Adrian Peterson says Minnesota Vikings have Super talent

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Running back Adrian Peterson hasn't been shy about his title dreams entering his 10th NFL season.

Peterson believes the Minnesota Vikings have the makings of a Super Bowl winner. In fact, he's so excited that he says even training camp won't be as bad this season.

"I'll probably be a little more excited, but I'm never excited to go to training camp," Peterson said. "It's always until I drive into Mankato and it's like, 'OK, the reality is there. It's time to start.'

"But I am excited as far as what we have and the vision that we have for this season. So that will make it a lot better going into camp this year."

Coming off an 11-5 season that saw the Vikings edge the favored Green Bay Packers for the NFC North title, Peterson said everyone on the team should be thinking Super Bowl title.

Then he joked that anyone who doesn't feel the same way and is willing to say so should pack his bags and beat it.

"We have a long way to go, but we have the pieces of what it takes to accomplish that," Peterson said. "So there's nothing wrong with saying it.

If any other guy on this team don't feel that way, we should trade him and bring somebody in that feels (we can win a title). We all know what we are trying to accomplish and I feel like we have what it takes."

--Like many players this time of year, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater appears to be noticeably stronger than last season. And, in his case, incredibly stronger than he did as a rookie two years ago.

The third-year pro won't be confused for a body builder, a linebacker or even a big quarterback. But he does look thicker and more able to take a punishing hit without an entire team and its fan base holding its breath.

Bridgewater was asked if he added some muscle in the offseason. He smiled.

"I probably did," he said. "Like I said when I first saw you guys this spring, it has been a freak show in the weight room (with) Shaun (Hill), Taylor (Heinicke), Joel (Stave) and I.

"We've just been pounding the weights, just making sure we do the little things to take care of our bodies, to build up stamina, endurance, to be able to throw the ball all spring and also get our bodies ready for this upcoming season."

--Cornerback Xavier Rhodes stepped up his personal training this off-season by going one-on-one against some top receivers from around the league.

Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants and Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers were two of the receivers he battled during those workouts in Florida.

"It helps a lot," Rhodes said. "Especially those shifty, smaller guys who can play in the slot or outside. They make you work."