K.C., Minnesota eager to test new defenses

? For several years, the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings have offset the power of their prolific offenses with shoddy defenses.

Attempts to upgrade generally have failed, but each team is counting on this year’s revamp to work.

“We’re not going to allow our offense to go out and have to score 30 points to win,” Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield said.

That’s the same thing they’re hoping on the other side.

“Hopefully it turns out to be a very successful, positive improvement for the Chiefs and then I’ll say, ‘Hey, that’s terrific,'” general manager Carl Peterson said during the draft in April. “But it’s just the beginning. It’s not the end.”

Minnesota and Kansas City, who meet tonight at the Metrodome in an exhibition game, each could have five new starters on defense.

Though new cornerback Fred Smoot will sit out because of a sore right knee, the Vikings will get their first true look at this improved unit, with nose tackle Pat Williams, linebackers Sam Cowart and Napoleon Harris and free safety Darren Sharper putting on purple game jerseys for the first time. Rookie defensive end Erasmus James, who held out for the first 10 days of training camp while his contract was negotiated, will play sparingly.

Kansas City kick returner Dante Hall, right, and special teams coach Frank Gansz Jr. wave to fans during practice. The Chiefs worked out Thursday in River Falls, Wis.

The Chiefs? First-round draft pick Derrick Johnson is supposed to be a star at linebacker. Safety Sammy Knight, cornerback Patrick Surtain and linebacker Kendrell Bell highlight the veteran additions.

Kansas City coach Dick Vermeil is eager to watch his new charges.

“I want to see how they respond,” he said. “I’ve been very pleased with our draft choices and obviously very pleased with our unrestricted free agent signings. But I think we’ve got to see them play in a live situation – tackle full speed, catch balls full speed, all these different things.”

Kansas City’s aging offense doesn’t figure to see much time. Vermeil said running back Priest Holmes, who missed half of last season because of a knee injury, would play only a few snaps. Tight end Tony Gonzalez probably will take it slow, too, after hurting his foot during a drill last weekend.

Preseason games are also critical for special teams, and both coaches will watch theirs closely.

Chiefs at Vikings

When: 7 tonight

Where: Metrodome, Minneapolis

TV: CBS (Sunflower Broadband Chs. 5, 13)

Records: NFL exhibition opener for both teams

Line: Vikings by 31â2

Chiefs rookie punter Dustin Colquitt, a third-round pick from Tennessee, has been inconsistent in camp – despite impressive boots that returner extraordinaire Dante Hall occasionally has dropped. Their kicker, Lawrence Tynes, must also prove his worth after an up-and-down rookie season.

Aaron Elling and Paul Edinger are running even in their fight for Minnesota’s kicker job, and this game will be an important benchmark.

“One guy missed a 42-yarder,” coach Mike Tice said after a practice earlier this week, “and the next guy comes up and missed the same kick. I don’t know if they made a pact to try to mess with me. It’s really neck-and-neck.”

One possible wrinkle for this otherwise-ordinary preseason matchup is a scuffle or two. The Vikings and Chiefs, who train in River Falls, Wis., usually scrimmage each other for a couple of days each August, but drills became a bit rough and they decided to call off their annual get-together this summer.

“I don’t know if there’s bad blood, but it will definitely be competitive,” Vikings defensive end Lance Johnstone said. “We don’t hold any ill will in our hearts toward them, but I think it will probably be a little more spirited preseason (game) than most.”