MINNEAPOLIS -- The lore of the Minnesota Vikings, with four losses in four Super Bowl appearances and five NFC championship game defeats since then, is marked by a long list of major letdowns.The latest jarring blow came just before the beginning of this long-anticipated regular season, when quarterback Teddy Bridgewaters left knee collapsed during a routine non-contact drill. The injury caused enough damage to keep him out for the rest of the year and put his 2017 season in question, too.The massive injury to Minnesotas popular leader was a devastating, emotional setback. Bridgewaters absence hasnt deterred the Vikings from thinking big, though. From coach Mike Zimmers inherent defiance to the bold trade made for Sam Bradford, the Vikings havent given up on their Super Bowl goal. Their window to win it all for the first time in franchise history is still open, albeit not as wide as a week ago.Were not going to stick our heads in the sand. Were going to figure out a way, Zimmer said. Everybody can count us out if they want, but I think thatd be the wrong thing to do.Zimmer, inspired by the lessons learned from his late father, a long-time high school coach, and mentored by former boss Bill Parcells, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has always thrived with an underdog mindset.He didnt get his chance to be an NFL head coach until age 57. As the Vikings stacked up victories on the way to the NFC North title last year, Zimmer frequently mentioned to the team and to the media the external skepticism surrounding their success, even if some of that was simply made up.So when asked after Bridgewater went down how the leadership void will be filled, Zimmer zoomed right past the accomplished veterans on the roster and wholly embraced the responsibility as his own.Im going to lead them, Zimmer said. Im going to make sure that theyre paying attention, doing things right. Anytime you have a tragedy or whatever you want to call it, theyre going to be looking to somebody for strength and wisdom and all these other things. Part of my job is, and Ive already started to do it, to talk to them about the things that I believe we have to do and how we need to move forward. Thats why they hired me.The pressure will be on Zimmer, as well as on running back Adrian Peterson and a deep, solid defense.Its very unfortunate to have the injury happen, Peterson said. It takes a team to win a championship, so were still chasing the same thing.Here are some key angles to know about the season for the Vikings:REPLACEMENT PLAN: The Vikings gave up a 2017 first-round draft pick, plus another selection in 2018 that could reach as high as the second round based on conditions, to get Bradford from Philadelphia. Clearly, the plan will be to start the 2010 first overall draft pick once hes up to speed with the offense. Shaun Hill, who backed up Bridgewater last year and has begun his 15th season in the league, is more likely to lead the huddle Sunday at Tennessee.THE FRONT FIVE: Some reasons the Vikings were so eager to watch Bridgewater play, and so confident in his continued development, were enhancements to an offensive line that leaked a lot in his first two years. Free agents Alex Boone and Andre Smith have taken over at left guard and right tackle. Joe Berger, who excelled while filling in for John Sullivan at center last season while the six-year starter recovered from a back injury, was good enough that Sullivan recently was let go. Brandon Fusco has returned to his original spot at right guard, and right tackle Matt Kalil has entered the final season of his contract.GROUND GAME: After leading the league in rushing in 2015 at age 30, Peterson also ought to benefit from better blocking in front of him. The Vikings have been planning to make versatile running back Jerick McKinnon more of an integral part of the offense, too.THE FRONT FOUR: The backbone of the team is a defensive line thats as stacked and deep as ever. The Vikings tied for seventh last year with 43 sacks, and theres the potential to land higher. Defensive end Everson Griffen, who posted 22+ sacks over the last two seasons, is poised for a big year.RAISING THE ROOF: After a couple of preseason tuneups, the Vikings will formally open U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 18 when they host the rival Green Bay Packers. The $1.1 billion venue was built on the same site as the old Metrodome.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL coverage on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL---Follow Dave Campbell on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DaveCampbellAPTyreek Hill Womens Jersey . Gather a group of friends, or find a league to join online, draft your team, set your lineup and compete in a number of different formats. Custom Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Anthony-Sherman-Chiefs-Jersey/ .com) - The Montreal Canadiens will try to halt their longest losing streak of the season when they host the struggling New York Islanders in tonights clash at the Bell Centre. Christian Okoye Chiefs Jersey . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. Christian Okoye Jersey .5 seconds to play in the game, Kevin Love never stopped believing that they would come out of there with a win.Rich Beem believes Rickie Fowler can bounce back from his Quail Hollow disappointment and mount a serious title defence at this week’s Players Championship. Fowler took a one-shot lead into the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship, but ended two strokes back in tied-fourth after a disappointing two-over 74 on Sunday.James Hahn went on to claim a play-off victory over Robert Castro at the first extra hole, while Fowler was left to settle for a seventh top-10 finish in 11 worldwide starts during 2016. Fowler and Rory McIlroy both finished the week on seven under The world No 5 heads to TPC Sawgrass this week as defending champion having snatched victory in a play-off after a memorable finale last time around, and Beem fully expects Fowler to contend again.He was in contention going to Sunday but didnt have his best stuff, Beem told Sky Sports. He has to clean that up a little bit, but you have to feel excited for him becaause he is starting to come into form.ddddddddddddThis time last year was when he really blossomed and won the Players Championship and youve got to like his chances. TPC Sawgrass 17th hole has produced a number of memorable moments through the years Hes very confident and you can see that in the way he talks and walks; everything he does just exudes confidence.Id have a hard time betting against him, but I also have a long laundry list of players I couldnt bet against, so it should make for an exciting week.Click on the video above to hear more from Rich Beems TPC Sawgrass preview with Sarah Stirk Watch the Players Championship throughout week from May 12-15 live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf Also See: Recap: Fowler wins thriller 2015 Sawgrass highlights Ewen: Splendid Sawgrass Golf live on Sky Sports 4 ' ' '