Although the Vikings enter the season with a new coach and a number of new faces, they have plenty of experience. They also play in the relatively weak NFC North and seemingly have a manageable schedule. Is there enough talent on the roster to finish above the .500 mark and cash a ticket on the over eight wins? A closer look at this year's team and schedule appears below.
Coaching
Brad Childress may be a first-year head coach but almost anyone figures to be an upgrade over the moronic Mike Tice. Childress was the Eagles' quarterback coach from 1999-2001 and is credited with the development of Donavan McNabb. In 2002 he became the offensive coordinator and helped the Eagles achieve a team record 415 points. Andy Reid has referred to Childress as "one of the top assistant coaches in the National Football League."
Childress' offensive philosophy differs from Andy Reid's. While Reid's West Coast offense features a high percentage of short passes, Childress is expected to incorporate more of a power running game.
Offense
In recent years we've become accustomed to seeing Dante Culpepper throwing the ball to Randy Moss. Neither player will be with the team this year though. Moss left to join Oakland last year while Culpepper was traded to Miami this past offseason. That leaves Brad Johnson as the undisputed starting quarterback.
Johnson has a ton of experience and was the starting quarterback for the Bucs when they won the Super Bowl. He is an accurate passer and generally makes good decisions. However, he doesn't have much in terms of arm strength and he'll turn 38 before Week 2. That makes him susceptible to injury, which is a scary thought for Vikings' fans. Second-stringer Mike McMahon has yet to prove that he is ready to start in the NFL and recently drafted Tarvaris Jackson is more of a long-term prospect.
Another potential area of concern is that Johnson is only getting paid one million dollars. That's the deal which he agreed upon as a backup last year. As the official starter, Johnson expects more money. The Vikings currently don't seem willing to comply. A holdout is possible, but appears unlikely.
The receiving corps has potential but is largely unproven. Koren Robinson, the likely number one receiver, is loaded with talent but is inconsistent. Nate Burleson was traded to Seattle meaning that Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor and Marcus Robinson will compete for the remaining time. Jim Kleinsasser and Jermaine Wiggins are both capable tight-ends.
Chester Taylor, who has been the backup to Jamal Lewis in Baltimore the past four seasons, has been signed to carry the load as the primary back. Veteran fullback Tony Richardson was also signed to help open up holes for Taylor. The signing of All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson anchors a solid offensive line.
Defense
The defense gave up 21-1/2 points per game last season and ranked below the league average in most defensive categories. However, the unit has some talent and should eventually improve under new defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
As on offense, the strength of the defense lies up front with the linemen. Concerns remain at the linebacker position as well as in the secondary.
Schedule
Playing in the NFC North is a bonus. That being said, the first portion of the schedule is difficult. The Vikings begin the season with a trip to Washington for a Monday night affair. Considering that the Vikings will be giving up roughly a touchdown on the pointspread, this will be a tough game to win.
Next, playing on a short week, the Vikings play their home opener against Carolina. This will be another challenge as the Panthers are favored to win the NFC. Week 3 offers a home date vs. Chicago. The Bears won the division last year and should be strong again in 2006.
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