Off the Record

Let’s see what this baby can do

I’m a big enough sports fan to have had my heart broken four times by the Minnesota Vikings. Their record of Super Bowl futility has been matched by other teams, but it is still painful to remember that Super Bowl IV loss to Kansas City, and all the others.

But now, the Vikings are starting out on what could be a very, very interesting season. They have made some great additions to the team during the off season. Jared Allen, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams could be the next incarnation of Marshall, Eller and Page. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor could be the best two backs the Vikings have ever fielded. There are some good receivers, and Tarvaris Jackson, in his third year, should be far enough along the learning curve to have a good year.

The 2008 Vikings resemble a car that has been overhauled all winter, the engine souped up, the suspension beefed up, new tires all around and flames painted on the front. We’ve been sitting in the garage all winter, revving the engine, but we want to see what this baby can do on the road.

Let’s hope the Vikings burn a lot of rubber when the regular season starts.