamarcus Sanford has been atrocious out in coverage, as tight ends have chewed up yardage when he is left to cover them. The worst play though, by far, has come from corner Josh Robinson. Robinson is the most targeted cornerback in the NFL, as teams have thrown his way 38 times. 35 of those passes reached their intended target, for almost 400 yards of offense. The Vikings have one of the worst corners in the NFL in Robinson, and he's a starter on this team.
Special Teams: B-
The Vikings' special teams has some great strengths, but some big weaknesses too. Rookie Cordarrelle Patterson is already the most explosive return man in the NFL, as his average kickoff return yardage is the most in the NFL, and he has already scored a return touchdown. For his high level of play, Patterson won NFC Special Teams player of the month in September, in just his first month in the NFL. Rookie punter Jeff Locke has had his ups and downs, sometimes successfully flipping the field for his team, and sometimes setting up his defense in bad spots on the field. As a holder for Blair Walsh he has been good, though Walsh's only miss so far this season on a field goal attempt seemed to be the result of a bad hold. The special teams coverage for the Vikings has been disappointing, as the Vikings have allowed several good returns on both kickoffs and punts, and when Walsh doesn't kick the ball into the back of the end zone Vikings fans always have to hold their breath.
Coaching: C-
The Vikings have started the season 1-3, and plenty of blame for that has to be put on the coaching staff. The Vikings have made several questionable decisions this year, most notably in the personnel they have allowed on the field. Rookies Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson have been eased into roles, even though their noticeable talent should dictate they should see the field more often. Other players, like Kyle Rudolph, have not seen the field enough and the coaching staff seems to be putting their talent to waste. The decision making near the end of games has been the Achilles's heel for this team, as the offense has stalled and the defense has given up points (see stat in offense section about 4th quarter scoring). The coaches conservative style of play has put this team in some bad spots, as a decision to not go for a touchdown near the end of week two cost the Vikings the game. Coaching decisions have held this team back so far this year, and that's not good for a staff in a prove-it year to ownership.
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