Team Outlook
As of 12/18/99
The Vikings have 3 games left with 3 of the teams they're battling for wildcard spots. Essentially, their playoffs have already begun. The performance of the squad over the rest of this season (hopefully more than just these 3 regular season games) will have a large impact on the makeup of the Minnesota Vikings of 2000. Despite what anyone says, Foge Fazio's job is in jeopardy. The same can be said for DB coach Richard Solomon. Red McCombs has been supportive, but he is not known for his patience; just check his history with the San Antonio Spurs. Neither Jerry Ball nor Joe Phillips have played exceptionally well, so one or both will not return. Jimmy Hitchcock has played worse than rookies Kenny Wright and Chris Rogers, so his future is also in doubt. Chris Doleman and Duane Clemons have been Minnesota's best defensive linemen, but this could be Doleman's last hurrah and Duane Clemons may attract too much attention from other teams in free agency. (Why would he stay if we aren't even starting him?) John Randle has been virtually invisible even with a productive Chris Doleman to help out. Things don't look good for the defensive line next year. (And you thought it couldn't get any worse.)
On offense, either Randall Cunningham or Jeff George will be gone. Todd Bouman is ready to be the backup and Daunte Culpepper is the heir apparent after another year or two of seasoning. The tight end has inexplicably disappeared from the passing game - not good news for Andrew Glover. Jake Reed may be gone for salary cap reasons if he doesn't step up over the rest of the season. Randall McDaniel's situation is up in the air, but don't count on Minnesota going out of their way to sign an aging player who is starting to decline - even if it is one as good as McDaniel.
The Vikings defense plays okay with a big lead, but they haven't had that luxury this season. If they don't step it up over the rest of the season there will be major changes. The Vikings can and should make the playoffs, but unless the Viking defense plays better as a unit, Minnesota will make a quick exit. If the defense manages to rise to the occasion, this team still has a shot at the Super Bowl.