 |
| |
|
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
EVENTS
CENTERS
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|
 |
Minnesota Vikings All eyes -- and hopes -- will be on rookie RB Bennett
Minnesota opens its training camp at the University of Minnesota-Mankato in Mankato, Minn., on July 29. By B. Duane Cross, CNNSI.com Under a cloud concerning the future residence of the franchise (San Antonio Vikings … just doesn't have the same ring), head coach Dennis Green enters the 2001 season looking to replace running back Robert Smith, who retired after eight seasons. Top draft pick RB Michael Bennett is the choice. The Vikings can make the playoffs if … Bennett can replace Smith in the backfield. Then again, even with all the offensive firepower provided by quarterback Daunte Culpepper and wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss, the defense ranked No. 28 and was not significantly upgraded in the offseason. Pivotal games: Sandwiched around the bye week (Nov. 4), Minnesota plays host to Green Bay, travels to Tampa Bay and then road trips to Philadelphia before playing host to the New York Giants. Those four teams were a combined 41-23 last season, which is part of the reason the why Vikings have the league's toughest schedule. On the hot seat: In the words of Sports Illustrated's Peter King: "Moss jakes it on far too many plays. Just ask the Giants how pedestrian a player Moss was in the biggest game of his professional life, the NFC title game, last winter. Two catches, 18 yards, blah effort." … Not good for a guy wanting an $18-20 million signing bonus on top of $10M annually. Up-and-coming: Defensive end Talance Sawyer, who stepped in after Gabe Northern was injured, started 15 games last season and tallied 27 tackles and six sacks. Free safety Tyrone Carter found his way on to the field more than expected as a rookie and showed flashes of potential. He could push Orlando Thomas for the starter’s job. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
