Vikings putting negative drama behind them

By BRIAN HALL FOXSportsNorth.com EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Whether it was Brett Favre's annual come-or-go decisions, a trip to the NFC championship game, or last year's collapse under weighty expectations, the Minnesota Vikings have had their share of drama, fanfare and notoriety in recent seasons. It seemed as if unexpected, and unwanted, news generated out of the Vikings' facilities at Winter Park in weekly, and sometimes daily, doses. Favre's arrival - and arrival again - was a yearly circus. Kevin and Pat Williams were each suspended due to the NFL's substance abuse program and had lengthy legal proceedings. Percy Harvin has been plagued with migraines, including collapsing during practice last August. Randy Moss was brought back to Minnesota and was promptly released after four games, ending a short but tumultuous return. Brad Childress was fired in the middle of last season and the Metrodome's roof caved during a winter snow storm. The off-field distractions went on and on. "I think the last couple of years it's been craziness; in '09 in a good way, in '10 as a bad way," linebacker Chad Greenway said. Heading into the regular season opener Sunday at San Diego though, Minnesota has appreciated a calm and relatively quiet start to the season. The Vikings new approach reflects the demeanor of their composed, permanent coach Leslie Frazier. Frazier took over during the turbulent end of last season and tried to guide Minnesota through the troubles. "We're all perception and the reality of what our coach is," Greenway said. "What he wants us to be, that's the way we are. A lot of times your team becomes what your coach is like and his personality. And that's what we've become. He's as steady and consistent as you can have. It's all about working and doing the right things." After last season's disappointing finish, Favre deciding to stay away, and Frazier ascension to the full-time position, the Vikings have been out of the national spotlight as the 2011 season begins. Flying under the radar sits well with these current Vikings. "That's good; that's almost perfect the way I live my life," said Harvin, who's had no reoccurrences of migraines. "I like to be under the radar, not a lot of people talking about us, not a lot of highlights on ESPN. That's just the way I want it. When we get to game day, we'll see. "We've got a lot of talent in this room. Last year was a little crazy, but we still have the same guys in this room. Guys have been there before." Players have resisted any distractions. Greenway was slapped with the Franchise Tag this offseason, but said he knew his contract would be resolved and just went out and practiced as he always has. All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson has downplayed his contract situation, despite being in the final year of his deal and with Tennessee Titan's running back Chris Johnson signing a big contract a week ago. Even outspoken tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has resisted the urge to talk about entering the final year of his contract without a new deal. "The last thing the organization needs is some distraction," Shiancoe said this week. "That's something I will never do." Kevin Williams' long-awaited suspension finally took place, and he will miss the first two weeks, but he gave up his legal fight in the offseason and accepted the punishment from the league. Frazier squashed a potential distraction by releasing left tackle Bryant McKinnie just two days into training camp after McKinnie reportedly weighed almost 400 pounds. Even with trading for six-time Pro-Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb didn't move the needle much nationally. After entering last season as a Super Bowl favorite with Favre at quarterback, Minnesota enters this season picked by many to finish last in the NFC North Division. It's been a common theme. In the foxsports.com power rankings, the Vikings are ranked No. 26. "I love being the underdog," Peterson said. "I'm sure a lot of guys do. But, it is what it is. The only thing that matters is when you go out on Sunday, or Monday, or Thursday, whenever you play and you take care of business. That's the only thing that matters." And Minnesota knows as well as anyone that preseason expectations can quickly fall flat. "Being under the radar isn't bad," Shiancoe said. "You've got to go out there and play. Some teams are predicted to do this, that before the season, but that season they look like hot garbage." The Vikings will let everyone else overlook them. Meanwhile, they have their own expectations and Frazier doesn't use any underdog mentality to motivate his players. "No, I haven't gone down that route with our team because I've been telling our team that we have a good team, so I can't use that one," Frazier said. "In our case, the slate is clean. We're the 2011 Minnesota Vikings and we're approaching it like we're as good as any team in the National Football League." They're just not being talked about as much as other teams in the NFL, and that's just fine with them.