It’s early in the NFL season, but as a Vikings’ fan it seems that all there’s left is optimism.

We have optimism that Brett Favre won’t break the NFL touchdown record in our building on Sunday. (Maybe he’ll get arrested for something.) Or maybe all of his touchdown passes will be to Viking defenders, as that is the best chance we have at scoring.

We have optimism that the Packers won’t beat us like they have three solid football teams this year.

We have optimism that the Bears are as bad as we are.

We have optimism that we have played the hard part of the schedule. (OK, that’s not optimism, it’s stupidity.)

After starting the season by beating up on the decrepit Falcons, the Vikings have been on the losing end of two very ugly road games.

As a fan, I don’t see it getting much better.

At the start of the week, I thought, well we lost to the Lions, it shouldn’t have happened, but they are division foes who beat us on their home turf. It happens.

After seeing what the Eagles did to the Lions this week, it is clear that the loss was to a poor team.

Sure, the Vikings were without their starting quarterback against the Chiefs, but I don’t think was the problem.

Our defense kept the Vikings in the game, but showed their weakness against the pass in the second half, while the offense continued to sputter, with the exception of Peterson, of course.

The rookie had another great game gaining over 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground, while becoming the teams leading pass receiver, as well.

Herein may lay the problem.

A rookie running back should not have to shoulder the brunt of the offense on both the running and passing fronts. Once Taylor is back, they will share the responsibility, but are sure to face at least seven defenders in the box at all times.

Randy Moss where are you?

Oh yeah, he’s in New England tearing apart the AFC.

Nate Burleson, where are you?

Oh yeah, we let him go to Seattle, where he is primarily a return man and number two receiver (if Hackett is hurt). He should be our go-to guy.

Mike Tomlin, where are you?

He’s coaching the 3-0 Steelers.

The Vikings need to get something going in a hurry or start looking forward to a top five pick in next year’s draft.

What do you think the Vikings’ biggest problem is?

Quarterback?

Lack of talent?

Coaching?

Receivers?

Do you think they can rebound this year?

How many games do you think they will win?