Robert Smith

entrance into the NFL in 2000 and, thanks largely to a supporting cast of Cris Carter, Randy Moss, Robert Smith, etc. lead the Vikings to the NFC championship game.  In 2001 Pep was dogged by injuries, leading to the failed Spergon Wynn experiment.  In 2002, Daunte had arguably his worst season as a pro, as he absolutely could not hold on to the ball and set new records for fumbling that will likely never be broken in the history of the NFL.  However, 2002 also marked the first year that the Vikings employed Scott Linehan as offensive coordinator.  After just one rough season under Linehan, the pair clicked in a big way in 2003-2004, when Culpepper was arguably the best QB in the NFC, setting team records (eclipsing even Fran Tarkenton in most categories) at an astounding pace.

Continue reading "Blast(s) From The Past"

  I remember back in the late 1990s, when Dennis Green used to use many screen packages for RB Robert Smith, who thrived with that kind of blocking in front of him.  Mike Tice did the same sort of thing with Michael Bennett and even The Whizzinator (Ontarrio Smith).  However, Childress seems content to just run Peterson into the line on every rushing play, which gets old and predictable after a while (especially two seasons!).  Imagine what Peterson could do with Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson standing in front of him pancaking defenders?!

Continue reading "Fixing The Vikings Offense"