Vikings display championship potential Jackson delivers knockout performance

By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 12/18/2008

GLENDALE, AZ ÑFinally, Brad Childress has brought the Vikings back. The Vikings did not clinch a playoff spot Sunday in dominating the NFC West Champion Arizona Cardinals 35-14. However, they established that today they are one of the best teams in the National Football League.

Why? Because the Vikings have beaten the Carolina Panthers (11-3) and the Cardinals (8-6), who beat Dallas (9-5), who beat the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (11-3). The Vikings have now won four in a row and six of their last seven; after starting the season 0-2, they have won nine of their last 12 games.
But, itÕs the way they are winning that points to the fact that Childress has brought the Vikings back. Back to what?

Well, when he took over as head coach three years ago, Childress took over a Vikings team that finished 9-7 under Mike Tice. The Vikings are on the brink of being a playoff team again, and Childress will have a winning season.

This week, the Vikings host the red-hot Atlanta Falcons (9-5) Sunday at home. This is virtually a playoff game. The following week they host the New York Giants, also at home.

Before the season, I picked the Vikings to win the NFC North. IÕm convinced that this is the best Vikings team IÕve seen since 2000 and 1998, and both of those teams played for the NFC Championship.

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has turned into a bona-fide star. When Childress benched him after the Vikings blew a week-two 15-0 lead at home to Indianapolis, I did not agree with that decision, and the way that Jackson has played the last two weeks proves that I was right.

This team has the talent to win the Super Bowl. Take it from me Ñ I know talent when I see it.
Adrian Peterson is a superstar and has emerged as a candidate to be the NFLÕs MVP. Sunday he ran for 165 yards. ItÕs the fifth time in just two years in this league that he has run for 150 yards or more. If the Vikings win their last two games, I would bet my house on it.

He has now run for 1,578 yards, breaking Robert SmithÕs Vikings team record set in 2000. The Vikings have held their opponents to 16 points or less in four straight games. Bernard Berrian and Jared Allen have been sensational.

The financial investment has, in my view, made the Vikings one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. Nobody in the NFL is playing better at quarterback than Jackson. He became the first Vikings quarterback since Daunte Culpepper to throw four touchdown passes (of 41, six, 11 and 59 yards) in a game.

The Vikings have scored 30 points or more in three of their last four games. However, to finish first you must first finish. Get ready, Vikings fans, this could be the team to finally get it done. Yes, IÕm talking Super Bowl.

Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, and on WDGY-AM 740ÊMonday & Saturday morningsÊat 7:50 am and Fridays at 3:50 pm; he also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Larry welcomes reader responses to lfitzgerald@spokesman-re corder.com, or visit www.Lar ry-Fitzgerald.com.