The Red Zone Report

The Vikings drafted the explosive and dynamic Percy Harvin, courted future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, and now are dealing with an MCL injury to Tarvaris Jackson.

While we may never be able to fully close the door on Favre, at least Minnesota can focus on their new, electrifying player, and finding out who their best quarterback is.

If they can get their focus back to simply playing football, this could still be a team to be reckoned with.

Continue on for more things to watch for.

5. Can Percy Harvin Be Their X-Factor?

Harvin is already being projected as the “target” in over 100 plays, which could leave him with 50 catches and close to 20 rush attempts.

He’s also going to be potentially used as a quarterback in Minnesota’s Wildcat formation.

There’s no question the height of his early value, as he brings so much speed and explosiveness, despite not running pure routes.

Harvin should also have a large impact on the special teams as a returner, where his play-making ability may best be showcased as a rookie.

4. The Pat and Kevin Williams Suspensions

The Williamses are still waiting on hearing back on their suspensions from the NFL.

There were originally scheduled to miss the first four weeks, and are once again requesting there be no suspension, which could obviously result in them not missing any games at all.

However, if they miss 3-4 games, the Vikings’ front four would be very decimated to start the season, and the Vikings could potentially lose a few games that they normally would easily win.

With all four of their opening games being against teams that didn’t make the playoffs last season, the loss of the two massive men in the middle looks a little more survivable.

3. Can Adrian Peterson Stay Healthy For a Third Straight Year?

Adrian Peterson has had plenty of knocks early in his career, despite arguably being viewed as “the best back in the league.”

He fumbles.

He plays recklessly.

He does nothing in the passing game.

But he’s also a true gamer and has jaws preparing to be dropped with every touch he handles.

But still, what everyone wonders is when will AP finally get a serious injury, and how will Minnesota respond?

Without Peterson, the Vikings could still potentially not miss a step, as they have a proven veteran in Chester Taylor to step up.

2. Brad Childress on the Hot Seat

While Childress has kept the Vikings competitive, and even led them to a 10-6 division title last season, he is still not a lock to keep his job.

Childress was already a hot seat candidate entering last season, and to keep his job, he must prove that he can stick with and win with ONE quarterback.

He must also get Minnesota back to the playoffs in order to prove 2008 wasn’t a fluke.

With the whole Favre fiasco behind us (maybe), Childress needs to stick with whoever ends up being his guy, and let Adrian Peterson and the defense do the rest.

Even without the Hall of Fame presence of Brett Favre, Minnesota should still make the postseason.

1. The Brett Favre Effect

The Favre “effect” could go in a few different directions.

If Favre decided to come back, this could positively affect the team with an entrance to the playoffs, and possibly a shot at a Super Bowl.

Then again, there are many skeptics that are convinced that Favre, 39, is no better than the options they already have.

Regardless of whether or not he does come back, the mere possibility of adding Favre at any time of the season could disrupt team chemistry and focus.