2006 Minnesota Vikings (FOF2k7)
2006 - 2007 Minnesota Vikings
Introduction:
To those that are new to Front Office Football, I'd just like to take a moment to explain the ratings system and the X-Factor (two important things to understand about FOF2k7), as it is a little bit different than standard sports titles.
1. Ratings System - The rating system is a little different than standard sports games, and players should be judged like so:
84-100 (Excellent) These players are the elite and hard to come by. The best player in the league is currently rated 93.
67-83 (Very Good) Top flight players in the NFL.
50-66 (Good) "Good" offers a wide range of talent. Think Fred Taylor (who is [52/52] in the game) type players.
33-50 (Average) Ranges from quality backups to productive starters.
16-32 (Fair) Serviceable backup.
0-15 (Poor) Yikes.
Note: I will often present a player's ratings as (for example) [32/56]. 32 is my scout's current evaluation of his talent, while 56 is my scout's evaluation of the player's potential. These ratings are also not set in stone. Players also posses a Volatility (Boom or Bust) rating, which indicates how likely their ratings are to be subjected to change.
2. X-Factor: Every roster file has general indicated ratings for players. When the X-Factor is turned on, there is a slight deviation from the exact ratings of the players in the roster file, offering a more random experience. The results are not completely random (ie the league isn't completely turned upside down), as players who are highly regarded still remain (for the most part) very talented.
**In this dynasty I took control of the Minnesota Vikings in 2003 and simmed (to 2006) using real draft classes. I have not touched anything in this dynasty, and I simmed 3 season to give the league a little bit of history and to mix things up a little. I would love to hear any feedback (so that I know if anyone is following) as comments are very welcome!**
Game Settings:
* X-Factor On.
* Personality profiles and team chemistry activated.
* Using Nilodor's draft/roster files.
* Injuries set at 100.
I will be providing updates every four game weeks. I feel that updating every four weeks rather than after every game or so will give more of an overview on the current season, rather than going into too much detail on one isolated game. Depending on if I make the playoffs or not, the update following the end of the regular season will probably be regarding offseason plans. The updates will come in the following order:
1. Start of Preseason (Current Update)
2. End of Preseason
3. End of Week 4
4. End of Week 8
5. End of Week 12
6. End of Regular Season
Start of Preseason Update will include:
2003-2006 League Summary
2003-2006 Minnesota Vikings Summary
2006 Preseason Roster/Expectations
2006 Staff Evaluation
2006 Season Goals
2006 General Team Information
Additional Team News
2003 - 2006 League Evaluation:The three year evaluation tracks regular season W-L record, Division Titles, Playoff Births, Super Bowl Appearances and Super Bowl Titles. There is also a brief summary of each team going into the upcoming season. I decided to do a league summary in order to give me a better feel of where the league is going, and felt it would make it easier for anyone that chooses to follow this to see the state of the league and give the league a more personal feel.
1. Baltimore Ravens (32-16), 2 Division Titles, 2 playoff appearances, 1 Super Bowl Championship.Defending Super Bowl Champions. The Ravens are led by their defense and the steady play of Ray Lucas (92.9 Passer Rating). As long as the offense doesn't lose the game, the Ravens always stand a chance. One of the younger teams in the league and should be competative for years to come.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (26-22), 1 Division Title, 1 playoff appearance.Had a very slow start to 2005, beginning the season 2-6. Caught fire after the Week 9 bye and finished the season 7-1. The potential of Carson Palmer [52/94] and arguably the league's best receiver in Chad Johnson [89/89] make the Bengals a dangerous team entering 2006.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (22-26).The Steeler defense is a highly talented unit. Led by All-Pro defenders SLB Jerry Porter [71/71] and Troy Polamalu [86/86], the defense can compete with anyone in the league. The achilles heal of the team is the offense, which averaged only 15.4 ppg (30th in the league). The Steelers drafted rookie RB Terrence Whitehead and have handed the reins of the offense over to second year QB Charlie Frye. If the Steelers plan on breaking into the playoffs, the offense needs to step up.
4. Cleveland Browns (18-30).The Browns have shown encouraging signs each of the past three years, improving on their win total (4, 6, 8) every season. On the offensive side of the ball, the Browns will be leaning heavily on rookie RB Chris Taylor [44/58] and two time All-Pro (03, 04) Randy Moss [76/76]. DB Chris Gamble [70/73] and WLB Demarcus Ware [64/65] anchor a young defensive unit looking to improve. If the Browns stay on course, they could find themselves right in the middle of the playoff hunt.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts (32-16), 2 Division Titles, 3 playoff appearances, 1 Super Bowl appearance.The Colts seemingly had the perfect set of ingredients to make a second straight run for the AFC Title in 2005, but that dream was cut short when 2005 NFL MVP QB Peyton Manning was injured in a Divisional Round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to Manning's injury the Colts flexed their offensive muscle in 2005, averaging 27.8 ppg (1st in the league). Manning's injury was not the only major loss the Colts faced in 2005. Talented WR Reggie Wayne has been oft-injured for the past two years, and it looks like has has lost a step or two. This team has the talent to make a title run, but the window is closing.
2. Tennessee Titans (32-16), 1 Division Title, 3 playoff appearances.The Titans live and die on the shoulders of Iron Man (and two time league MVP) Steve McNair. Air McNair has carried the Titans to three straight playoff appearances, and they still remain among the league's elite. McNair is coming off of a serious knee injury acquired in an opening round playoff loss in Miami. The offensive line needs to be better (48 sacks allowed, 5th worst) to keep McNair healthy and their quest for a Super Bowl alive.
3. Houston Texans (20-28).There's no reason for optimism in Houston. While WR Andre Johnson [93/93] shines in the Lone Star State, the rest of the team remains dull. After three lackluster season from David Carr, the Texans are turning to second year, 1st round pick Aaron Roger [10/59]. Johnson should be able to help Rogers if the offensive line can give Rogers any time at all.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (19-29).The Jaguars posses a reliable defense and an efficient offense. On offense, the Jaguars focus on feeding the ball to RB Willie Parker [66/71] and limiting mistakes with David Gerrard and the passing game. WR Mark Bradley [36/61] is going into his first season starting, and should help stretch the field and keep defenses honest. If the Jaguars are able to win some close games, they could be looking at a Wild Card birth.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots (27-21), 1 playoff appearance.The Patriots began 2005 with a record of 8-2, but a lackluster performance down the stretch (2-4) knocked them out of the playoffs for a second straight year. The offense, led by all-everything Tom Brady (4,450 passing yards in 05), finished with a ranking of 1st in passing yardage and 7th in rushing yards last year, and also scored the 3rd most points in the league. The addition of rookie TE Vernon Davis [46/70] provides another option to an already lethal offense. They were a middle of the pack defense last year, but don't necessarily need to improve very much. As long as the defense can provide a few timely turnovers, the Patriots should return to the playoffs.
2. New York Jets (27-21), 1 Division Title, 2 playoff appearances, 1 Super Bowl appearance.Over the past 3 seasons the Jets win total has dropped every year (12, 10, 5). Though this trend is a downward trend, the Jets were in most games during the 2005 season. They lost 5 games by 6 points or less. The defense is average with a very weak LB core. Sean Ellis [85/85] is the focal point of the aging defensive unit. On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets must look to get the ball to big play WR Santana Moss. Moss and RB Lamont Jordan must be a large part of the offense if the Jets intend on returning to the playoff race.
3. Buffalo Bills (26-22), 1 Division Title, 1 playoff appearance.In 2005 the Bills began the year 1-6, but they were able to fight their way back to finish 7-9 on the season. The offensive and defensive units are both equally as strong on this veteran squad. The Bills (the oldest team in the league) will be able to make one last playoff push if they can give vetern Drew Bledsoe time in the pocket. Efficient play of Bledsoe, coupled with hard running by RB Willis McGahee (17 TDs in 04) will be the make or break of the 2006 Bills.
4. Miami Dolphins (24-24), 1 playoff appearance.The 2005 AFC East Champs are back, but repeating won't be easy. The offense is the clear stregnth of Miami. The receiving core is lead by the dynamic duo of Larry Fitzgerald [63/72] and Chris Chambers (8 TDs in 05). TE Randy McMichael [67/67] is also a valuable weapon for QB Ben Roethlisberger to use. On the ground, Ricky Williams [66/66] viable source of production. As long as the D can hold opponents around 20, the Dolphins have a legitimate shot of at least winning the AFC East crown.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (26-22), 1 playoff appearance.The Broncos were lead by their defense in 2005, which gave up a league leading 14.4 ppg. Though the defense is stingy, it is aging and doesn't have many years left. On offense, RBs Clinton Portis and Julius Jones shoulder the load. In 2005 they combined for 1,992 yards and 13 TDs. Ball control and limiting Jake Plummer's mistakes will be the key to success.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (25-23), 2 Division Titles, 2 playoff appearances.QB Tony Banks was the story of the 2005 AFC West Champs. Banks came out of nowhere, starting 10 games for the Steelers and posting a 73.1 QB rating in 2004, and then starting 16 games for KC in 2005 while putting up a 95.7 QB rating. Banks was helped by RB Larry Johnson (league leading 424 carries) posting a 1,700 yard season. Improved play from the defense and the health of Larry Johnson are most important to a second straight AFC West Title.
3. San Diego Chargers (21-27), 1 Division Title, 1 playoff appearance.The Chargers only managed 16.3 ppg in 2005, and this was mainly due to Drew Brees' inconsistancy. If Brees is able to throw the ball more effectively and open up running lanes for RB LaDainian Tomlinson [86/86], San Diego will be extremely difficult to stop.
4. Oakland Raiders (19-29).The Raiders lost the final 9 games of the 2005 season, and this was due to an painfully stagnant offense. Oakland has to hope that rookie QB Omar Jacobs [34/67] (2nd pick ovr) can jumpstart the offense. The defense is a respectable unit, with a pair of cover corners, Charles Woodson [68/68] and Nnamdi Asomugha [67/67], that rival any in the league.
** 1. Minnesota Vikings (26-22), 2 Division Titles, 3 playoff appearances.Evaluation below.
2. Green Bay Packers (25-23), 1 Division Title, 1 playoff appearance.The 2005 NFC North Champions were kept in games because of their defense (15.6 ppg). Age is a concern with this team, and the window of opportunity may be shut. If Ahman Green and Brett Favre have enough left in the tank, the Packers are a dangerous team.
3. Detroit Lions (22-26).An average but young defense will need to step up in 2005 if the Lions plan on making the playoffs. Rookies Kellen Clemens (QB) and Maurice Jones Drew (RB) are both starting, and will need time to adjust. The faster these guys adjust to the NFL, the better the chances for the Lions.
4. Chicago Bears (9-39).After three straight miserable seasons, things are starting to look up for Chicago. On the offensive side of the ball, QB Rex Grossman [62/76] will look to generate most of the offense. He'll be aided by 2nd year RB Frank Gore [47/65] and a pair of rookie receivers who are very promising. On defense, LBs Lance Briggs [55/74] and Brian Urlacher [73/73] will lead the front seven. SS Mike Brown (7 ints in 05) and LCB Bryant McFadden [51/70] will keep offenses honest. For the first time in years, Chicago has something to look forward to.
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28-20), 2 Division Titles, 2 playoff appearances, 1 Super Bowl Championship15-1 to 2-14 in a matter of three years is unheard of, but the Bucs were able to pull it off. The Bucs used their first pick in the draft to select RB Laurence Maroney [60/67] in hopes that he will bolster the offense and take some pressure off of second year QB J.P. Losman. The OL is a unit that can get the job done to both provide running lanes for Maroney and time for Losman to throw. The defense is still good, but is aging. Rebuilding on the defensive side of the ball is needed.
2. Atlanta Falcons (25-23), 1 Division Title, 2 playoff appearances.The Falcons are a relatively weak team on both sides of the ball, with a couple of stars on each side. The offensive line is a good group aside from a glaring weakness at LT. TE Alge Crumpler [79/79] and rookie WR Santonio Holmes [38/76] will enable some big plays. SS Bryan Scott [69/73] and WLB Teddy Lehman [68/68] are the young stars on an older group.
3. Carolina Panthers (25-23), 1 playoff appearance.The Panthers have battled around .500 for the past three years, and that's because of their tough defense (1st in takeaways in 05). To help the defense, the Panthers selected RB Leon Washington [54/68] to control the clock and let the defense rest. As long as QB Matt Cassel can put up some decent numbers, the Panthers should be in the playoff race.
4. New Orleans Saints (18-30).The Saints were 8-8 last year, and look to take the next step into the playoffs in 2005. Running backs Deuce McAllister [54/54] and rookie Mike Ihmo [36/59] will provide a dynamic aspect to the offense. This running game combined with Kellen Winslow Jr. in the pass game should make for at least an efficient offense.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles (32-16), 3 Division Titles, 3 playoff appearances, 2 Super Bowl appearances, 1 Super Bowl Championship.The 2005 Eagles had their worst regular season to date (9-7) but were able to make a run all the way to the Super Bowl. The defending NFC Champion returns all of the important playmakers of 2005, and there is no reason to think that the Eagles, led by McNabb, can't stay on top for a couple more years.
2. New York Giants (21-27), 1 playoff appearance.The Giants are an all around average team. Solid offensive line play will always give them a chance to execute. Running back Tiki Barber [50/50] is still running strong (1,300 yards in 2005), but QB Kerry Collins needs to improve upon a QB rating of 65.6 if the Giants have any postseason dreams.
3. Dallas Cowboys (20-28).The biggest move for the Cowboys in the offseason was the drafting of fan favorite Texas QB Vince Young. Young has a strong back behind him in Steven Jackson [60/68] and a deep receiving core. The defense is mixed with some young talent and some aging players, and is all around respectable.
4. Washington Redskins (18-30).The Redskins have a talented defense, but it is beginning to wear down. Offensively they have a strong OL that should be able to protect 2nd year QB Alex Smith [36/58]. Big play receiver Lavernaues Coles should see a lot of balls thrown his way as Smith leans on him as he gets a better feel for the NFL.
NFC WEST
1. Seattle Seahawks (34-14), 2 Division Titles, 3 playoff appearances.Offensively the Seahawks are one of the most potent teams in the league. The Seahawks rely heavily on the running of 1,500 yard RB Shaun Alexander [72/72] and arm of Matt Hasselbeck [71/71]. Behind the blocking of Steve Hutchinson and Walter Jones Shaun Alexander looks to put up another great year, and lead the Seahawks closer to the Super Bowl.
2. St. Louis Rams (28-20) 1 Division Title, 2 playoff appearances.The Rams will be making another run at the NFC West crown, relying heavily on QB Kurt Warner. Warner's ability to create big plays with WRs Torry Holt (14 TDs in 05) and Shaun McDonald [64/64] is going to carry the Rams.
3. Arizona Cardinals (21-27).The Cardinals, who finished 2005 with a record of 7-9, have gotten a little younger. They are going with rookie QB Drew Olson [12/50] out of UCLA, and offensively this team doesn't have many weapons. They are starting another rookie, WR Chad Jackson [35/53], opposite of All-Pro receiver Anquan Boldin [71/71]. This season is going to be more about seeing what the Cardinals have rather than winning and losses.
4. San Francisco (20-28).The 49ers are one of the older teams in the league, and have about average talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively they are led bytwo of their youngest stars, QB Phillip Rivers [40/61] and rookie RB Andre Hall [53/63] out of South Florida. The 49ers will be battling to make it to .500.
2003-2006 Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have made the playoffs each of the last three years, but it's more because of a weak NFC North than a strong Vikings team.
2003, 7-9 Division Champs, Wild Card L 17-44 vs. Seattle Seahawks
2004, 9-7 Division Champs, Wild Card W 27-24 vs. Atlanta Falcon, Divisional L 10-27 @ Philadelphia Eagles
2005, 10-6 Wild Card Birth, Wild Card W 34-13 @ Atlanta Falcons, Divisional W 10-6 @ Seattle Seahawks, Conference Champ. L 6-27 @ Philadelphia Eagles.
Though the Vikings have made the playoffs the last three years, I don't know if I consider this encouraging. Clearly for at least two of the three years we were mediocre, and only made it because of a weak division. Over the past three seasons I have noticed two glaring negatives in my eyes.
* Dante Culpepper failed to live up to expectations. He was around [32/32] when I first began and was never able to beat out Ferotte for playing time.
* After 2004 the AI chose to let Randy Moss go, which made me a little disappointed. He was coming off a 127 catch, 14 TD season, so I'm sure he was demanding quite a bit of money.
Some of the positives that I have found:
* Fan support in general and support for a new stadium is quite high.
* The AI has provided me with plenty of cap room to work with and has also given me the youngest team in the league.
2006 Roster Preview
Minnesota Vikings Offense
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Batch, Charlie 11 QB 9 33 33 Marsh, Kenneth 10 QB QB 4 13 45 Smith, Alex 18 QB 4 10 42 Hawkins, Ben 1 QB 1 13 46
Position Grade: D+
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Bennett, Michael 33 RB 6 39 39 Toefield, LaBrandon 40 RB RB 4 34 45 Williams, Moe 43 RB 11 21 21 Echemandu, Adimchinobe 25 RB 3 34 43 Tapeh, Thomas 38 FB FB 3 33 34 Cruz, Ronnie 26 FB 2 13 30
Position Grade: C-
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Kleinsasser, Jim 89 TE 8 51 51 Benn, Bennie 85 TE 4 23 41 Miller, Heath 88 TE TE 2 62 69
Position Grade: B
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Davis, Nick 82 FL 5 38 38 Newhouse, Reggie 83 FL 3 21 37 Edwards, Braylon 86 FL FL 2 61 62 Ford, Carl 84 FL 2 18 36 Burleson, Nate 80 SE SE 4 59 59 Becker, Steven 81 SE 1 15 51
Position Grade: B
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Birk, Matt 51 C 9 37 37 Withrow, Corey 54 C 7 41 41 Mangold, Nick 57 C C 1 27 66 Smiley, Justin 67 LG LG 3 47 47 Liwienski, Chris 70 RG 9 20 20 Setterstrom, Mark 63 RG 1 18 54 Stevenson, Dan 73 RG RG 1 27 37 McKinnie, Bryant 78 LT LT 5 64 64 Snyder, Adam 69 LT 2 34 41 Krug, Otis 76 LT 1 8 53 Lozano, Craig 61 RT RT 1 18 57
Position Grade: D+
Offensively it looks like we'll be running primarily to the left side of the line, behind LT Bryant McKinnie (71 run blk) and LG Justin Smiley (52 run blk). Toefield and Bennett are quick and elusive, but aren't necessarily the most talented backs in the league. Pass blocking from the line as a whole isn't very strong, and is especially weak on the right side. Because of this (and the inexperience at the QB position) targeting short/intermediate passes looks to be the goal of the passing offense. Talented WRs and TEs should help out Kenneth Marsh this season. Limiting mistakes and generating a ground game will be the main focus on offense in 2006.
Total Offensive Grade: C-
Minnesota Vikings Defense
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Idonije, Israel 71 LDE 3 31 48 Haralson, Parys 90 LDE LDE 1 26 58 Wimbley, Kamerion 94 LDE 1 25 48 Hali, Tamba 75 RDE RDE 1 29 61 Hawkins, Brent 74 RDE 1 21 47 Williams, Kevin 99 LDT LDT 4 59 70 Drame, Kader 91 LDT 1 16 50 Pynter, William 98 RDT 4 21 41 Tornberg, Cris 97 RDT RDT 4 29 51 Burns, Calvin 79 RDT 1 17 47
Position Grade: C
Code:
Player # Pos Start Exp Current Estimate Future Estimate Hayes, Gerald 50 MLB MLB 4 28 55 Henderson, E.J. 96 MLB 4 38 39 Ulmer, Artie 59 MLB 10 28 28 Barton, Eric 93 SLB 8 40 40 Pope, Derrick 58 SLB 3 30 43 Williams, Jamar 55 SLB SLB 1 41 66 Gooch, Jeff 52 WLB WLB 11 38 38 Grootegoed, Matt 53 WLB 2 18 40 Woodley, Jackie 56 WLB 1 12 52
Position Grade: D
Code:
O'Neal, Deltha 20 LCB 7 39 39 Wansley, Tim 37 LCB 5 25 40 Hall, DeAngelo 44 LCB LCB 3 57 67 Williams, Brian 34 RCB RCB 5 38 47 Lynn, Matt 31 RCB 1 21 45 Chavous, Corey 36 SS SS 9 63 63 Offord, Willie 35 SS 5 32 49 Ohalete, Ifeanyi 29 FS 6 41 41 Shaw, Brad 41 FS FS 4 61 61 Shields, Walter 32 FS 1 21 52
Position Grade: B+
The defense will struggle this year simply because of the lack of experience. Generating a pass rush will be difficult this year, as the front seven just simply doesn't have enough technique to rush the passer. The run defense should be mediocre, if not a little bit better. All I'm hoping to see out of the D in 2006 is growth. The players are young and need time to gel.
Total Defensive Grade: C
2006 Minnestoa Vikings Staff Evaluation
Levon Reese, Head Coach
* Notable: (29-25) last 3 years with Vikings
* Contract: $4,500,000/2 years
* Age: 67
Reese is a solid head coach who has led the Vikings to three straight playoff births. We'll see what he's able to do with a team that has marginal talent.
Carl Davidson, Offensive Coordinator
* Notable: 21.5 ppg over last 3 years
* Contract: $2,330,000/1 year
* Age: 41
Davidson will be judged by the development of the offensive players this year. Davidson's job is riding on the performance of QB Kenneth Marsh and the O-Line as a whole.
Kendall Gammon, Defensive Coordinator
* Notable: First year as a DC. Young and enthusiastic, should bring a spark to the defensive side of the ball.
* Contract: $1,510,000/2 years
* Age: 38
Developing the D-Line and LB core is key the Viking success in 2006, and Gammon looks like a promising coach.
Malcom Bendjya, Lead Scout
* Contract: $300,000/1 year
* Age: 50
Bendjya is a solid scout, but his inability to judge QB talent has left the Vikings in a very tough spot going into 2005. If there are better options available next year, Bendjya could be entering his last year with the Vikings.
2006 Minnesota Vikings Season Goals
Entering 2006, it is evident that this is a much different team than the one that reached the 2005 NFC Championship Game. As the youngest team in the league, it will be important that we gain game experience and grow collectively as a team. Specific goals will include.
* Win at least 6 game.
* Average at least 18 ppg.
* Allow under 20 ppg.
* Obtain a record of at least 3-3 in the NFC North.
* End the season with a positive turnover margin.
Though the bar is not set very high, it will be very important to reach every one of these goals.
2006 Minnesota Vikings General Team Information
Attendance: 63,200 (98.7%), 3rd in the league.
Franchise Value:
* $621,470,000, 19th in the league.
* Stadium (57) Good, 7th in the league.
* Roster (3) Poor, 32nd in the league.
* Fan Support (93) Excellent, 7th in the league.
* Economy (41) Average, 24th in the league.
2006 Season Tickets: Sold 62,700 of 64,000.
Cap Room: $64,140,000, 1st in the league.
Salary Cap: $123,800,000
2006 Minnesota Vikings Team News
As of now there isn't much team news, but this will soon be filled once the season begins.
Injuries: N/A
Misc: N/A
FA Signings: N/A
Trades: N/A
Rumor Mill:
* The Buffalo Bills have contacted the Minnesota Vikings about the availability of CB DeAngelo Hall. Buffalo officially offered a 2nd round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. The offer was declined. * The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly looked into acquiring St. Louis Rams backup QB Marc Bulger. Developments will be reported during next update.
QB Marsh shows flashes, still streaky
Trade talks fall through. Rams, Vikings go their separate ways.
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