Anyone looking for positives about the Minnesota Vikings as they near the start of training camp later this week is advised to review developments during the off-season. Certainly the 2006 season was a disappointment as the team lost its last three games, finished with a 6-10 record, the franchise’s worst showing since the 2002 group had the same mark, but the NFL draft and other off-season developments were positive for the Vikings.
Running back Adrian Peterson is a hero already, although he hasn’t had one carry for the Vikings. Unless injuries limit his potential, Peterson has most everyone on the planet convinced he will be a premier NFL runner. His speed and explosiveness will change the outcome of games and fill some box office magic missing since Randy Moss was sentenced to Oakland.
Unlike Moss, there are no questions about character with Peterson. His reputation is that of a hard working player who doesn’t try to get by on talent alone.
Peterson can make the season easier for inexperienced quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger. If Peterson runs for 1,000 yards or more it likely means less production is needed from the passing game.
It’s easy to be optimistic before training camp about the Vikings’ much hyped draft choices led by Peterson. However, Peterson seems like a sure bet and particularly second round pick Sidney Rice, only 20 years old, looks promising. Rice could help immediately at wide receiver, a position where the Vikings lack proven talent and depth.
Part of the off-season intrigue about this team is Troy Williamson’s journey to become a success after two disappointing seasons. Williamson worked with doctors to improve his vision and caught thousands of balls to get better. Insiders predict a break through season for the 24- year-old Williamson who was the team’s first pick in the 2005 draft.
Chad Greenway, last year’s No. 1 draft choice, never played a regular season game because of his knee injury. His off-season rehab has him ready to play now and the Vikings will learn if he was worth a No. 1 pick and can also improve their linebacker talent and depth.
The Vikings worked at their image during the off-season. Bad publicity because of player behavior is never helpful and it’s a heavier liability when the team has been losing, plus the franchise wants a new stadium and the University of Minnesota has a new football coach, Tim Brewster, who is working harder to promote his product than any Gopher coach since Lou Holtz. The Vikings were out in the community during the off-season, whether it was visiting a school or coach Brad Childress reading poetry at the downtown library.
Childress emphasizes responsible behavior whether it’s in the work environment or club hopping downtown. He seemed confident and comfortable with himself during the off-season.
Another off-season development was momentum regarding a new stadium. Downtown real estate plans by team owner Zygi Wilf, stadium support from the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and interest from some politicians created opinion that the Vikings may be closer to stadium legislative support than in the past. Oh, yes, another factor is the ticking expiration date of the team’s lease in the Metrodome, ending in 2011.
The next few off-seasons will be interesting, too.