2007 season recap
Strong finish: Led by rookie running sensation Adrian Peterson, the Vikings nearly made the playoffs last year. The team won five of its last seven games and finished 8-8, but the team suffered from a poor pass defense and questionable QB decision-making.
Key camp questions
Can Tarvaris Jackson lead the Vikings into the playoffs?
The Vikings can't do it all from the ground. Minnesota needs third-year man Jackson to stay healthy and make fewer mistakes in 2008. If he plays within himself and cuts down on turnovers (he threw 12 INTs last year and lost four fumbles), the Vikings' bandwagon may fill up fast.
Will the offseason spending spree bring early dividends?
The Vikings invested in areas where they needed the most immediate help: the team traded draft picks to get DE Jared Allen (a dominant pass rusher) , signed WR Bernard Berrian (a deep target for Jackson) and S Madieu Williams (who will shore up the worst pass-defense in the league last year).
Can Adrian Peterson possibly live up to expectations?
He broke the single-game rushing record (296 yards) in his eighth NFL game and took defenses by surprise. Peterson sat out two games with a knee injury but still picked up 1,341 yards and 12 TDs. This year teams will be ready for him, or at least try to frustrate him with eight man fronts and special blitz packages.
Key position battle
CB Marcus McCauley vs. CB Benny Sapp vs. CB Charles Gordon: Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin are set to start, but the battle for nickleback is ongoing. McCauley saw a lot of playing time in his rookie year, but will be pushed by the more experienced Sapp, whom the Vikings picked up in free agency. Gordon didn't get much of a chance to show what he could do last year and could prove himself in camp.
Rookie spotlight
S Tyrell Johnson:The Vikings had to move up to acquire Johnson in the hopes of further bolstering their pass rush. The Arkansas State product looks to be the safety of the future, as Darren Sharper is entering his 12th season.
Player on the spot
DE Jared Allen: The Vikes signed Allen, 26, for more than $30 million and gave up three draft picks. The Pro Bowler and last year's sack leader is under a lot if pressure to perform not only because of his paycheck , but also because he's had off-the-field issues in the past, something he's been candid about. Allen insists he's matured and that any character questions are ancient history.
Fantasy focus
WR Bernard Berrian: Berrian has the speed and skills to stretch defenses, but he'll be hard pressed to breakout in the Vikings' run-based offense. In fact, a season with even 900 yards and four to six touchdowns could be hard to accomplish. He's no more than a low-end No. 3 fantasy wideout.
