BELOW IS MY PRESEASON ANALYSIS OF THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS THAT WILL APPEAR ON E-SPORTS (www.e-sports.com) TOMORROW

DAVE-TE'S 1999 PRESEASON REPORT

MINNESOTA VIKINGS ANALYSIS

Divisional Report

The Falcons may have pulled the upset of the year when they defeated Minnesota in 1998's NFC Championship Game, but the Vikings were certainly the surprise team for the previous season. Many expected the Vikings to flounder near the .500 mark and for Dennis Green to be given his walking papers after the year. Instead, the Vikes reeled off 15 victories during the regular season, despite injuries to key personnel like QB Brad Johnson and receiver Jake Reed. Masterful moves on draft day during the Green era proved to be the major reasons behind the team's success. Toss in some astute scouting of other "unwanted" veterans (Randall Cunningham, Jimmy Hitchcock) led to a roster loaded with talent. Veteran free agency cost the team five starters and a valuable sub, but the Vikes are confident that the depth of the roster will compensate for those losses. With the Packers, 49ers, Cowboys and other powerhouses feeling the crunch from depth problems, look for Minnesota to be the NFC participant in the Super Bowl.

Team Preview

Never one to adhere to the rule, "practice makes perfect", the Vikes will report to training camp twelve days prior to their preseason opener. Dennis Green feels that offseason camps have aided the team in preparing for the season and over 90% of the roster spent their time in the weight room since the season ended. Reclamation projects are a Dennis Green staple and this year's featured player will be quarterback Jeff George. Most teams in the league would love to have any of the four blue chip passers that wear the color Purple. The ground game took a hit with the loss of devastating blocker, fullback Charles Evans (Ravens), but the team plans on using bigger and quicker players at the position as the H-back becomes more incorporated in the fullback role. The line took a salary cap hit with the trading of Everett Lindsay, but Green feels some youngsters are ready to step in and fill that void.

The defensive line features John Randle, who will be the focus of opposing blocking schemes as the team will toss out several youngsters to fill the void created by the departure of Jerry Ball and Derrick Alexander. This could be a great (and possibly last) opportunity for 1996 first rounder(Duane Clemons) to emerge as the pass rush force the Vikes thought he would be when they drafted him. Moving Ed McDaniel inside allowed   the team to feature quickness throughout the unit. The team's weakness has been the secondary and it took another severe hit when Corey Fuller bolted for the Browns. Look for the Vikes to scour the waiver wires for veteran help there, but they may regret low-balling their offer to former Bengal Ashley Ambrose (Saints).

Perfection seems to be the best way to describe the Vikes' kicking game, with kicker Gary Anderson, punter Mitch Berger and deep snapper Mike Morris all regarded as the best of their craft. David Palmer returns to handle return chores.

Position Report Card

Quarterback...Few teams in the league can boast the depth the Vikings have at this position. They traded away oft-injured and high-priced Brad Johnson, using that pick they received from the Redskins to draft the team's future here-Daunte Culpepper. Culpepper is targeted to take over in 2000, but Randall Cumnningham is more than capable to guide the team to the promised land in 1999. If he gets hurt, Green won't hesitate to go to Jeff George as Cunningham's replacement. European League standout Todd Bouman could stick as the fourth stringer, but quite a few teams are trying to trade for this untapped talent...Grade...A+ (Cunningham, George, Culpepper and Bouman gives the team the best unit in the league).

Receiving Unit...If other teams look at the Vikings' quarterback unit with envy, they simply drool over their receiving corps. With Cris Carter and Randy Moss the best in the game, they are equally complimented by Jake Reed, coming back from back surgery and speedy Matthew Hatchette, who emerged as a clutch receiver in traffic when Reed was hurt last year. Special teamers Robert Tate and Chris Walsh fill out the rest of this formidable unit. Second rounder Jimmy Kleinsasser will see plenty of action, but mostly at H-Back. Andrew Glover continues to start at tight end, but another Dennis Green project is to help unearth the talent that former Seahawk Carlester Crumpler showed in college...Grade...A (like the quarterback unit, the receivers are the best in the league. The grade is a little lower due to the lack of a quality tight end, though).

Backfield...As long as Robert Smith can stay healthy, all will be well with the Vikings' ground game. Leroy Hoard proved to be a great asset as Smith's caddy. David Palmer sees action in third down situations and Moe Williams excels on special teams. Harold Morrow steps in for Charles Evans at fullback, but look for him to share action with H-Backs Kleinsasser and Obafemi Ayanbadejo. Look for free agent Carl McCullough to also get a look...Grade...B (depth is a concern at fullback, but look for Hoard to also see action there).

Offensive Line...The only question upfront is if Randall McDaniel, the best trap blocker in the game, will report or stay away in a contract dispute. McDaniel and David Dixon simply punish defenders on sweeps and perfectly compliment Jeff Cristy, the league's most underrated center. Korey Stringer and Todd Steussie are the smash-mouth tackles Dennis Green loves to get his outside ground game going. Losing Everett Lindsay will hurt the depth, but Green feels tackle Matt Birk is ready to emerge. Corbin Lacina will back up the guard spots while Chris Liwienski is expected to nail down the other reserve job...Grade...A- (depth is a little bit of a concern, but give this unit a B- if McDaniel sits out for an extended period as there is no adequate replacement on the roster).

Defensive Line...While John Randle may be the best tackle in the game, his weak supporting cast allows opponents to constantly double cover him. Look for untested Tony Williams to take some of thsat inside pressure off Randle this year. Williams is quicker than departed Jerry Ball, but the reserve strength will come from Ben Williams, Noel Scarlett and Devin Wyman. That trio had a combined one game of playing time last year. Duane Clemons gets his last chance to nail down an end spot, but he'll face stiff competition from recently signed John Burrough (Falcons). If first rounder Dimitrius Underwood or sleeper sixth rounder Talance Sawyer come through quickly, the team may shift end Stalin Colinet inside to answer the depth problems there. Marvin Harrison returns to generate an outside pass rush...Grade...B- (depth inside is a problem and the pass rush will have to come from several untested players).

Linebacking Unit...This unit promises to be aggressive and extremely quick. Ed McDaniel is the heart of the defense from the inside position, where youngsters Chris Jones and Kivuusama Mays are learning from the master. Dwayne Rudd is about to become All Pro material at weakside linebacker, where he is backed up by steady Peter Bercich. The strongside spot will be contested by Kailee Wong and Corey Miller. Both are coming off serious injuries that wiped out their 1998 seasons...Grade...B+ (McDaniel and Rudd are studs. The team hopes someone emerges on the other side, though).

Secondary...Cornerback is still a concern due to the loss of Corey Fuller. The team could not entice any of the elite free agents to join the team, so Ramos McDonald will take on Antonio Banks for the left corner spot. Capable Jimmy Hitchcock starts on the right side, but look for fourth rounder Kenny Wright to snatch the nickel back job. Strong safety is in great hands with starter Robert Griffith and Torrian Gray. Gray will also caddy for oft-injured Orlando Thomas at free safety...C (the team has to pray McDomnald can step into the lineup or the secondary is in deep trouble).

Specialists...Gary Anderson has made 122 consecutive field goals and extra points, a record that may be impossible to break. Mitch Berger is especially effective punting out of his end of the field and is known for his towering kickoffs. Mike Morris is the best snapper in the game. David Palmer has the speed to break it open regularly as a returner...Grade...A (few teams boast the talent that the Vikes feature on special teams).

New Kids On The Block

Many experts feel that Daunte Culpepper was the best prospect in the draft. Teams shied away from him due to the level of competition he faced, but they also did the same thing with Jerry Rice years ago. Dennis Green, despite citing needs in the secondary, targeted Culpepper as his primary need and was a giddy little school girl when Culpepper slid to the Vikes in the first round. Second rounder Jimmy Kleinsasser will break in at H-back due to his awesome blocking ability. Jay Humphrey has experience at guard and tackle. The loss of Everett Lindsay opens a roster spot for a versatile lineman.

Dimitrius Underwood will either be another stroke of genius by Green or another first round DL blunder (see Derrick Alexander and Duane Clemons). Many coaches feel that sixth rounder Talance Sawyer may be ready to start well before Underwood is. Sawyer may be the biggest steal in the draft. Kenny Wright is a big, physical corner, but a little raw as he played safety in college. Chris Jones has been called an Ed McDaniel clone. Antico Dalton and Noel Scarlett appear to be developmental squad candidates, at best.

Prediction...First in the NFC Central...14-2 record...This team's awesome aerial attack continues to romp over the competition.

There are little worries on offense, outside of the contract problems with Randall McDaniel. The team needs to generate an outside pass rush and hope that Ramos McDonald comes through at cornerback to keep opposing offenses honest.