June 3, 2008

Mission accomplished: The Jared Allen trade could turn out to be one of the coups of the NFL offseason, but the Vikings made other moves of note. FS Madieu Williams is regarded as an upgrade over Dwight Smith, and WR Bernard Berrian gives the team the downfield threat it had lacked since Randy Moss left town. There also is better depth across the board, and QBs Gus Frerotte and John David Booty add to the intrigue at the team’s most questioned position.

Unfinished business: Tarvaris Jackson has yet to be named the starter by head coach Brad Childress, but all signs point to him taking the first-team snaps. Yet, that doesn’t mean Jackson doesn’t have to improve; his play could be the difference between a Vikings Super Bowl and missing the playoffs. Though Allen makes the D-line a first-class group, there’s a big battle at the other DE spot between Ray Edwards and Brian Robison.