http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikin ... or-vikings
The flip side, however, is this: The Vikings' window to contend is opening precisely at a moment where top NFC teams such as Carolina, Arizona and Seattle also boast nasty defenses, and even the Packers made strides on that side of the ball.
The Vikings might not need their offense to be the identity of their team, but coach Mike Zimmer has made it clear he expects more from the group than he got this year. Zimmer will expect development from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and better protection from the Vikings' offensive line, but ascending in the NFC could mean the Vikings will have to produce in playoff games against formidable defenses. Given the makeup of the teams in power at the moment, it's hard to foresee a championship path for Minnesota that doesn't involve an ability to at least stand up against a great defense.