It's been almost four months since the Vikings lost to the Giants and it's a little more than two months before training camp opens, but the Vikings looked in minicamp like both dates have some importance to them.

The Vikings haven't forgotten their 41-0 humbling at the hands of the New York Giants and are heading into the 2001 season with that still on their minds.

Dennis Green closed out the Vikings minicamp saying that the team has made the needed changes and, despite coming into this season without players like John Randle, Todd Steussie, Dwayne Rudd and Tony Williams, Green is confident both the offense and defense will be in decent shape.

The Vikings finished out the minicamp with a morning practice Sunday before players dispersed to their own homes for the next couple of months, but Green said the work accomplished in the three days will benefit the Vikings down the line.

MINICAMP NOTES
* One disturbing trend was Randy Moss' continued insistance that he may not continue his career in Minnesota. While talks with Moss' agent have begun, Moss has again said he wants to win a title and isn't sure that will get done in Minnesota and is willing to leave to get a ring -- not exactly what the Vikes want to hear.
* The Vikings are playing Gabe Northern at strongside linebacker -- a position he has never played in his pro career -- and for now have scrapped him as part of the defensive line rotation.
* The current defensive line plan is to shuffle players in and out, but not to shuffle most them across the line. Talance Sawyer has been shifted to left end with Lance Johnstone at right end and both are expected to remain there all season.
* Jake Reed looked very impressive during minicamp and is happy to be back with the Vikings after a year in New Orleans and promises to be another weapon in the Vikings offensive arsenal this season.