Protecting Ponder? Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder quite literally took his lumps, as he was sacked 30 times in his eleven games played. As a team, the Vikings surrendered 49 sacks. While part of that can be attributed to Ponder holding onto the ball for too long, the offensive line has got to do a better job as a unit of protecting their quarterbacks.
Helping Harvin? Wide receiver Percy Harvin is no doubt a play-maker, but the departure of Sidney Rice to Seattle made Harvin the team's number one wide receiver. Harvin is more of an underneath receiver, where he can use his excellent change-of-direction skills and rack up yards after the catch. The team did add former Notre Dame tight end John Carlson in the draft last season, but the rest of the receivers on the roster are probably no better than third or fouth receivers on most teams. The 2012 Draft has a bevy of talent at receiver in the first few rounds, and the team could target someone like Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu in the second round to add a physical presence to compliment Harvin and his quickness.
"Corner"-ing the market? Despite having a great pass rush, the Vikings were still just 26th in the league in pass defense this season, and tied for worst in the league with just eight interceptions. Their best cornerback, Antoine Winfield, will turn 35 before next season, and recent draft picks Asher Allen and Chris Cook haven't done as well as hoped. They will have an opportunity to snag either Morris Claiborne (LSU) or Dre' Kirkpatrick (Alabama) with the third overall pick, or could pursue someone like Brent Grimes (Atlanta) or Brandon Carr (Kansas City) in free agency.
Peterson's health? As most know by now, Adrian Peterson tore the ACL in his left knee in week sixteen and had surgery this past week to repair it. Typical recovery time is between 9-12 months, though the Vikings believe he should be back in time for the start of the 2012 season. While that recovery time is when he is "ready" to play again, it typically takes players two years to fully recover and return to previous form. While Toby Gerhart had a much better second season with the Vikings (531 yards, 4.9 yards/carry), this team is simply not the same without A.P. toting the rock.
Morris the answer for defensive troubles? The Vikings have begun to overhaul their defensive coaching staff, firing defensive line coach Karl Dunbar (which surprises me considering how well the front four played). Now there are rumors that the team could be looking to bring in former Buccanneers head coach Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, despite not having let go of current D.C. Fred Pagac. While Morris is thought of as a great defensive mind, his Tampa Bay team was 30th in total defense this year. If they do bring in Morris, the team will likely be switching schemes to more of a cover-2 look, and would almost certainly take Morris Claiborne in the draft, as he has great anticipation, physical tools and ball skills.
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