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"Pestered one last time to answer how the Vikings' offense would perform without star receiver Randy Moss, Tice's deep voice gradually began to rise. ..."

"I want to make sure we all understand in the five games where there was an injury to [Moss] last year, our quarterback carried our football team and we scored a lot of points," Tice said on Thursday. "We had a lot of offense and we lost two games on last-second field goals. ... We will not be a lesser offense.

"We will lose some (big) plays, absolutely and positively, but we have some players on our roster that can play football," Tice continued. "And I'm an offensive head coach and we're going to be good on offense, I'll promise you that."

But as Krawczynski suggested, "The Vikings offensive identity changed the minute Moss was officially traded to Oakland on Wednesday."

Tice admitted as much, telling reporters, "We built our offense around him."

So now that the foundation of their system is gone, what's next?

"We will be excellent on offense," the coach insisted said. "That's one thing I can stand here [today] and promise you. I know offense."

According to Pro Football Weekly, with Moss gone the "exploding-scoreboard mentality" on offense will likely leave with him.

Those close to the situation expect Tice and new offensive coordinator Steve Loney to adjust the offense to fit their personality, veering away from the pass-heavy system and building around a powerful running game and play-action passing.

PFW went on to note that Tice was of the mind that the fast-break offense Minnesota has used couldn't carry the team to the Super Bowl and thus approved of the move to swap Moss for defensive help.

As part of the downshift, basic fundamentals and a more "old-school thinking" will be part of Tice's message at the post-draft mini-camp.

Moss' departure will result in other changes.

According to the Sporting News, Daunte Culpepper and center Matt Birk will step up as the unquestioned leaders in the locker room.

And Nate Burleson, who led the team with 1,001 receiving yards in 2004, will step up as the No. 1 receiver. Hands and disciplined route running, not speed, are Burleson's best attributes. Asked specifically if Burleson will remain the team's No. 1 receiver -- regardless of any draft day additions or free-agent acquisitions, "Absolutely," Tice said. "No question."

Marcus Robinson is capable of making big plays, but the team almost certainly will have to look for an explosive receiver in the draft and/or free agency.

If they decide to rely on the draft, the Vikings -- with the No. 7 pick they get from the Raiders in the Moss trade -- have an outside shot at Michigan wideout Braylon Edwards, but also are very impressed with USC's Mike Williams.

Williams said he spoke to Tice about possibly replacing the record-setting Moss.

"I told him I wouldn't be trying to fill Randy Moss' shoes. I think those shoes are cut to his feet," Williams said at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. "I think I'd bring my own pair, I'd bring my own attitude, my own playing style and my own demeanor about myself and just really be me."

As far as free agents go, Plaxico Burress is the biggest name still available.

According to Minneapolis Star Tribune beat man Kevin Seifert, the Vikings' interest in Burress likely hinges on how long he remains unsigned. Burress received little attention during the first week of free agency. His agent, Michael Harrison, contacted the Vikings on Thursday in an attempt to jump-start the market.

As Burress' market value dwindles, the Vikings' interest will increase.

Rob Brzezinski, the team's vice president of football operations, said Friday that the Vikings are "researching" Burress' background and skills. Tice had no comment on Burress, but he said former Ravens receiver Travis Taylor, who visited team headquarters on Thursday, "was recruiting us, really."

"We had a different strategy, but this young man is aggressively pursuing us," Tice said. "He's a fine football player. Very articulate young man and dresses well."

In five years with the Ravens, Taylor had 204 catches for 2,758 yards and 15 touchdowns.

"Travis Taylor is a player that is intriguing," Tice said. "He has not been explosive in this league."

But as the coach correctly pointed out: "You look at that offense and see that not many people have been."

True that. ...

There is a third option. ... In an article published early this morning, Seifert advised readers that the team has had discussions with the Redskins that would send receiver Rod Gardner to Minnesota, probably for a draft pick.

Gardner, the 15th overall pick in the 2001 draft, was given permission to seek a trade because he was unhappy with how the Redskins used him last season. Gardner caught 51 passes for 650 yards and five touchdowns last season.

But at this point in his career, there's no reason to believe Gardner -- a big, physical receiver -- is about to emerge as the kind of downfield threat needed.

Getting back to Minnesota's offensive prospects for the coming season, I'll remind you again: During a three-game stretch with Moss on the sideline with a hamstring injury last season, Culpepper completed 68 percent of his passes for 765 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception.

That ain't bad. ...

Other Fantasy-specific tidbits of interest this week. ...

According to the New York Daily News, it wasn't easy for the Giants to say goodbye to veteran receiver Ike Hilliard. But it will be a lot easier in the future if they can replace him with Burress.

Though they're still a longshot to sign the Steelers' big receiver, the Giants are at least making an initial push to lure him to New York, according Harrison. The two sides have talked during each of the first two days of the free-agent signing period, and apparently have even tossed some preliminary contract numbers around.

"We're chatting," Harrison told the Daily News. "We're feeling each other out. We're talking numbers. I don't know if they're in our ballpark, but they're trying to put something together that would make a little sense for us."

Once again, the longer Burress is available the lower his asking price will go. ...

Of course, the real question here has to be why isn't Burress drawing more attention now that he's on the open market?

According to SportsLine.com senior writer Pete Prisco, some teams are scared off by his attitude. Prisco went on to advise readers that some of "his off-the-field friends don't exactly attract teams to Burress."

Whatever the case, Burress is as surprised as anybody by the lack of interest.

"Let's just say [Plaxico] thought he'd either be on a plane by now or already signed," a close Burress friend told ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli last Wednesday afternoon, the first day of the signing period.

The lack of interest comes even though Burress appeared to make a concerted effort to clean up his act last season. His reception totals were down, but the former first-round pick didn't complain. Even more impressive is the fact he followed teammate Hines Ward's example and concentrated more on his downfield blocking and seemed to put the team ahead of himself.

But as Pasquarelli summed up: "The rehabilitation of his persona and newfound maturity haven't translated into Burress moving to the front burner of teams looking to heat up their passing attack, though. ..."

Meanwhile, Providence Journal sports writer Tom E. Curran reports that with the Patriots in need of help at wideout, team officials could take a look at Hilliard.

Ernie Accorsi, the Giants' general manager and friend of head coach Bill Belichick and vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli said after Hilliard's release:

"I think anyone who has been in the National Football League as long as I have has an unofficial list in his mind of his all-time favorite players -- Ike Hilliard is near the top of mine," Accorsi said. "A pure professional, clutch player, warrior and extraordinary person. I don't think I have ever admired any player I've been around more than Ike."

According to Tampa Tribune staffer Katherine Smith, the Buccaneers -- with general manager Bruce Allen admitting the team might not be able to retain both Joe Jurevicius and Joey Galloway -- have also contacted Hilliard's agent. ...

According to Daily News beat man Rich Cimini, the arrival of Laveranues Coles lends further credence to those who contend the Jets are looking to better take advantage of the stricter enforcement of pass-interference rules by throwing the ball more.

Although Curtis Martin led the NFL in rushing last season, it resulted in a "Driving Miss Daisy" offense, as head coach Herman Edwards called it. Now Edwards is looking to join the passing craze.

For starters, Edwards hired a coordinator known for downfield passing, Mike Heimerdinger, formerly of the Titans. The trade for Coles and signing Denver tight end Jeb Putzier to an offer sheet this week Heimerdinger the weapons to make his scheme work.

"I think, obviously, we have to throw a little bit more, and maybe a little bit more downfield," Edwards said last week at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. "That's Mike's style. ..."

The only question now is whether Chad Pennington -- or more specifically, his surgically repaired throwing shoulder -- will truly be up to the challenge. ...

And while we're discussing teams eager to upgrade their passing attacks, let's take a quick look at the Ravens.

As Baltimore Sun staffer Jamison Hensley framed it Friday, once Derrick Mason signed with the team this week, "the writing might as well have been on the wall for coach Brian Billick and quarterback Kyle Boller.

"The addition of the 'one extra piece' to their passing attack now removes all excuses. ..."

I might not go quite that far, but there's no doubt the lack of a high-end receiving threat on the outside has been an issue. After all, the team has finished 27th (2002), 32nd (2003) and 31st (2004) in the league over the past three seasons when it come to passing the ball.

The locals seem to believe the team's offense, which will be directed by new coordinator Jim Fassel, has the look of one on the verge of a breakout season.

But that only happens if Boller gets everything possible out of the talent -- Mason, Todd Heap and Jamal Lewis -- around him.

"It's time for our offense to take that next step," Boller said. "Our new offensive coordinator Jim Fassel, a healthy Todd Heap and now Derrick Mason are all going to help. There's not much more you can ask for. You just have to go out there and do it."

Mason's reputation of 90-plus catches the past two seasons, Boller said, will force teams to play the Ravens differently.

"Defenses then aren't going to be able to drop that eighth or ninth man in the box," Boller said. "They have to worry about Derrick Mason on the outside and Todd Heap over the middle. I think we'll get the ball to Derrick a whole lot. ..."

We'll see. ... If it were anybody but Boller, perhaps I wouldn't be so skeptical.

As Hensley suggested, Boller's 2004 season -- his second as a starter -- wasn't especially impressive. Boller threw for 154 yards or fewer in half of his starts. He completed more than 60 percent of his passes three times and connected on fewer than 53 percent six times.

All of which goes a long way in explaining my skepticism. ...

For what it's worth. ...

General manager Ozzie Newsome didn't dismiss signing another veteran receiver, perhaps as the No. 3 wideout behind Mason and Clarence Moore. According to Hensley, the Ravens could look at a free agent like Galloway, Cedrick Wilson or Hilliard, who once played for Fassel.

"If someone else becomes available that we think can come in and contribute," Newsome said, "we'll sign him. ..."

Moving on to the Edgerrin James saga. ... The Colts' star halfback spent a few moments Thursday chatting with a group of South Florida reporters while attending the annual University of Miami Pro Day.

"Whoever wants to give me a contract, I'm ready to play," James, who was designated as the franchise player by Indianapolis to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent, told them.

Asked many times if he wanted the Dolphins to be that team, Miami Herald beat man Jason Cole noted that James was coy.

"I'm going to be here six months a year anyway, so that's no big deal," he said.

But as Cole pointed out, the truth is James has been seeking a way to get to Miami for more than three years. He grew weary of the Indianapolis lifestyle years ago. To that end, the former Hurricane recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to facilitate a trade.

"Drew to the rescue," James quipped as Rosenhaus stood a few feet away. "Ya'll know how fast Drew can talk. If there's potential for him to make it happen, he will."

Rosenhaus has made a specialty of trades in the past year, helping work out deals from Denver to Washington for running back Clinton Portis, from Miami to Chicago for defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, and for cornerback Duane Starks to go from Arizona to New England on Wednesday. In each case, Rosenhaus procured a new contract for his client.

Talk of a trade for James has stirred lots of talk in South Florida, and even Dolphins head coach Nick Saban wouldn't discount the idea.

Under terms of the franchise tag, the Colts can demand two first-round picks in exchange for James.

According to Palm Beach Post staffer Joe Schad, Portis, another former Hurricane also in attendance Thursday, predicted James would be dealt to Miami by next week.

"Straight up," Portis told Schad. "For Jason Taylor."

Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard, who was having lunch with Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney on Thursday, told Schad he'd just spoken with Indianapolis president Bill Polian and that subject never came up.

Schad added: "Portis insisted he was serious. But Rosenhaus said he and Portis laugh about potential deals like that all the time. ..."

One last note on James. ... Asked specifically if he would hold out of training camp without a long-term deal, James said: "You can't really answer that question right now. That's up in the air."

Also in Indianapolis. ... Prisco advised readers that one reason the Colts felt comfortable enough to release veteran tight end Marcus Pollard this week is they love two of the young kids that played behind him last year.

One is Ben Hartsock, who did see time as a rookie and actually had four catches.

But Prisco went on to suggest that the team officials are really excited about is Ben Utecht, a second-year player from Minnesota. Utecht missed last season after having groin surgery in the spring. He is a pass-catching threat who should help the Colts offense in the middle of the field.

Although they could still re-sign Pollard, the team believes Dallas Clark, Hartsock and Utecht give them plenty of options in the passing attack. ...

In Cincinnati. ... According to Bengals.com online editor Geoff Hobson, receivers coach Hue Jackson on Friday said his take on the receiver position is if the season started tomorrow, T.J. Houshmandzadeh would be his No. 2 receiver, but that he'd have to keep it during the spring and summer camps in a field he hopes includes a healthy Peter Warrick.

But according to Profootballtalk.com, Warrick and Kelley Washington were upset with the four-year, $13 million deal Houshmandzadeh inked Wednesday. The last thing Warrick said when he left for the offseason back on Dec. 30 is that he didn't want to stick around if he was going to be a No. 3 receiver.

"I'm either going to be one or two," Warrick said at the time. "I'm not going to be a third guy. That's how I feel. I'm not a third receiver anywhere. I'm a one or a two."

Either way, Houshmandzadeh's deal puts Warrick's future in doubt, since the latter has a $2.2 million salary in the last year of his contract. Both Warrick and Washington have a new agent in Rosenhaus, who has yet to address speculation that his clients are unhappy or concerned about what that contract will do to their roles.

Houshmandzadeh says his contract isn't an issue.

"I hadn't talked to [Warrick] in a while, but after I signed it, we talked on the phone and he told me he was happy for me," he said.

Houshmandzadeh went on suggest he wasn't sure how much will really change if Warrick comes back healthy.

"I figure we're just going to play a lot," Houshmandzadeh said. "We play three wides a lot, and we can switch in and out of the slot, who knows? Let's just play and see what happens."

Until then, Jackson claims he's talked to Warrick and doesn't know where Profootballtalk got the notion Warrick might be by Houshmandzadeh's contract.

"Peter's fine," Jackson insisted when asked about the rumor by Hobson. "This is a very competitive room, but the main focus of it is winning. Peter knows the best guys are going to play no matter who is getting paid what."

Jackson then re-iterated: "Right now, T.J. would be No. 2 because he had a great year and we're not sure about Peter's health. But T.J. has to keep playing the way he did and we want Peter to get back to where he was and be better.

"Bottom line is, there are plenty of balls to go around. ..."

And finally this week, a quick rundown of the latest free-agent quarterback news. ...

Kurt Warner met with the Bears on Friday, but as the Chicago Tribune suggested, it's probably not the best situation among the three teams he's visiting. Warner said he wants to decide "yesterday" and could pick a team early next week after meeting with Detroit.

Even as Warner met with the Bears, his agent was talking contract with Arizona, where Warner visited Thursday. The Cardinals appear to fit his needs better. "Arizona presents a pretty good opportunity as far as starting situation," Warner said Friday. "They're probably the most unsettled situation of all three. ..."

Once Warner decides, the free-agent QB situations could be resolved quickly with Brad Johnson, Jay Fiedler and Jeff Garcia finding jobs.

According to Pasquarelli, the speculation that Arizona head coach Dennis Green would prefer Johnson is incorrect. Warner is the guy the Cardinals have No. 1 on their wish list, and Johnson is their fallback option.

Also according to Pasquarelli, Garcia is weighing his options and appears to be leaning toward accepting the backup role in Denver rather than signing with the Lions while Fiedler has interest from the Giants and Bears.