The Minnesota Vikings have already surpassed most external expectations for this supposed rebuilding season, winning games with a method that defies modern NFL convention.
This is the rare team right now that is stressing the need to become more balanced on offence by throwing the ball more rather than the other way around, but it's not about to apologize for its approach.
Despite Christian Pon-der's paltry 58 yards passing, the Vikings were in control of Sunday's 21-14 win over Arizona from start to finish and improved to 5-2.
That's more than half of the nine victories they accumulated over the last two years combined.
Thanks to Adrian Peterson's powerful running and a relentless pass rush by the defensive line, the Vikings are playing with momentum and confidence even if they're still struggling to complete the midrange and long throws down the field.
"However way we do it, you just like to win," coach Leslie Frazier said. "I do believe you want to be a balanced team. You want to be able to throw the ball as well as run the ball effectively, but there are times where something is being taken away you have to be good in other areas. Fortunately for us, we're at a point as a team where we can make up for deficiencies in other areas. There was a time where that would not have been the case. It shows that we're growing."
Peterson had a season-high 153 yards on 23 carries, his comeback continuing to amaze the Vikings as well as the rest of the league. As long as he's been here, they've naturally been focused on featuring one of the best running backs, even during Brett Favre's remarkable un-retirement season in 2009.
On the other side, a formidable front seven that can keep the ground game in check and put pressure on the opposing passer has long been a hallmark of the Vikings, too. They tied for the NFL lead with 50 sacks last year even with a 3-13 record.
The twist on this season is the way they've been able to consistently apply an effective pass rush without blitzing. With Jared Allen and Brian Robison leading the way, the Vikings are third in the league with 22 sacks, but they've done it without sacrificing a linebacker, safety or cornerback in their pass coverage. That plus the healthy return of veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield and the addition of rookie safety Harrison Smith has resulted in a significantly improved secondary.
CASSEL OUT, QUINN IN AT QB FOR CHIEFS
KANSAS CITY - Brady Quinn will take over as the Kansas City Chiefs' starting quarterback and Matt Cassel will serve as the backup beginning with Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.
Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel made the announcement before Monday's practice, shortly after meeting with the team that is off to a miserable 1-5 start.
"I think that will get everyone's attention," Cren-nel said, "and hopefully that impacts the team, because the quarterback position is the one that has the spotlight on him."
Quinn started for the first time since 2009 in the Chiefs' loss at Tampa Bay two weeks ago because Cassel was still feeling the effects of a concussion sustained the previous week against Baltimore. Kansas City had last week off.
