The Minnesota Vikings are just three years removed from being a Brett Favre interception away from playing in a Super Bowl, but they now look like the fourth-place team in the rugged NFC North. Can they change that when they open their 2012 training camp on Thursday, July 26?

The Vikings are handing over their offense to Christian Ponder for good in 2012, after a year split between Donovan McNabb and Ponder, but he may not have the weapons he had in 2011. Adrian Peterson continues his recovery from an ACL tear in late 2011 and is dealing with the aftermath of a July arrest, while Percy Harvin, who the Vikings expect to come to camp, was making noise about holding out and being dissatisfied with his role.

The Vikings also upgraded their roster with draft pick Matt Kalil at tackle and free agent Chris Carr at corner. They may need a lot more than that to keep pace with the Packers, Lions, and Bears in the NFC North.

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