The Minnesota Vikings thought they cleared themselves from all their troubles last year.   From the boat scandal, to Mike Tice's ticket scalping and even Onterrio Smith's off-the-field problems, it was a fresh, new start for them when they opened the preseason last Monday night against the Oakland Raiders.   A new Head Coach in former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress, a new running back in Chester Taylor formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, and a couple of other new pieces here and there. 

Daunte Culpepper is out of the picture.  Randy Moss long gone.  Now, a rash of injuries hits the team    Rookie linebacker Chad Greenway of Iowa is supposed to miss the entire season due to injury.  Likewise for safety Tank Williams, a free agent pickup from Tennessee.  Then then news broke last Wednesday that wide receiver/return specialist Koren Robinson was arrested (two DWI charges and three other misdemeanors) after his BMW sedan was caught on radar going over 100MPH in a 55MPH zone.   If only they had wideouts that could fly that fast in his absence.   The 26-year-old former first round draft pick out of NC State is coming off a season in which he was selected to the Pro Bowl for his performance as a kick returner (47KR, 1221Yds. 1TD). 

As if we weren't a little concerned about quarterback Brad Johnson, who turns 38 in September, staying healthy as well as productive -- these things flare up and could make for an even tougher year record wise than what 2005 was for the Vikings.  And don't forget, they were 9-7 and nearly slipped into the playoffs. 

I wouldn't count on that happening this year.