At the halfway point in the season it becomes necessary to evaluate our new players, both rookies and newly acquired players. The Vikings had a great off-season this year picking up special-teamer Kenny Onatolu, cornerback Karl Paymah and most importantly the great Brett Favre. They are also now enjoying the fruits of an excellent draft this season with first-rounder Percy Harvin, second-rounder Phil Loadholt and third-rounder Asher Allen all in the starting line-up and fourth-rounder Jasper Brinkley is also getting some playing time as backup linebacker.
I will start my performance reviews with free agent pick-up Kenny Onatolu. Onatolu leads the Vikings in special teams tackles this year and is a big reason for the huge improvement in Minnesota's special team's play.
The second player I will focus on is Karl Paymah. He has been put on the spot with the injury to Winfield and has had to split time with rookie Asher Allen as Winfield's replacement, at least temporarily. Paymah has done a mediocre job as corner, but Winfield is still sorely missed.
The last off-season pick-up for Minnesota has been the most publicized, Brett Favre. Favre made the decision, after training camp was over, that he was able to play this season. Many reporters and fans have given him a lot of flack for skipping out on training camp. It has become quite clear, to all nonbelievers out there, that Favre was not in a good position to make a decision during training camp about his future. Favre has posted great numbers this year, averaging 240 yards per game passing. He also has the second highest QB rating in the league, Drew Brees has a rating 0.1 points higher. Favre also has a 68% completion percentage, fourth in the league, and has the distinct honor of having the highest TD-INT ratio of all starting QBs. To see how Farve ranks against all the other QBs click here.
First-round draft pick Percy Harvin, has become a huge threat for the Vikings, both as a receiver and as a kick returner. He averages 13 yards a catch and has three receiving touchdowns. Not amazed yet? Harvin has two kick return touchdowns and leads all consistent kick returners with an average of 31 yards per return. Harvin has also reigned in some fantastic catches in tight situations and it seems that Favre looks to him as his out in a pinch. Here are some of his many highlights including some sick juking.
The Vikings were looking to strengthen their already deep offensive line when they drafted Phil Loadholt in the second round of the draft. Loadholt has been a great big man up front for the Vikings and has helped Peterson stay a consistent threat even when the box is stacked.
The Vikings third round pick Asher Allen, has been forced to bring his game extremely early in his career. He is currently splitting the role of replacement corner with Karl Paymah. Although Paymah is probably the better option right now, Allen definitely has more potential and will probably be Winfield's eventual replacement.
The Vikings are now reaping the benefits of the most beneficial off season since the acquisition of Randy Moss. On the road to the Super Bowl, they seem a worthy contender. More tomorrow on the Lions game.
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