Shutdown Corner is previewing all 32 teams as we get ready for the NFL season, counting down the teams one per day in reverse order or our initial 2014 power rankings. No. 1 will be revealed on Aug. 2, the day before the preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton.

It's almost too easy to start wondering if Adrian Peterson is going to be stuck with an Ernie Banks-type career without any real postseason success.



Peterson has played seven seasons, won an MVP award, rushed for 10,115 yards, already is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he has appeared in only four playoff games. He has been a winner in just one of those games, a 34-3 win over Dallas before losing a heartbreaking NFC championship game at New Orleans the next week.

View photos Adrian Peterson (USA Today Sports Images) More

Peterson is only 29, so he still has time to experience some real postseason success (maybe have a Walter Payton-type career), but one of the all-time greats will likely be stuck in a familiar spot this season, as the bright spot on an otherwise dreary team.

The Bears and Cowboys got a lot of attention for their bad defenses, but Minnesota's might have been the worst in the NFL last season. The Vikings were 31st in yards allowed and dead last in points allowed, giving up exactly 30 per game. Offensively, Minnesota was one of just seven teams with more interceptions than touchdowns. Head coach Leslie Frazier was fired. Mike Zimmer, an intense defensive coordinator, was hired. He'll help fix the defense, but they can have a huge improvement and still be below average. The offense still needs some work, too.

While brighter days may be ahead, it would be a pretty big upset if we see the great Adrian Peterson back in the playoffs this year.

2013 review in less than 25 words: The Vikings started 1-7, and even a 4-3-1 finish that included a win over Philadelphia couldn't save Leslie Frazier's job.



Is the roster better, worse or about the same?: The Vikings added a bunch of new faces, and it will probably result in a better roster. The Vikings pretty clearly had a plan to sign younger talent in free agency who would still be productive by the time the team turns things around. None of Minnesota's signees have been in the NFL more than five seasons. Other longtime veterans, like defensive linemen Jared Allen and Kevin Williams, weren't brought back. There was a long-tern plan in place, and not just a bunch of quick fixes from a front office with no job security. It was a pretty smart offseason in Minnesota.



Best offseason acquisition: Linval Joseph was one of the acquisitions that summed up Minnesota's plan. The big defensive tackle from the Giants had a productive four seasons as a starter in New York, and doesn't turn 26 until October. Was he overpaid at $31.5 million over five years? Perhaps, but it makes more sense for a rebuilding team to pay a premium for good, young players than get old veterans who won't be productive by the time things turn around for the franchise.



Achilles heel: The Vikings' pass defense was a mess last season, allowing 4,595 yards and a 98.6 quarterback rating. It doesn't help that Minnesota has to battle the passing offenses of Green Bay, Chicago and Detroit each twice a year. The Vikings are trying to improve the secondary. Cornerbacks Captain Munnerlyn (Carolina) and Derek Cox (San Diego) were signed. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes, a 2013 first-round pick, could be a future standout. Harrison Smith is a terrific safety, and one of Minnesota's problems last year was that he missed eight games with injury. The Vikings' secondary will be better, but the pass defense is a big reason Minnesota won't be a contender in the NFC North.



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