Enemy Lines

An opposing scout's view

"They will miss [running back] Michael Bennett. He might've been the league's fastest player last year, so defenses had to honor him when the Vikings spread the field....

Daunte Culpepper had an up-and-down year for several reasons. One, his line was in flux because of Bryant McKinnie's holdout. Two, he missed [wide receiver] Cris Carter. And three, his small hands—when he's hit from behind, that ball's coming out. He's still not a great reader of defenses, but he's becoming a better pocket passer, and he's still a load if he runs....

The offensive line is just O.K. Matt Birk's a very good center, but David Dixon looks done, and Mike Rosenthal is average at best....

Chris Hovan has as fast a first step as any D-lineman in the league; he's great at shooting gaps....

If Chris Claiborne stays trim, he'll be a difference-maker at linebacker....

Linebacker Greg Biekert is smart, but he can't run, and he struggles in coverage....

The secondary's going to give Mike Tice fits....

Randy Moss is still the league's best receiver when he's got it going, so if the line keeps Culpepper healthy, they could get 10 wins. But with that defense, 8-8 is more likely."