Okay, okay, before I move on to the AFC East (and I'm workin' on it, I'm workin' on it), I need to revisit my beloved Purple. A very dear friend of mine (author of the extremely well-written The Daily Pitch Count, it just so happens) has suggested to me that, given the presence of the leathery skinned, silver-bristled, easy goin' legend from Hattiesburg, Mississippi in the "Land of the Wind Chill Factor" (copyright, the great John Prine), an update is warranted and perhaps even mandatory. His implication is, of course, that the development is of significant consequence and merits at least a mention. I must concede that, as is usually the case, the man has a point.
Consequently, I've modified the Vikings' outlook for the 2009 season. As for Minnesota's 2010 draft needs, however, everything pretty much remains the same. Favre is, after all, going to turn 40 during Week 4 of the season and this will very likely be his only year playing with horns on his helmet. He may play in 2010 as well, but that wouldn't change the fact that the Vikes need to find a quarterback for 2011 and beyond. Plus, assuming Favre plays the entire season, we won't know much more about Sage Rosenfels' and Tarvaris Jackson's (who's heading into a contract year) qualifications for said role.
Anyway, here's the EDIT:
1st: Minnesota Vikings
The Best They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009
Everything changed when #4 came strolling into town on that fateful day. However, at this juncture, there's no telling which Brett Favre the Vikings will get this season - the early 2008 version that was inviting MVP conversations or the late 2008 version that was inviting re-retirement-related conversations. If Minnesota is fortunate enough to get the former Brett Favre, anything less than an NFC Championship appearance will be a serious disappointment and anything less than a Super Bowl victory will be at least a mild disappointment.
The Worst They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009
If the Vikings' quarterback questions aren't ultimately answered by Mr. Favre, Minnesota is likely to just miss the playoffs or be a Wild Card round playoff casualty yet again. On the other side of the ball, if Tyrell Johnson doesn't adequately replace Darren Sharper, Antoine Winfield begins to show his age and Percy Harvin is a bust, an NFC North Divisional crown is unlikely in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Prediction
With Favre aboard, this is an extremely difficult call to make. I see him performing at least well enough for another NFC North championship, a Wild Card weekend victory and a Divisional Round victory in 2009. Anything more will be, to me, a bit of a surprise. As far as wins, this team is easily capable of 11 or 12. Even if Sage or Tarvaris ends up having to take the reins, I think they'll win 10 or 11.
The AFC East Preview is Coming Soon. I promise.
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