0-2... Time to panic?

With expectations running high in Minnesota, an 0-2 start is not what Vikes fans had in mind. After an understandable loss to the defending champs, Favre looked like the all-time leading interception thrower in a disappointing loss to Miami. Now the Vikings sit at 0-2 with several questions surrounding the team.

The question and concern most people have is the health and commitment level of number 4. He hasn’t looked sharp in either of the two games, throwing a combined 4 picks. He has already thrown more picks in the Metrodome than he did all of last year. Is this cause for concern? I say no. Yes, Favre is a little rusty. But his heart is in the right place. The effort will always be there for Favre as long as he puts on an NFL jersey. His surgically repaired ankle doesn’t seem to be much of a problem either.

The true problem is the lack of a number one receiver. The chemistry Favre and Sid Rice showed last year was unmistakable. The loss of Rice has hurt this team severely in clutch situations where we need a big play. Late in the New Orleans game, Brett needed his go-to WR and didn’t have him. Same story against Miami. The reality is that Percy is not at full health. His migraines may be behind him but his hip seems to be more of an issue than I thought. He is going to have an MRI on it and we will know more then. He is explosive when healthy, but probably not even then a number one WR. Shiancoe is a stud TE. But again, not a number one receiver. Berrian has been a disappointment. Camarillo is an average slot man. Greg Lewis? Still trying to repeat his magical game wining catch from last year. The prospect of trading for Vincent Jackson seems promising if we can sign him to a one year deal. He still has to sit out the first 4 games of the season, but it would help for those next 2-4 before Rice gets back.

On a positive note, AP has been a beast. He is third in the league with 232 rushing yards at 4.9 yards per attempt. In the Miami game he was running with the power, cuts, and speed we are used to seeing. Even more exciting, no fumbles. He has also been more of a threat in the passing game (2nd on the team with 8 receptions) with Favre still trying to find a connection with his receivers. The defense has also been good except for a few let downs in the secondary. We have given up 14 points in both games, which is usually good enough to win. The D does need to get more sacks and turnovers.

With the Packers and Bears both at 2-0 the Vikings are in an early hole. If Adrian can carry the load and the defense can stand strong for a few games while the receiving corps gets healthy and Favre finds his rhythm, things won’t look so grim in Minny.