Harvin unsure of answers for red-zone woes

Percy Harvin is like many fans, uncertain why the Vikings offense has struggled to score points, especially in the red zone, this year.

Percy Harvin has been doing his part to help the Vikings despite injuries that have dogged him throughout the season. He is the team’s leading receiver and is becoming a leader on the team in his second season. On Wednesday, he returned to practice, despite an ankle injury that has been bothering him for the last month.

Harvin spoke candidly about the Vikings’ offensive woes, saying he is at a loss for why the Vikings, one of the best red zone offenses in 2009, have struggled so badly in 2010.

“It’s different,” Harvin said. “It’s different when we get in the red zone. We work on it, we just can’t, for some reason, seem to match it all up and punch it in. That’s nobody’s fault but ours. When you’re on the 2-yard line, you’ve got to be able to run the ball in.”

He said he wouldn’t put the blame on the absence of Sidney Rice. In the Vikings system, Harvin theorized, the receivers should be interchangeable.

“We all pretty much can play each other’s position,” Harvin said. “That hasn’t hurt us at all. We’ve been able to move the ball, it’s just getting in the red zone and not being able to punch it in.”

Harvin was asked if he has given any thought to how different things may have been had his feet come down in the end zone in the waning seconds at Lambeau Field.

“All the time,” Harvin said. “Unfortunately, that was a play I couldn’t make, but, we have to push on and get a win.”

It has been a frustrating season for the Vikings, but there is still time to turn things around, he says, even though the odds aren’t in their favor at 3-6.

“It’s pretty much the exact same team (as last year),” Harvin said. “For some reason, we’re not getting the same results – for whatever reason that is. It’s extremely frustrating to us. We just have to pull together and figure out a way to finish this thing strong.”

THURSDAY NOTES

Two Vikings didn’t take part in Wednesday’s practice – Bernard Berrian (groin) and Eric Frampton (hamstring). Four other Vikings – Brett Favre (ankle/foot), Harvin (ankle), Anthony Herrera (elbow) and John Sullivan (calf) – were limited.

The Packers didn’t have anyone that missed practice, but had six that were limited – OT Chad Clifton (knee), WR Donald Driver (quadricep), LB Clay Matthews (shin), DL Ryan Pickett (ankle), TE Andrew Quarless (shoulder) and CB Charles Woodson (toe).

Attorneys for the NFL, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams were in court Wednesday in front a three-judge panel in the appeal of the ruling made in May by Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson that has prevented the NFL from imposing a four-game suspension on the Williamses. The judges have 90 days to render a verdict on the appeal.

The Vikings and the Salvation Army are teaming up for the annual Coats For Kids” drive prior to Sunday’s game. Fans are asked to bring new or gently used coats to the game Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon to help those less fortunate.