Please do take an objective look at the following numbers: 54 carries, 144 yards. Sounds like a pretty average running back, doesn’t it? Sadly, those are the  combined totals from a Mr. Purple Jesus over the final four games of the regular season. It was likely a result of a combination of 1) defenses hyperventilating and charging him en masse every time he touched the ball, 2) a slight lack of explosiveness after the knee injury and 3) Peterson trying to hit a home run every time he touched the ball after the San Diego game. Regardless, it’s a large enough sample to conclude that as wonderful as this kid is, he is human and capable of being shut down by a determined defense. The way to beat this, of course, is with a competent passing game that commands a defense’s respect. And when it has mattered most — the past three games — Tarvaris Jackson and a below average receiving group have not been able to provide that. The Vikings went 1-2 in that span, and it easily could have been 0-3. Thus, the official RandBall offseason priorities: 1) Procure a quarterback, depending upon availability and/or price, that will either be a clearly defined No. 1 that can hold down the fort until T-Jack is ready for a fair shot (Donovan McNabb) or will be a solid No. 2 that can win games should T-Jack falter and/or become injured (a Gus Frerotte-type, Copyright Rocket). 2) Procure one wide receiver that would be considered a No. 1 or No. 2 on the vast majority of NFL rosters. Pair that gent with Sidney Rice, put Bobby Wade in the slot, and you are at least resembling average in the WR department. 3) Procure one pass-rushing defensive end with a track record of success.

If this team gets above-average QBing, gets PJ back on track, adds a playmaker at WR and one at DE, it wins 11 games next season. Thoughts?

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