2013 (Minnesota Vikings) Season Review
Record: 5-10 (4th place NFC North)
Playoffs: N/A
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Notable Assistants: Norv Turner (offensive coordinator), George Edwards (defensive coordinator), Kirby Wilson (Running Backs), Mike Preifer (special teams).
Regular Season Overview
This year the Vikings definitely took a step back in their quest to get back to the top of the NFC North and the playoffs. The team finished last in the division at 5-10 in the last season in the Metrodome. The whole season they dealt with injuries and a quarterback merry go round. The teams failures cost the coaching staff their jobs and the franchise was set back at least a year. But when you go through a year like Minnesota did this year you try to look at the positives instead of just focusing on the negatives.
The positive of the positive? The Vikings got some good production out of their young players this year. Rookie corner Xavier Rhodes started six games this season and totaled 41 solo tackles in 13 games. He didn’t get the first interception of his career but he tallied 10 deflections and a forced fumble. The Vikings should also be excited about rookie wide out Cordarrelle Patterson who played in all 16 games this season. His receiving stats don’t look very remarkable but you need to remember that he can contribute more than just receiving yards. He added 158 yards on the ground and 1,393 kick return yards. If these two rookies and their other young players can continue to progress, the Vikings new coaching staff will have some nice young pieces to build with.
Biggest Win
The Vikings biggest win came in Week 15 when they dropped 48 points on the Philadelphia Eagles. 48 points was the most points the Vikings scored all season and to do it against a playoff team and division champion is impressive. What is even more impressive is that they held the high flying eagles to nine points in the first half. Well even more impressive is that they did this without super star Adrian Peterson. Matt Cassel had a good game tossing for 382 yards and two touchdowns. His two main targets were Greg Jennings and Jarius Wright, Jennings had a beastly day going for 11 catches and 163 yards and a touchdown. Wright another promising young talent hauled in four catches good for 95 yards. The Vikings also did an outstanding job playing smart football this game with only three penalties and one turnover.
Toughest Lost
The toughest loss of the season came in Week 16 to the Cincinnati Bengals. A week after a good win against a good team the Vikings got beat into submission by another good team. In the first half the Vikings found themselves down 28 to seven and the story this game was the complete opposite of the Week 15 win. This game they turned the ball over four times three of which were Cassel interceptions. Peterson was back this week but he didn’t do much as he only ran for 45 yards. This game was so tough because they were coming off such an emotional high last week just to get put down the next. If you want to look on the bright side the young receivers Patterson and Wright played ok this week.
Offensive MVP
Adrian Peterson 1,266 Yards, 4.5 Yards Per Carry, 10 Touchdowns
Peterson is the face of the franchise and the best running back in the league. The team around him is mediocre but yet again he was able to have a great year. Especially when you know that every defense came in with the mindset that they need to stop him and only him. For him to still put up these kinds of numbers is amazing.
Defensive MVP
Chad Greenway 134 Total Tackles, 83 Solo, 51 Assists, Three Sacks, Three Interceptions
Greenway was the heart of the Minnesota defense and he lead the team in most of the major categories. Greenway is a good veteran player and even though his numbers are down from last year he is still clearly the leader of this unit.
Most Disappointing Player
Josh Freeman 190 Yards, One Interception, 40.6 Quarterback Rating
When Freeman came to the team mid season he was supposed to help turn this team around and bring stability to the quarterback position. He only played in one game and him and the team played terrible which set the team back further than they were before they acquired him.
Rookies
Cordarrelle Patterson 1,939 Return Yards, 469 Recieving Yards, 158 Rush Yards
Patterson showed the makings of a true offensive weapon this year. He contributed all over the field and got better as the year progressed. He has the potential to be one of the best returners in the game as well as one of the deadliest threats on offense.
Statistical Leaders
QB- Matt Cassel 1,807 Yards, 11 Touchdowns, nine Interceptions
RB- Adrian Peterson 1,266 Yards, 10 Touchdowns
WR- Greg Jennings 68 Receptions, 804 Yards, four Touchdowns
TE- Kyle Rudolph 32 Receptions, 344 Yards, one Touchdowns
Tackles- Chad Greenway 134 Total, 83 Solo, 51 Assist
Sacks- Jared Allen 53 Total, 11.5 Sacks, two Forced Fumbles
Interceptions - Chad Greenway 134 Total Tackles, three Interceptions