«The Minnesota Vikings will be a better football team this year. That's my strong belief.» — Brad Childress, March 2007

That quote served as our springboard this summer in examining the Vikings' strengths and weaknesses entering training camp. So — after nearly three weeks in Mankato and four preseason games — do the Vikings appear to have maintained their strengths while shoring up their weaknesses? Beat writer Kevin Seifert re-examines, based on a scale of Better, Baby Steps, Same or Worse.

Offense

MUST IMPROVE

Big plays in passing game

The Vikings' 6.3-yard average per attempt last season was their worst in 22 years, and they set a franchise low with 13 touchdown passes. The Vikings seemed to make some progress this summer on the former, as QB Tarvaris Jackson and WR Bobby Wade connected on three passes of more than 20 yards, but their shots into the end zone were rare in practice and games: Wade had the first team's only touchdown pass, on a trick play, before backup QB Brooks Bollinger threw one against Dallas in the preseason finale. Verdict: Baby Steps

Skill level of pass catchers

Wade quickly ascended to the top of a thin group, most importantly displaying ability to run after the catch. But new TE Visanthe Shiancoe was inconsistent in practice and mostly invisible in preseason games, and WR Sidney Rice looks like a possession guy. WR Troy Williamson looks far from reliable, and the arrival of Robert Ferguson suggests serious depth issues. Verdict: Worse

Cohesion on the offensive line

LT Bryant McKinnie's early hamstring injury caused too many personnel ripples, and it's clear coaches don't fully trust Artis Hicks at RG. They gave Anthony Herrera every chance to beat him out. But McKinnie, LG Steve Hutchinson and C Matt Birk all looked more comfortable and were opening holes for the run game. Verdict: Baby Steps

MUST NOT FALTER

Running game

No concerns here. RB Adrian Peterson can dash through holes or create his own through a combination of moves and speed. He is an early candidate for Rookie of the Year. Chester Taylor appears invigorated, and the Vikings' only concern is if defenses sell out with against the run. Verdict: Better

Defense

MUST IMPROVE

Pass rush

DE Ray Edwards displayed glimpses of his potential, especially in practice but also against the New York Jets. But like the rest of the pass rush, he was not consistent. DE Erasmus James is back on the field but hasn't regained his form. It's clear defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will need to employ some exotic blitz schemes. Verdict: Same

Nickel coverage

Rookie CB Marcus McCauley took hold of this job from the start of training camp. His coverage is better than expected, but he is not as physical as advertised. Like any group, this one needs some protection from the pass rush. Verdict: Same

MUST NOT FALTER

b>Run defense

An especially difficult category to judge in the preseason, but no warning signs went off. DTs Pat and Kevin Williams reported in good shape, and they are the key elements. MLB E.J. Henderson is at least the equal of predecessor Napoleon Harris against the run. Verdict: Same

Big plays

Four touchdowns scored and 14 turnovers forced were good signs. Verdict: Better

Special teams

MUST IMPROVE

Kickoffs

Not much data here. The Vikings used the now-released Alex Reyes to save Ryan Longwell's leg for kickoffs, hoping to avoid last season's NFL-worst 59.1-yard average. Longwell looked decent, but the test really will come during the grind of the season. Verdict: Same

Big-play returns

The frantic search for new blood leaves these roles mostly in the air. WR Aundrae Allison struggled through injuries and didn't have much juice. The Vikings seem reluctant to use Wade on either kickoffs or punts, and RB Mewelde Moore stepped aside for a brigade of younger candidates. Their own coverage units, meanwhile, gave up too many long returns. Verdict: Same

MUST NOT FALTER

Midrange reliability

Longwell did not miss a kick of less than 46 yards in 2006. But this preseason, he missed from 42 and 37. That should send a quiet shiver down your back. He did drill kicks from 54, 49 and 47 (twice), but we want the sure thing. Verdict: Worse

Coaching

MUST IMPROVE

Playcalling

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will call the bulk of the plays, freeing Childress to yell at officials and manage his team. Bevell might use a few more vertical passes, but his conservative red zone mentality isn't much different from Childress'. Verdict: Baby Steps

Player-coach relationship

Childress has shown players a lighter side, and they all have had more fun this summer. He remains schematically inflexible, but at least he's nicer about it now. Players respect dignified defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Verdict: Better

MUST NOT FALTER

Discipline

No arrests this summer! Cookies and cake will be served at 5 p.m. However, not everyone was impressed with the signing of DT Fred Evans, who is on probation in two states. Verdict: Same

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com