Viking players pick MVPs

This year, Vikings coach Brad Childress had his players vote on the MVP for defense, offense and special teams.
Here are the winners, followed by some brief statistics and comments:

Offense: RB Chester Taylor. In his first year as a full-time starter, Taylor has gained 1,185 rushing yards, which is ninth in the NFL. Teammates marvel at his toughness and hard-running style, especially given his style and an inconsistent passing offense.

Defense: CB Antoine Winfield. He got snubbed for the Pro Bowl, not even being selected as an alternate. But Winfield was voted the defensive MVP by teammates. With one game left, he has 84 tackles, four interceptions, eight tackles for loss and 18 passes defended. Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are essential to this defense. But no one played more consistent than Winfield.

Special teams: LB Heath Farwell. There was no other choice. K Ryan Longwell didn't get as many field goal opportunities, and Bethel Johnson and Mewelde Moore didn't really stand out. Farwell led the special teams with 23 tackles, eight more than Winfield.