2008 Minnesota Vikings NFC North Preview

The 2008 edition of the Minnesota Vikings should be an exciting thing to watch. While there are huge question marks with the most important position on the field, any time Adrian Peterson is running the ball you are bound to have some success. With some high-profile additions this offseason, could the Vikings be ready to overtake the Packers in the NFC North?

KEY ADDITIONS:

1) Jared Allen - Every team has to have a wild card in it. While Allen should hardly be considered a wild card, there are question marks surrounding him. He has two drunk-driving charges, and one more mistake could result in a year long suspension. If he can stay out of trouble, and produce some of the same numbers as he did in Kansas City the Vikings will have the best defensive line in the trenches. If it doesn't pan out, at least Viking fans can say they've had worse trades (ie Randy Moss for Napoleon Harris and Troy Williamson and the whole team for Herschel Walker). Worst case scenario, even a suspended Jared Allen is better than Erasmus James.

2) Gus Frerotte - Why is this pickup more significant than the explosive Bernard Berrian? Because this is a position of need for the Vikings. Tarvaris Jackson is anything but a proven starter in this league. If Jackson struggles in the first four games, look for Brad Childress to turn to the 36 year old veteran to save their season.

3) Bernard Berrian - A key addition to the Vikings receiving corps can help stretch the field and take some pressure off Adrian Peterson. Remember Peterson is injury prone, and attacks defenders rather than avoiding contact when possible. That spells recipe for a short lived career. Berrian will help alleviate some of that pressure....assuming of course that someone can get him the ball.

4) Madieu Williams - Williams has missed 7 games over the last 3 years, and if he can stay healthy will look to replace Dwight Smith in the secondary. He can be a playmaker at times, but isn't the presence that Dwight Smith was. If he can stay healthy and live up to his potential, Antoine Winfield will get a fellow playmaker in the secondary.

KEY LOSSES: