The Vikings begin their season Sunday at home against Atlanta, which means we finally will get answers to some questions about this team after months of discussion.
With that in mind: What are the three biggest things you want to see from the Vikings in Game 1 to make you feel good about the 2019 season?
First take: Michael Rand
The first thing I need to see is offensive efficiency. It starts with the revamped offensive line, which has four new starters compared to Week 1 in 2018. Last year, Pro Football Focus had the Vikings' O-line graded No. 29 of 32 teams. The Vikings' O-line is No. 25 this year. That's not enough of an upgrade. It needs to be more in the 14-18 range.
Next, I want to see how the secondary holds up. This has been a strength, but there was some slippage last year. Everyone is a year older and the Falcons have three good receivers.
And finally: How about no kicking drama? A clean game from kicker Dan Bailey, punter/holder Britton Colquitt and long snapper Austin Cutting would be a welcome sight.
Columnist Chip Scoggins: You hit on three of the biggest themes, but as always, the No. 1 focus for me is how does Kirk Cousins look running a new offense? Does he look more comfortable against pressure than what we saw at the end of last season? Does a renewed emphasis on the running game and having a healthy Dalvin Cook enhance Cousins' strengths by setting up play-action passes.
I don't expect the offense to be a well-oiled machine the first game because it is a new system and first games can be uneven, but I want to see Cousins show poise and command as he begins his second season.