The Vikings vaulted to the top of the North last year thanks to a standout defense and a running back who led the league in yards, doing things the old-fashioned way in a NFL that has been transformed into a pass-first league. Subpar work at quarterback has been about the only thing that has kept the Vikings from being a serious Super Bowl contender in the last couple of years. The Eagles were able to stymie Tavaris Jackson and end Minnesota's playoffs before they got in gear last January, 26-14. Stud running back Adrian Peterson ran for 1,760 yards despite giving clock and carries to reliable backup Chester Taylor on passing downs. First-round draft choice Percy Harvin will get some touches as well; he's looked at as perhaps the most explosive player in the draft. Harvin could be a part of as many as 25-30 plays, including several out of the Single Wing formation that Miami made "re-popular" again in 2008. The hope is for the Vikes to diversify an offense that opponents know looks for Peterson as its first and second options and that has been very conservative in coach Brad Childress's first three years. Sage Rosenfels comes over from Houston, where he started after Matt Schaub got injured. Rosenfels has big-play potential, but can make a barrage of mistakes in a hurry (see Indianapolis at home, 2008).

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The defense led the league again in fewest rushing yards allowed, at just 77 per game. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier uses the Cover-2 as his base but gets aggressive with a blitz package that will try to discourage foes from using extra resources on monster DE Jared Allen. Pat and Kevin Williams return to bolster a defensive line that is as good and deep as any in the NFL. There were a few subtle changes to the roster that were primarily designed to make the back seven a little quicker, but the defense will not be a concern when the season starts. In fact, they sacked astute QB Peyton Manning on three of the first five offensive snaps in the preseason opener at Indianapolis earlier in the month.

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