This team's bread and butter is still its ability to run the ball and defend the run.  We're not sure what remains to be said about the NFL's leading rusher (Adrian Peterson) and his sidekick (Chester Taylor) -- and despite the uncertain status of both Pat and Kevin Williams, who could be suspended for the first four games of the season, the Williams Wall remains just as solid as its been over the last several seasons.  The biggest question mark when it comes to the running game is, like last season, the offensive line -- the departure of Matt Birk leaves John Sullivan (a sixth round pick in the 2008 draft) as the team's starting center, while rookie Phil Loadholt will likely be replacing Ryan Cook on the right side of the line.

Another significant change on the roster comes in the secondary, with safety Tyrell Johnson stepping in for the departed Darren Sharper.  Johnson, a second round selection by the Vikings in 2008, saw the field quite a bit last season and was solid but not spectacular.  The Vikings will also need Johnson's counterpart, Madieu Williams, to stay healthy -- he missed seven games due to injury last season.  Back up front, Jared Allen racked up 14.5 sacks last season and unquestionably lived up to lofty expectations.

The most intrigue, of course, surrounds the passing attack -- because of both the selection of Percy Harvin in the draft and the probable addition of Favre.  Harvin is a player who can be used in a plethora of ways, and we're more concerned about the coaching staff's ability to use him creatively than we are about any of the so-called "character concerns" that damaged his draft stock.  Meanwhile, Favre's recovery from surgery on his throwing arm is ongoing, but he figures to be ready for training camp.  He'll be surrounded by weapons, from Peterson out of the backfield to Bernard Berrian and Harvin in the receiving corps.  The stage is set for the 39-year-old quarterback to excel this season, and we're especially excited about the newly-revamped passing attack's ability to take pressure off of Peterson.  Though he led the league in rushing yards last season, Peterson was nonetheless hampered by relentless defensive pressure -- which both Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte failed to loosen.  This season should be a much different story

With Favre at the helm, we're anticipating a second-consecutive NFC North title for the Vikings -- an 11-5 record sounds about right, which will be enough to fend off a challenge from the Chicago Bears.  As for the playoffs?  Well, by now, we're smart enough to not even get into that.

For those of you who are familiar with my Ballers and Busters series, you know how this works. I put out the list of those players who were part of the solution and those who were part of the problem. Not everyone gets a mention because these two lists are reserved for those who really stood out, either to get credit for their accomplishments or blame for their shortcomings.

In this case, though, instead of breaking down the game of the week (since there isn't one), we turn back the clock to 1977 and the Raiders' first Superbowl win.

Dan Zinski from TheVikingAge.com gives insight into what to expect from this year's Minnesota Vikings. Check in on other teams here.

If recent reports are to be believed, the Minnesota Vikings will go into the 2009 season with former arch-enemy Brett Favre at quarterback. Adding a signal-caller of Favre's caliber clearly changes things for the Vikings - but will it change them enough to make them Super Bowl contenders?

Yes, quarterback was a big question mark, even after the trade to acquire Sage Rosenfels, an experienced veteran who figured to  compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job (pre-Favre). But it was certainly not the only question mark.

Equally pressing were the team's issues on the offensive line. Matt Birk left a huge hole at center when he departed for Baltimore. And the demotion of right tackle Ryan Cook aka the Human False Start resulted in another major void.

The Vikings addressed the right tackle situation by drafting Phil Loadholt, the most physically imposing man they've had there since the late Korey Stringer. Loadholt is raw though, and may not be ready to step in once the season starts. Another unknown quantity, second-year man John Sullivan, figures to move into the starting center spot.

If Favre is unsettled by what's going on in front of him, at least he can look behind him and be reassured to see Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. The Vikings sport the best running back corps Favre has ever worked with, which is good news for his ailing right arm. And if reports out of minicamp are any indication, that backfield will be lining up in all sorts of creative new ways, as the Vikings, with versatile first-round pick Percy Harvin in the mix, jump on the Wildcat bandwagon.

The receiver corps was underwhelming outside of Bernard Berrian last year, but Harvin gives it an infusion of talent not seen since Randy Moss, and with Favre delivering the ball, both Harvin and third-year-man Sidney Rice have a chance at becoming stars.

The defensive side of the ball would figure to offer fewer issues. The Brad Childress/Rick Spielman regime has done a marvelous job rebuilding a unit that became a laughingstock under Dennis Green and Mike Tice, and now, under Leslie Frazier, is once again  worthy of the Purple People Eaters name.

But even the defense isn't free of nagging headaches, the biggest being the on-going Williams Wall controversy. Pat and Kevin, the O-line-destroying behemoths in the interior of one of the NFL's best defensive lines, are still fighting in the courts to avoid a four-game suspension for using the banned diuretic StarCaps. Losing their All-World run-stuffers for a quarter of the season would be a major blow to a team that makes its living running the ball and stopping the other team from doing the same.

Of course, the Vikings hope that adding Favre will make them less dependent on their running backs and defense. If #4 stays healthy, and returns to the form he showed his last year in Green Bay, the Vikings will at least make the NFC title game.

They are losing a total of (one) wide receiver from last season in current Miami Dolphins WR Patrick Turner. (except for Vidal Hazleton who transferred to Cincinnati in December)

Since the departure of greats like Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith in 2006, many critics have argued that the WR class at USC is one of the weaker position groups of their squad. But 2009 might be a different story.

USC brings back redshirt (RS) junior Damian Williams, who broke out in last year's Rose Bowl. He had career-highs 10 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown versus Penn State while absolutely tearing up the Nittany Lions defense.

Williams is a sure-fire All-American candidate at the flanker position, including preseason nominees. His rare combination of size, speed, and fluidity are the reasons he anchors this wide receiver group.

Many a time last season, Mark Sanchez would just throw up the ball and ROJO - as he his sometimes called - would simply run it down. Touchdown.

After Williams and Johnson, two clear-cut starters, there seems to be many candidates for that third spot. RS Freshman Brice Butler is really coming into his own and had a spectacular spring a few months ago. He is indubitably a rising star for the Trojans and will be seen a lot in the coming years. If not this season.

Another fast-rising player is former transfer student Jordan Cameron, who will also be a RS junior in the fall. His size (6'5") and athleticism are great attributes that will give him ample amounts of opportunities to strut his stuff, so to speak, this season

Two other receivers that will definitely get their share of playing time in the coming season are the athletic David Ausberry and the quick Brandon Carswell. Ausberry will also be a RS junior in the fall, while Carswell will be a RS sophomore. Both will see a lot of time, Carswell especially in special teams. Ausberry will remain a huge threat with his size and strength. You can count on him grabbing a few TDs from new quarterback Aaron Corp.

USC seems to be stocked in so many positions. And this wide receivers group is no different.

                            Damian Williams (Source: Flickr)

With a new and inexperienced quarterback, this experienced squad will be very important in determining the fate of the 2009 Trojans.

With a probable All-American in Williams and a speed burner in Johnson, look for the USC Trojans wide receivers to make big splashes this season.

Some splashes have already been made. The Sporting News ranked the Trojans wide receiver group No. 3 in the country in their summer college football preview. Not bad for a group with no seniors, eh?

While a stable backfield and a great running game dominate Troy (they are called Tailback U), a great group of wide receivers will help initiate a solid passing game. A duel-power offense of running and passing will once again be a main factor in USC's success in 2009.

Get ready for an 8th consecutive Pac-10 title, 8th consecutive BCS bowl bid, and an 8th consecutive 11-win season. All NCAA records.

Hopefully, this year will end in Pasadena on January the 8th --- the BCS National Championship Game.

See the connection of No. 8? That is also Ronald Johnson's number...No. 8 just might be the team's main number this season.

This group will be a major factor in leading them to their destination.

Projected Starters: Damian Williams, Ronald Johnson, David Ausberry

Reserves: Brice Butler, Jordan Cameron, Travon Patterson, Brandon Carswell, Drew Ness, Joe Gibson, Scott Stephens, Sean Calcagnie, Robbie Boyer, Spencer Vigoren, Preston Cavignac

Recruits: De'Von Flournoy

Part 1 of this USC Preview can be found here: USC Preview: Linebackers