2009 Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings, the 2009 season will be remembered for one reason: It was the year when Brett Favre came to Green Bay Packers rival. Favre made a name for himself in Green Bay, winning a Super Bowl, and taking the Packers to a second Super Bowl, during a career of Hall of Fame. He left the Packers after the 2007 season amid acrimony. The Hall of Fame, the Packers had the National Conference finals in his final season in Green Bay, but lost to the Giants in overtime. He waffled between retirement and back before ending the New York Jets for one season. He could not make the playoffs with the Jets before retiring, but decided to return to the Vikings. This decision almost ruined his standing in the eyes of Packer fans, as there is no greater sin in Wisconsin that leave the Packers for the Vikings. To make matters worse, Favre won both games against Green Bay this season, leading the Vikings to the top of the Super Bowl and an NFC North championship. Green Bay had to settle for a wild card berth in playoffs, and lost an overtime game in Arizona as a result.
The Vikings are only one game away from the Super Bowl, for more reasons than Favre, however. Wide receiver Percy Harvin has emerged as a player and a game changer in his only NFL season. The rookie from Florida is an explosive receiver who can break big plays and score anytime he touches the ball. That's why recently was named the offensive rookie of the year. Receiver Sydney Rice is also an objective of great young to drive Favre. Rice had three touchdowns in the divisional game victory over Dallas, so Favre is clearly the many options that you trust. Running back Adrian Peterson is also a stud. He already owns the NFL single game rushing yards record. It's a bruise back with breakaway speed who can dominate games.
On defense, the Vikings have a lot of pressure to the pin which dominates the games. Jared Allen is a terror at defensive end Ray Edwards, while they may go unnoticed only to the major parties. Edwards, a product of fourth year at Purdue, had the best game of his career against Dallas with five tackles, three sacks and a key fumble in the first quarter. If teams have to focus on Edwards, Allen makes only more dangerous when in the end.
It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do against a great offense like New Orleans in the championship game of the NFC. Minnesota is trying to return to the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 30 years, and have a dubious 0-4 record in the event. If Favre can lead to not only play, but to a championship in 40 years will only strengthen their record breaking, Hall of Fame legacy.