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Special section: Vikings 2008
Vikings expect success with mix of new, old
Zygi Wilf did not temper his words.
"Our expectations are very high, and we set our goals very high," the Vikings owner said shortly before training camp opened. "I know we haven't gotten there yet, but we expect to win the division. We will fight for that division, and we will fight for going toward championships for years to come. It's been our No. 1 goal, it's always been our No. 1 goal."
The Vikings are 23-25 since Wilf bought them in 2005, and 14-18 in coach Brad Childress' first two seasons. But Wilf can't be faulted for his optimistic view, given the money he invested on improving a club that got off to a 3-6 start in 2007, then won five in a row before falling out of playoff contention with two closing losses.
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Sack race
JARED ALLEN: Their worst nightmare
His presence on the line means less time for passers and more interceptions for defenders.
Patrick Reusse, columnist
D-Line: Second Helpings
The Purple People Eaters were the first of the Vikings' great defensive lines, and Jared Allen's arrival might signal the dawn of another quarterback-crunching era.
More from this series:
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STAR TRIBUNE: Multiple coverage
About this special report and what you can expect from this season's coverage -
Access Vikings show: Assessing the opener
Vikings reporters Judd Zulgad and Chip Scoggins discuss the team's readiness for Monday night's opener at Green Bay and make their predictions for the 2008 season. -
TARVARIS JACKSON: Project consistency
Iin his second year as the starter, the quarterback needs to stay healthy and keep making good decisions. -
What did we learn from preseason? Very little
Injuries to Tarvaris Jackson and Bernard Berrian limited their getting-acquainted time, and Bryant McKinnie's suspension could cause problems. -
ADRIAN PETERSON: Polishing a gem
Adrian Peterson had a sensational rookie year running the ball, but he's working hard on his blocking, receiving and patience in order to become a more complete ballplayer. -
Vikings new and improved?
The Vikings plugged glaring holes at defensive end, wide receiver and safety with high-priced free agents during the offseason. Will the newcomers, and better years from the holdovers, spell success? -
Vikings week by week analysis
A look at the 2008 schedule -
Playoff waltz: Survive the first five
The Vikings play a modestly tough schedule to start the season, when they'll be hampered because of injuries and indiscretions, but reaching the playoffs shouldn't be that difficult. -
BERNARD BERRIAN: The investment
The Vikings have made a $42 million investment in the former Bears wide receiver. If he can be the reliable deep threat that Troy Williamson never proved to be, defenses won't be able to focus on the team's potent running game. -
THOMAS TAPEH: Blocking required
Former St. Paul Johnson and Gophers back Thomas Tapeh can run and catch the football, but his primary value will be in opening holes for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. -
MADIEU WILLIAMS: Safety precautions
Madieu Williams is considered a significant upgrade in the secondary, but a neck injury has kept him sidelined. Instead, rookie Tyrell Johnson will assume a starter's role sooner than expected. -
VISANTHE SHIANCOE: Catching on
Visanthe Shiancoe dropped three potential TD passes last year. He's intent on becoming more vital to the offense. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe was something of a disappointment last season, including dropping three potential touchdown passes. He rededicated himself in the offseason to becoming a more vital cog in the Vikings offense. -
Sid Hartman talks to John David Booty
Star Tribune sports columnist Sid Hartman talks to rookie quarterback John David Booty. -
2008 Vikings roster
No. Player Pos Ht Wt Exp College