(Sports Network) -

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 25th, Veterans July 25th

SITE: Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN

CAMP OBJECTIVES: There is major hope in Minnesota that the light has come on for third-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, and that the presence of an expensive new weapon in wideout Bernard Berrian (Bears) will help the offense realize its potential. If Jackson and the attack struggles early in the preseason, the natives are going to get pretty restless (Gus Frerotte and John David Booty are the backup quarterbacks, by the way). A defense that ranked dead last in the NFL against the pass last year has added a couple of key pieces to help improve upon that standing. Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen needs to prove he was worth the sizeable investment the team made to secure his services from the Chiefs, and ex-Bengals safety Madieu Williams must make some plays and show consistent cover ability on the back end.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE:

Aug 8 - vs. Seattle, 8:00 PM Aug 16 - at Baltimore, 7:30 PM Aug 23 - vs. Pittsburgh, 8:00 PM Aug 28 - at Dallas, 8:00 PM