Of course, last year the Vikings had the benefit of a favorable schedule.  Their first two games were on the road, but against abysmal Cleveland and feeble Detroit.  They then got the tough 49ers and formidable Packers at home, before facing the atrocious Rams in St. Louis.

2010 saw them again beginning their season on the road, but not against the Cleveland Browns.  Instead they faced the Saints, on the day New Orleans raised their first ever championship banner, ratcheting up emotions in the already hostile Superdome to a fever pitch.  The Vikings gave a valiant effort but were ultimately unable to put their offense together, and wound up on the short end of a tough, low-scoring game.

Now they have returned to Minnesota to make their home debut.  Last year, they rode into the Metrodome for the first time already 2-0.  This year, they limp in at 0-1, and riddled with issues.

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In a conference call Wednesday afternoon with reporters, Williams spoke about the blow the Dolphins received when Camarillo was dealt.

“It really hurt a lot of us to see him leave,” Ricky said.  “He’s money.”

The “money” remark is a reference to Camarillo’s hands, which are among the surest in the league.  Camarillo also has a reputation as a gritty competitor and a fast learner.  The latter skill will come in handy as he tries to pick up the Vikings’ offense on the fly.  Last Thursday, his lack of familiarity with the system limited him to only 7 snaps, a situation Camarillo anticipated after struggling all week in practice.

“In the preseason, you can pick up the offense real easy because it’s just vanilla, basic offense,” the receiver explained. “Once you start getting into the season, you start getting more complex. That made it a little more difficult. I didn’t do as well in practice. I didn’t know what to expect going into the game but it wasn’t unexpected.”

With another week of practice under his belt, Camarillo figures to see an expanded role this Sunday against the Dolphins.  As you would expect from someone with a reputation for competitiveness, Camarillo is itching to take the field against the team that traded him away.

“What more could you ask for?” he said. “From the minute I got traded, I’ve been thinking about this. It’s Week 2. It’s so early, it’s great. Last week how the whole team felt about the Saints and wanting to get their second swing at them, that’s how I feel about the Dolphins. It’s all my friends. No ill will toward the team, but I want to come out there and kick their tail.”

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