MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -The Minnesota Vikings' recognize their challenge for this season: score more points and liven up a lagging fan base.
Sounds simple enough, but it sure won't be easy.
After establishing team records for fewest first downs and touchdown passes while finishing 6-10, the Vikings are entering their second year under coach Brad Childress with a strong-armed, fast-footed quarterback who's as raw as can be.
Tarvaris Jackson started two games last season as a rookie after the offense hit bottom. His backups, Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcomb, aren't appealing options, so the pressure will be on Jackson to stay poised and actually produce a touchdown drive or two.
Last year, the Vikings tied for second to last in the league with a mere seven scoring passes completed inside the opponent's 20-yard line, according to Stats, Inc.
``We have to throw the football to win, or everybody's going to stack up in the box,'' Jackson said. ``We proved last year we can run the football, so me and our receivers, we're going to have to make some plays here and there.''
Jackson has some help, at least. Minnesota added electric rookie Adrian Peterson to a backfield already boasting a 1,200-yard rusher in Chester Taylor.
``I've said it before: You couldn't pay me enough money to carry the ball in this league,'' center Matt Birk said. ``Those guys take a beating, so you've got to have two guys. It's a well-executed plan by the personnel department.''
Though the right side of the offensive line remained unsettled into the final preseason game, two perennial Pro Bowl picks - Birk and left guard Steve Hutchinson - will anchor a front five that has a better feel for the West Coast scheme Childress brought with him last year.
The defense that surrendered an NFL-low 61.6 yards rushing per game last season has returned every important player, a group highlighted by disruptive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.
Plus, some of the communication problems and first-year frustrations seem to have been eliminated.
``Everybody's a little more at ease. It was kind of like the first day of kindergarten last year, kind of feeling each other's personalities out and what not. This year, I think we're all comfortable with each other,'' said tight end Jim Kleinsasser.
He's one of only five players who joined the Vikings prior to 2004. In fact, there were only 21 players around from coach Mike Tice's last season, 2005, as August ended. That number was likely to decrease with the final round of roster cuts still due.
Owner Zygi Wilf has overseen a comprehensive turnover of the organization since he and his family completed their purchase two years ago. He has been steadily optimistic about returning the Vikings to regular Super Bowl contender status, while stressing better off-field behavior and pushing for public funding for a new facility to replace the Metrodome.
The stadium drive has cooled and fan interest in the region's most popular team has dipped to the point that the season opener was in danger of not selling out - meaning the first local television blackout in 10 years.
That's where Jackson, Peterson and the rest of the offense comes in, desperately needed for some energy and excitement. Childress showed a stubborn side last season, but he has loosened up this summer. One example of that was relinquishing the primary play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
Childress will still have plenty of input, but he'll be allowed a more global perspective on game days.
``I think our communication has been good,'' Childress said Tuesday. ``I mentioned yesterday that it just allows me to see the field better and see how I feel like defenses want to play us.''
For now, they're certain to stop the run first. Robert Ferguson became the most-decorated receiver, with six years and 12 career touchdowns, when he signed last week. Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson and rookie Sidney Rice are others with little success or experience who will be counted on to catch passes.
If they can't, it could be another difficult season.
``I really don't think much about last year,'' Birk said. ``Obviously we need to play better. I'm just kind of focused on this year. Last year is kind of in the bag. It's buried.''
Whether it makes a difference in the standings or not, the Vikings are clearly more comfortable with Childress - and he with them.
``Just like a lot of us were coming in new positions and new schemes, he was in a new position himself,'' said guard Artis Hicks. ``He'd never been a head coach before. Now you're the man running the show. There's a lot more you have to be responsible for that I'm sure he wasn't used to. ... He benefited from that first year, too, so we're all looking for bigger and better things this time.''
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AP Sports Writer Jon Krawczynski contributed to this report.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
