Villaume: Vikings' Fans Plan For 2014

It is sobering data.

The 2013 Vikings Defense surrendered 480 points, only four points less than their all-time worst in the fifty-three previous seasons. Last season's defensive league rankings include: 32nd in points allowed; 31st in yards allowed; 31st in plays allowed; 27th in turnovers; 30th in first downs allowed; 32nd in first downs allowed via the pass; 30th in third down conversion percentage; 30th in opponent possession time allowed. The 2013 Minnesota Vikings allowed 37 touchdowns through the air, more than two per game.

Purple-People Eaters? More like an Unlimited, No-Charge, Purple Buffet.

And there's more....

Offensively, the Vikings played Quarterback Roulette. Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel for the majority, but a surprise appearance by Josh Freeman on national television that seemed to seal the end of the Leslie Frazier era. Minnesota finished with more interceptions than passing touchdowns, a rare feat. Ponder's quarterback rating was a dismal 77.9, which was only a few points behind Cassel's at 81.6. For perspective, Freeman earned a 40.6 in his one performance. Divisional rivals fared better. Aaron Rodgers finished with 104.9, Jay Cutler 89.2, and Matthew Stafford 84.2. Which explains why only Green Bay finished with a winning record (8-7-1).

Minnesota had the ninth-ranked rushing offense, which would give fans some hope all is not lost offensively. But when one considers the Vikings have the best running back in football, it is disappointing to be ranked the 13th overall offense in the league.

So we should be content with improvement, right?

Fans across the NFC North are hopeful. Every team thinks it is their year this year. They could be right. Three games separated first from last in the NFC North standings in 2013.

None are more optimistic than in Minnesota. The changes that occurred were fan favorites. Fans pointed to Ponder for much of the 2013 woes, and the organization responded with moving up to draft Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater late in the first round. It should come as no coincidence that Teddy's touchdown to interception ratio last year was 31:4. An NFL team with a -12 turnover ratio is well aware.

That was not all for the offense. The line gets a boost from draftee David Yankey, a guard from Stanford, and un-drafted free agent Antonio "Tiny" Richardson from Tennessee. Running back Toby Gerhart's replacement appears to be third- round pick Jerrick McKinnon from Georgia Southern. He may start behind Matt Asiata on the depth chart, but his incredible feats at the NFL Combine suggest he will work his way into playing time.

The team also began to address the concerns on defense at the NFL draft. Linebacker Anthony Barr from UCLA was highly coveted for his incredible athleticism. He will almost certainly start from day one. Oregon State's Scott Chrichton will help fill a void at defensive end left by the departing of Jared Allen. Defensive backs taken late have a chance to not only make the roster, but supplant starters. Many are already singing the praises of seventh round pick Jabari Price from North Carolina.

Further, the organization made key off-season moves to address their defensive woes. Minnesota hired a new coach in Mike Zimmer, a long-time Defensive Coordinator (Dallas, Atlanta, Buffalo) with steady success in improving defenses. Zimmer becomes the tenth new coach of the Vikings, the ninth overall (Bud Grant returned in 1985). Zimmer is highly regarded throughout the NFL and often previously labeled as 'most deserving a head coaching position'. Zimmer has brought a talented coaching staff, highlighted by offensive guru Norv Turner.

Zimmer has work ahead.

Thankfully, GM Rick Spielman further addressed the defense via free agency last March, adding CB Captain Munnerlyn, DT Linval Joseph, DE Corey Wooton and others. Later, safeties Kurt Coleman and Chris Crocker came aboard.. as if defensive backs everywhere realized there might be a lot of job postings in Mankato.

And so we head into the 2014 preseason full of hope once again. This proud franchise has had only sixteen losing seasons in its fifty-three years. Leslie Frazier's 21-32-1, the .396 winning percentage, second worst in Viking history, is now a memory.

There will be plenty of preseason to debate which quarterback, which defensive backs, offensive guard or wide receivers (my money is on local boy Adam Thielen) should help superstars Adrian Pederson and Cordarrelle Patterson move the offense. The preseason starts on Friday with the Oakland Raiders. Both Bridgewater and Cassel will get first team opportunities. Let the debating begin.

One thing is certain, Viking fans are looking for an immediate return to the playoffs.

Sorry Mike.