What to know: The Vikings can do everything reasonably well except pass the ball. Their defense looks pretty solid at every position. The front is anchored by one of the best interior duos in the NFL, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. They need at least one defensive end to provide some edge rush, however. The linebacker group should be strengthened by moving E.J. Henderson inside and the return of Chad Greenway, the 2006 first-round pick who missed all of last season due to injury. The secondary is solid, with Antoine Winfield and Darren Sharper holding down the fort. On offense, the only issue is the passing game. Second-year man Tarvaris Jackson is taking over at quarterback. He was up and down in training camp, but his considerable talent shows in flashes. The Vikings have failed to give him many solid options at receiver. Bears castoff Bobby Wade could be Jackson’s most reliable receiver. The team is hoping Troy Williamson or rookie Sidney Rice comes on. Williamson continues to have problems catching the ball consistently.
Who’s new: The Vikings are hoping first-round pick Adrian Peterson turns a good running game into a great one. Peterson and holdover Chester Taylor likely will split time, at least until Peterson starts running like he did at Oklahoma. The Vikings might need both backs to run well because the running game will be the foundation for the offense. The team also hopes to get a boost from free-agent tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, who might be capable of more than he showed with the Giants. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier replaces Mike Tomlin, but his system is almost identical. Frazier, whose style is more understated, promises a wider variety of blitzes. He’s also hoping to improve the pass rush by expanding the options of defensive ends.
Who’s gone: Year 2 of coach Brad Childress’ program resulted in more housecleaning. Among those shown the door were starting cornerback Fred Smoot, receivers Travis Taylor and Koren Robinson, linebacker Napoleon Harris and quarterback Brad Johnson. The Vikings didn’t feel the need to replace Johnson with an experienced backup to Jackson until late in the preseason, when they traded for Kelly Holcomb.
Outlook: Expectations should be tempered, given the Vikings’ inexperience at quarterback. Defense should keep them in most games, but they figure to lose a few in the final minutes. But if they hit on Jackson, this team won’t be far from contending.
