First Test For Tice

Mike Tice has been around for a few years now but has yet to prove himself as a coach. After a couple losing records, Tice's team backed into the playoffs last year and finished the season 9-9 overall. The former Vikings tight end is said to have great rapport with his players, but many of us question his in-game decisions and clock management. Now, the critics (or are they called worshipers) are saying this below average team from the past few years has the chance to be good. Really good.

Although Super Bowl talk is music to the ears of Minnesota football fans, it must be like raking fingernails down a chalkboard to Tice. Finally, the pressure is on.

No one really expected the Vikings to do much last year. Sure, the hometown talk was that their defense was revamped and the squad would win the Super Bowl--like always--but we all know how many times that has happened in the team's history (for those of you who don't know, the number can be counted on zero fingers).

But this time the Vikings faithful have some outside support for their claims. Several draft analyzers gave the Vikings excellent reviews for last weekend's draft performance. With an above-average draft complimenting the Vikings off-season free agent moves, the purple will face some real expectations this fall.

That means one thing. Tice's grace period is over. He can no longer hide behind the fact that he's new. He can't pretend he doesn't have the players (although I still seem to be more concerned about the linebackers than anyone else and they certainly don't have a kicker). Randy Moss' on and off the field interference are no longer an issue. Everyone's happy, nearly every position is solidified and once again the Viking faithful are chanting Super Bowl.

Only this time, Tice better produce.