A Long-Term Look at the Vikings' QB Future
by Gonzo
on Oct 5, 2008 2:44 PM CDT
in Vikings
Tommy Kramer and Daunte Culpepper have quite a few things in common. They both came from schools that aren't exactly known as football powerhouses (Kramer from Rice, Culpepper from Central Florida). They're both in the top 3 in just about every major passing category in Vikings history. They both, ultimately, had records under .500 as starting quarterbacks in Minnesota, largely through no fault of their own (Kramer was 54-56, Culpepper was 38-42).
But there's one other interesting thing that they have in common.
In the 48-year history of the Minnesota Vikings, Culpepper and Kramer are the only two quarterbacks that the Minnesota Vikings have used a first round draft choice on. Culpepper was drafted higher than any quarterback in Vikings' history, having been selected with the 11th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, while Kramer was the 27th overall selection in 1977. Other than that, every other quarterback ever drafted by the Minnesota Vikings has been selected in the second round or below.
Taking a look at this team's current quarterback situation sort of underscores this semi-ignorance of the quarterback position. Right now, the top guy on the depth chart is a 37-year old journeyman who, while serviceable, is still best known for headbutting a wall during a touchdown celebration and injuring his neck. The backup is a talented but raw project that got thrown into the fire way too soon. The third-string guy is a 5th round draft pick who, while talented, spent his pre-season looking almost totally lost. . .and with the current coach, that's a condition that could remain permanent.
Now, I'm not saying that selecting a quarterback in the first round is the ultimate answer to our quarterback situation. After all, the greatest quarterback in Viking history was a third-round selection from the University of Georgia. The #4 guy on the Vikings all-time passing yardage list was an 8th round pick out of Florida State that never started a game. Guys like Tom Brady went in the 6th round of the draft, and guys like Tony Romo never got drafted at all.
But as I sit here this afternoon watching Matt Ryan lead a Falcons' offense that was supposed to be awful this year. . .largely because they had thrown a rookie right into the fire. . .to what's shaping up to be an upset at Corrugated Tin Shack Field in Green Bay, I can't help but wonder about what the Vikings could be if they drafted a quarterback, gave him a coach that could actually develop him, and actually made a committment to him. With Gus Frerotte playing out a one-year deal with the Vikings and the futures of both Tarvaris Jackson and Brad Childress decidedly up in the air, the time is coming where the Vikings might not have much of a choice.
So, who are some of these potential long-term answers at the quarterback position? Well, looking at the list of the top 32 NFL Draft prospects at NFL Draft Countdown, you'll notice that there are currently zero quarterbacks that carry a first-round grade. Now, this doesn't count underclassmen like Georgia's Matthew Stafford, Southern California's Mark Sanchez, Florida's Tim Tebow, and Kansas State's Josh Freeman. With the prevalence of the spread offense in college football, however, coaches and scouts not only have to take physical skills and abilities into account, but the system the player plays in and how well it translates to the NFL game.
What do you see for the future of the Vikings' quarterback situation? Go ahead and discuss it here, and continue enjoying your afternoon of NFL action. With the Falcons just having gone up 10 in Green Bay with about 3 1/2 minutes left, I know I'm sure as hell enjoying it.
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The answer:
Illegally throw every remaining game by leaving Childress as coach. That should guarantee a top five draft pick.
We’ll then draft some loser who Childress is convinced can win, and we’ll start the whole cycle over.
Oh, the agony of being a Viking fan.
Viking Vigil
http://www.vikingvigil.com
Twins Fix
http://www.twinsfix.com
by Andersklasen on Oct 5, 2008 3:11 PM CDT 0 recs
I voted draft a #1 pick but...
I think we may just pull another Jared Allen scheme! We need a DE, lets go get the best DE in the game… Not saying we’re gonna go get Payton, Tom Brady, Big Ben but I wouldn’t be surprised if we brought in a McNabb or Palmer or Warner. Possible Trade or Free Agent pick up? There’s too many questions for this year to decide what will happen…
by Macdaddy4508 on
Oct 5, 2008 11:29 PM CDT
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Sad but true
Vikes fans you hear this comment and it sickens you. But look at what childress does. Vikes fans used to be the most loyal and jacked up fans. Look at fans now, we are just waiting for a time when we have a legit chance to have success- that will be the post-childress era. I hate to be negative but that is what childress does, he strips your joy and love and turns it to hate. Fire childress and lets see the vikes finally take a huge step forward
by Zizzle on
Oct 6, 2008 3:52 PM CDT
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1 Rounder
What I see happening is Chilly getting fired after this season, and the new coach coming in a drafting his own guy. I don’t think Jackson had a fair chance, namely because this offense and play calling make it near impossible for a QB to have success.
But still, I think a 1st rounder next year plus a coaching change would be best for the vikings and probably the route they will take.
by cruton647 on Oct 5, 2008 3:12 PM CDT 0 recs
You are right.
When Childress goes, so goes Jackson. Jackson is Childress’ “project”, and I seriously doubt any other coach will be willing to take it over.
Viking Vigil
http://www.vikingvigil.com
Twins Fix
http://www.twinsfix.com
by Andersklasen on
Oct 5, 2008 3:31 PM CDT
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Trade
Instead of looking at castoffs or projects, I believe the Vikings would be best off trading for a quarterback. Whether it is a 2nd round pick next year, or possibly plus a player, they will need to give up value to get value.
Wouldn’t have picking up Pennington looked absolutely brilliant right about now?
Not sure who will be out there in the spring, but the Vikings had better start working the phones early, and not waiting for something to drop in there lap.
by Iceland-Viking on Oct 5, 2008 4:21 PM CDT 0 recs
wouldn't have showing interest in Favre be brilliant rt now?...
6 TD’s… Favre… New team… WHAT?!
dude’s always been a pimp. biggest let down of the season was not goin after him…
by Macdaddy4508 on
Oct 5, 2008 11:30 PM CDT
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Favre
As good as he would have looked in Purple, there was 0 chance that GB would trade him to the Vikings. Heck, they even made sure to put a poison pill clause into the trade with the Jets to prevent them from shipping Favre back to the NFC North. I really don’t think the Packers would have moved Favre to the Vikings for the 2nd round pick this year and the 1st rounder next year, thats how bad they wanted him out of the NFC, never mind the NFC North.
by Iceland-Viking on
Oct 6, 2008 8:07 AM CDT
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i think once chilly is gone we draft a qb with a high pick then don’t start him but give tjack another chance at the job next year, resign frerotte or another vet, and set that pick at the number 3 spot for him to learn and develop that way if tj falls through or is injured we have someone accountable to fall back on for a year and then we can put in the youngin
by AD is All Day on Oct 5, 2008 6:30 PM CDT 0 recs
Kind of like the Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn thing
Hopefully we get results more akin to the first year of that situation rather than the second year.
In AP I trust
by FarvaForTheVikings on
Oct 5, 2008 11:15 PM CDT
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QBs and WRs and CBs .... and a new Head Coach!
That’s where the Vikes need to focus, now and into the draft. I think they should look for a good QB and yes, I totally agree with Iceland Viking, we should have pursued Pennington; he’d’ve been a perfect fit in the Vikings offense with his precision.
One thing the Vikes have going for them next year is that the draft is heavily weighted towards top-rated linemen and LBs, and the Vikes are solid there, leaving them free to pick the lower-rated but much more needed positions.
Look for a really good veteran QB, since that probably won’t pan out, expect to put a #1 pick into the best QB available in the draft (maybe Tim Tebow can be coaxed to come to the NFL early). Follow that with a high-speed WR (I really like Aaron Kelly out of Clemson, his height and speed are exactly what’s needed to spark the deep threat), and a pair of good corners.
Oh, and before I forget…. a replacement for Childress is an absolute must, and I don’t care if the Vikes win every game through the rest of the season, including the Super Bowl; when it’s over, fire Childress. At this point, if the Vikes do well, it will be despite Childress, not because of him.
by DCPurple on Oct 5, 2008 8:39 PM CDT 0 recs
I tend to believe Childress will be gone after the season and another coach will draft his guy. Jackson would be a fine backup and who knows, maybe in time he’ll be good enough to start. But it’s painfully obvious that Childress and his plans are not going anywhere.
A good smart QB and a good smart coach would be enough to make us a winner.
by Bodysuit Man on Oct 5, 2008 8:44 PM CDT 0 recs
if they fall out of it in the next 4-5 weeks they should let john david booty play to see what the kid has
and if they dont think he can be the guy in 09 then i would love to have mark sanchez as the QB, i think he may come out after this year, and watching how he plays i think he is going to be a good NFL starter and all they really need to do is have a guy manage this offense and sanchez could do more than manage a offense, but 1st they have to drop childress for any QB to be successful here
YOUR 2008 AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS.... THE TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!
by RaysOfHope on Oct 5, 2008 8:56 PM CDT 0 recs
My Opinion...
They had a great QB prospect sitting there for them last draft and they passed: Brian Brohm. Smart. Accurate. Great work ethic. Can make all the throws. And I’ve seen him compared most often to the guy they’ll see tomorrow night: Drew Brees.
I know he’s been relegated the 3rd string right now in Green Bay, but I think he’ll be okay long term. Not sure how many here read Football Outsiders, but one of their signature pieces of research state that the best way to evaluate QB’s drafted the first day is how many starts they had in college and their completion percentage. Brohm was the best in both, And as a cool-headed cat who came out of a pro system and generally makes great decisions, with the Vikings running game as a crutch, I believe he’d have been the best QB on the roster the instant he was drafted (granted, the bar’s not set extremely high).
But that’s water under the bridge. What’s apparent is the Childress regime has been downright negligent about the skill personnel for the passing game (QB and WR), and now they’re basically stuck. Even after they fire Childress I suspect they’ll be working under his shadow for at least a year or two while they figure out how to restock. And I believe the Tavaris Jackson experiment was flawed from the get-go: What were they thinking drafting a division !-AA QB—who posted poor completion % versus 1-AA competition—and asking him to lead a (we’re told) precision-based passing game?
Anyway, I hope they draft a QB first day. I’m more of a fan of the Bill Polian/Indy Colts style: Build through the draft and UFAs. I’m not a fan of the Zygi Wilf/Daniel Snyder approach of throwing money at your problems. Obviously we’ll have to see where they end up picking. Right now it looks like the top 3 QBs are probably Tebow (who actually looks like he may live up to the hype, and he’s doing it in a defense-dominant conference), OU’s Sam Bradford, and Clemson’s Cullen Harper. Of course, two of those guys are underclassmen on real good teams, so they may not enter. I think Purdue’s Curtis Painter and Georgia’s QB are overrated.
by jianfu on Oct 5, 2008 9:32 PM CDT 0 recs
Brian Bhrom and John David Booty are basically the same QB. Are you suggesting we shouldve picked up ANOTHER late 2nd-3rd rounder?
by Coalcowski on
Oct 5, 2008 10:14 PM CDT
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And isn’t Brian now the 3rd Qb behind Rogers and 7th rounder Flynn. Glad we didn’t jump on that guy
by vikingfuture8816 on
Oct 6, 2008 5:30 PM CDT
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I already know the 2009 QB
Being 100% serious.. I would love to see Mike Vick as our next QB. AP, Chester Taylor, and Mike Vick running around out there. Vick loves the big guys to throw to (Crumpler in ATL). Why not give him a shot? Its not like we didn’t just sign Bernard Berrian to be our stud WR. And, lets face it.. Zygi wants to win. Who knows how to win? Vick. Who looks like Tavaris Jackson on steroids with a rocket on his ass? Vick. Hahaha.
by Coalcowski on Oct 5, 2008 10:12 PM CDT 0 recs
Are You Nuts!
Vik? Really?
the guy is a psychopath. and we don’t need the kind of distraction that he would be. let the packers have that kind of poison.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on
Oct 5, 2008 11:10 PM CDT
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I completely...
…agree with attaining M.V. He would have something to prove and would really complete our our missing link. I don’t care who the coach is, there would be endless opportunities with a gun for an arm, legs like a RB, and may I say “PLAY ACTION PASS”!!!
by Gornara on
Oct 5, 2008 11:14 PM CDT
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I'm not going to even try to develop an opinion on this
because I don’t think there’s any way we pick him up. Most likely very will look at someone with his character/past (insert obvious Bengals joke here).
In AP I trust
by FarvaForTheVikings on
Oct 5, 2008 11:18 PM CDT
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HILARIOUS!!!
as I have posted before “Whats he gonna do?… DOG FIGHT AGAIN?!” If there is the slightest bit of a chance that Vick could end up a viking we better make the move cuz he’d honestly bring us together and be amazing!!! BUT being a viking fan nothing i ever want happens so im not gonna hope for M.V to end up in purple…
by Macdaddy4508 on
Oct 5, 2008 11:33 PM CDT
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How can you think
Vick would be good for the vikings. just because we are in need of a good QB does not mean we should jump for any old felon that walks out of jail! stop talking crazy talk, Vick is not the answer! lets not have any more of this crazy talk! we need real solutions not panic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on
Oct 5, 2008 11:31 PM CDT
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This is not...
…panic. I totally agree with you that Vick is an idiot for doing the S#!^ he did and felons often bring heavy baggage with them, however I think everyone can agree that the Vikings are in a QB crisis and I think that MV would provide an excellent weapon to complete our offense that would dominate if he were on the team.
by Gornara on
Oct 5, 2008 11:35 PM CDT
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I will agree on this
He would be a great weapon, assuming he’s kept in shape while in the pen, but a couple things would have to happen. We’d have to lose Clueless, whose offense probably wouldn’t work with Vick and who definitely wouldn’t take Vick on because of his past crimes. This is NOT my personal opinion, this is just the facts. Clueless would not take Vick. Assuming we get rid of Clueless (please Zygi), we’d then have to bring in a new coach who would take the risk of bringing in Vick, and yes, it would be considered a big risk, no matter what we fans think (because the organization obvioulsy doesn’t care what a fans think… ouch). Also, the new coach would either have to have an offense that fit Vick, or he would have to be willing to change his offense to fit his players skills (in other words, the opposite of Clueless).
In AP I trust
by FarvaForTheVikings on
Oct 5, 2008 11:51 PM CDT
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Ok wait
From a football perspective: It would be a great fit. It would honestly look pretty good and can you imagine a option of Vick, Peterson….
But
From a business perspective, imagine how it would make the Vikings look. Nike cut thier sponsorship with Vick, why would another NFL organization be willing to take a look at Vick?
Next issue is the fact that besides Vick serving his time he will still almost certainly face some sort of suspension from the NFL.
by FSUViking on
Oct 6, 2008 12:16 AM CDT
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Vick was never an accurate QB
His only threat was his ability to run with the ball. Which we really don’t need. We need an accurate, intelligent QB.
And I think it’s going to be a few years until he graduates from Vanderbilt. Did anyone see that game on Saturday?
by Robert Rence on
Oct 6, 2008 8:09 AM CDT
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Vick Is a Panic Choice
Vick was a horrible passing QB. his offensive contrabutions were as a great running QB, but it takes more then that to be a great QB in this league. Yes, he would give us explosive plays, but he would never be a great QB. he will be removed from the game for too long.
And then lets not forget the fact that he wasn’t just swept up in a raid. he was the owner and instigator of rather severe animal abuse. now, I am not a member of PETA, but severe, prolonged animal abuse is an early warning sign of sociopathy.
I would rather stick wtih TJack then go down in flames with Vick. There are a dozen better choices in th eupcoming draft then Vick. Yes, we might not yet make the playoffs, but that is no reason to panic. and that is exactly what a Vick singing would be a panic move.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on
Oct 6, 2008 9:31 AM CDT
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how isnt vick a real solution?
has anyone read that article about him in sportingnews? he has a support team of bill russell,geogre foreman and jim brown. so no way he gets into trouble again
YOUR 2008 AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS.... THE TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!
by RaysOfHope on
Oct 6, 2008 12:48 PM CDT
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OJ
Isn’t that the same support team that was helping OJ Simpson?
How did that turn out? Life imprisonment?
Once a douche bag always a douche bag.
by Iceland-Viking on
Oct 6, 2008 1:20 PM CDT
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yes buddy-your on too something
thats what this team needs bad, mike vick would dominate as the vikes qb, its time to take some chances and we already lost the best wide receiver in football because of this we need a good boy team bull sh!t, koran robinson gone because of this crap and imagine how much better this team could have been if T JACK was throwing to moss. its ok to get jared allen even thos he has criminal acctivity but koran was out soon as possible. i wont stand their while this garbage hurts the team, soon as vick gets out you sign him up and get this team to the playoffs. nuff said
by Canadian_viking on
Oct 6, 2008 3:13 AM CDT
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You need to learn your hstory
Koren Robinson, had 2 good years in his career. once in seattle. then booz ruined him there. then one good year in MN, but as a return specialist.. then booze ruined him hear. then GB picked him up as a cast off, nad he never really amounted to any thing there. So that was not a big deal cutting him for character issues, which were real by the way.
Then their was Moss. Moss was not cut, or traded because of charecter issues. He was traded to save the old owner money before he sold the team. that is the only reason he was cut. and yes TJack would have put up much better numbers throwing to Moss then he would have throwing to Troy Williamson. but it still had nothing to do with his charecter.
What we need is real solutions not stupid panic, and false aqusations about the teams history with troubled players.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on
Oct 6, 2008 9:43 AM CDT
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Childress
If the Vikings lose tomorrow against the Saints I wouldn’t be surprised if childress was fired during the bye week and if he makes the bye week and we lose against Detroit probably could and should get fired.
by Zoxide on Oct 5, 2008 11:08 PM CDT 0 recs
If
the vikings lose tomarrow then Chilly should be gone by tuesday morning. if they win, he should still be gone by the end of season. We still need a good Coach.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on
Oct 5, 2008 11:18 PM CDT
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Lane???
I’d take Lane kiffin in .001 seconds! Amazing coach that I believe turned it around in Oakland and got fired so early… omg. Give him a chance. Jesus. He changed the whole attitude, all the way to re-aranging the locker room. I love that guy lol
by Macdaddy4508 on
Oct 5, 2008 11:35 PM CDT
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Vick
I have been a Viking fan for 39 years, but if the Vikes aquired Vick, I would root every week for one of the Vikings opponents to pick him up and slam him to the ground causing multiple fractures like he did to one of his dogs that was not “producing” in the fight rings! What a scumbag!
by Vikefan! on Oct 6, 2008 7:28 AM CDT 0 recs
I AGREE!! MIKE VICK IS BRAINLESS!! IT IS OBVIOUS THAT HE WILL BE A LIFE LONG FELON. WE HAVE TRIED TO MOVE PAST THE LOVE BOAT SCANDAL , ALL THIS WOULD DO IS BRING OUR REPUTATION BACK DOWN TO THE GUTTER!! YOU ARE NOT A REAL VIKING FAN IF THIS IS THE WAY YOU FEEL!!!!! I WATCH PEOPLE LIKE HIM EVERY DAY AT WORK AND I DO NOT WANT TO WATCH CON-VICS ON THE FIELD!!! I DO NOT, LET ME REITERATE, DO NOT WANT TO WIN THAT BAD!!! I WOULD RATHER LOSE EVERY GAME OR EVEN MOVE TO L.A. BEFORE THAT P.O.S BECAME
OUR QB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by norsemenxpress on
Oct 6, 2008 7:57 AM CDT
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Uhh
That is exactally why it would never seriously happen. Vikings have had thier day in the Media for the Loveboat scandel, along with numerous other incidents, Mooning from Moss, Whizzinator, etc etc. Point being is management should’ve learned from its mistakes, especially after we got made to look like uncaring dick recently with the whole docking Troy his paycheck for going to a funeral. If they allowed Vick to come in, it would ruin thier public image which ultimately is what an NFL organization is run on, financially atleast. If you don’t have a good image, why are people going to pay to come in and watch you? Same as if your shit less ppl will wanna come and watch you then if your about to go undefeated.
I mean in the next two years the Vikings are going to have to sell themselves to get another stadium. Does anyone out there think that by actually bringing in Vick its going to get the state to rethink its stance on giving the Vikings their own stadium? OR is it going to cause a bunch of outcry and people all around Minn, and more likely the country, are going to be questioning the Vikings for bringing in Vick?
Its never going to happen, Vick won’t come back and even if he tries the Vikings aren’t going to be there for him. And if I eat my words and all of this does happen, well I was totally wrong with the intentions of the organization in the first place.
by FSUViking on Oct 6, 2008 10:38 AM CDT 0 recs
CHAD PENNINGTON
…should be our new starting QB for the next 4-5 years. Along with that comes pleny of chances for Jackson (if he’s still around) and/or Booty, given CP’s injury history. Pennington is only the most accurate passer in NFL history, and he achieved that while completing most of his passes to WRs without a Pro Bowl WR or TE.
If someone other than Pennington is brought in, may he please be talented and effective first and foremost? The Vikings need to get over their morality mindset which inspired a complete dismantling of a playoff team, including some of the most talented players in the game at that time.
Also, the defense will not be this good for much longer. By the time a draft choice is developed and beyond his rookie mistakes, at least one of the DTs name Williams will be ineffective and/or retired from the game. LT might be a good need to address with a 1st round pick if McKinnie won’t be returning.
I’m surprised Chase Daniel hasn’t been mentioned as a first-round QB prospect, but I suppose the Chiefs will grab him with the first overall pick anyway if so.
by KC Viking on Oct 6, 2008 12:27 PM CDT 0 recs
first intelligent post yet...
Pennington is young, possesses the best career completion %, and has been through the guantlet on a very bad Jets team….the ego of Major Dad kept us from even giving him a glance….
and now people are talking about Mike Vick? LOL let’s be glad they aren’t running this team….
Chase Daniel would be awesome, if not for his size…at 6 foot, he is smallish, and a question mark…even 6-2 would make be fell better about him, but if he can play anything like he’s playing in college, he’s gonna be a stud…..
by Hilton Head viking on
Oct 6, 2008 3:28 PM CDT
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Thanks
The Vikings and Chiefs each tried to sign Pennington, but neither team would commit to him as a starter or guarantee a fair and open competition to win the starting job. Obviously, both teams should be wishing that they had approached that situation differently in hindsight by now.
Again, I think TJ would get plenty of 2nd chances in the Pennington era. I still want to believe in TJ, although I never have. He only completed 57% of his passes vs. NCAA Division IAA defenses, so it’s a wonder that he has managed to equal that with a career mark of 57.2% in the NFL. Since he’s played in a very conservative short passing scheme, it should be higher. Pennington could complete 75% of his passes in the not-so-KAO, and if the Vikings changed coaching regimes (which would also make me very happy), then I would still expect CP to excel.
Drew Brees is only 6’. I think too many fans and analysts get caught up in measurables and arm strength. In the NFL, the receivers aren’t really open. Threading the needle requires accuracy, not strength. Timing routes primarily require accuracy over strength, too. Yet, for some non-reason, most people tend to stick with arm strength and height as the two most desirable QB traits (followed closely by speed). Whomever signs Pennington as their starter gets him at something of a discount because of this, and I hope the Vikings make that move.
by KC Viking on
Oct 6, 2008 4:08 PM CDT
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we could get pennington this offseason for probably a 4th rounder
thats if they think chad henne is ready to start for them
YOUR 2008 AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS.... THE TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!
by RaysOfHope on
Oct 7, 2008 12:39 AM CDT
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I like Daniel, too. You mentioned his size, but I think NFL teams are still leery of spread offense guys. But frankly they’re going to have to find a way to evaluate spread QBs, because at the rate it’s going, every NCAA program will be running the spread before too long.
by jianfu on
Oct 6, 2008 5:08 PM CDT
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Drew Brees is the exception to the rule, not the rule. Everyone is always quick to point out that he is 6ft nothing and doing well, but name another that is that short and playing at a high level. And no, height obviously isn’t the only thing to look at, but it creates a huge disadvantage. All the lineman are much taller and it is hard to see around them to what is happening on the field. I liken it to being in a small car behind an SUV. Tough to see what the cars in front of you are doing. Not only that, but every other pass will be knocked down, even Drew still has this problem. Daniels is a great college QB, but if he were drafted, he would be expected to play right away and would falter (sound familiar). He needs to go to a place where he can sit for a few years and then possibly succeed. That place isn’t Minnesota.
by vikingfuture8816 on
Oct 6, 2008 5:42 PM CDT
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Should the good underclassman QB prospects not enter the draft and/or should the Vikings not be in a position to draft one of them, then it seems to me for the time being you scrap the WCO completely and convert whole-hog to a power-running/vertical passing attack (similar to what the Redskins are doing right now). I think they’ve been doing this gradually, but it’s not the coaching staff’s specialty by any stretch, and their line/receivers haven’t been healthy.
Jackson’s best attributes as a QB are his arm strength and his mobility. And the Berrian/Rice/Allison core of receivers, when healthy, are known more for stretching the field than running precise timing routes.
So why not? That approach is a bit of an anachronism in today’s NFL, but I’ve had enough of trying to fit square pegs into round holes. May as well try to utilize your personnel the best you can. Bring in an old-school smashmouth guy like Marty Shottenheimer or Bill Cowher (Lane Kiffen would not be good for a power/vertical type team), and let him groom a future head coach for a couple years. And then ideally you address the aging defense in the 2009 draft, as well as get a good tight end who can work the middle of the field while the recievers stretch it (someone like Wisconsin’s Travis Beckem would be a breath of fresh air compared to Shianco).
by jianfu on Oct 6, 2008 12:32 PM CDT 0 recs
i voted for "option" not mentioned
first and foremost childress has to go. it doesn’t matter what quarterback they throw in there, they still have to deal with the “no audible” ego maniac (cough-cough, "jerk") i seriously think that even if they would have brought favre in it still wouldn’t have mattered. childress is out of touch and if you watch the games closley enough, i think you will notice what i have noticed: i have never seen a more uninspired vikings team in a long long time. at least for tice they would get fired up and play…with childress it’s become not even fun to watch. the vikings are quickly becoming the new raiders: a place where talent comes to die. so in the end (like moss going to oakland) it doesn’t matter if you have qb with all the talent in the world, the odds are still heavily against him for success in the current system and coaching regime.
by iowa_cyclone on Oct 6, 2008 2:46 PM CDT 0 recs
TJ might not be that bad...
I know there is a lot of hating on TJ but lets look at the play calling. Childress doesn’t let him do anything. When he was in there our play calling was so obvious. Run on 1st and 2nd down, now 3rd and long so lets throw an incomplete pass or a drop by inevitably shiancoe or berrian, and then punt. Instead of blaming TJ blame the coach. Look at TJ he has a cannon for an arm, he has mobility, and maybe just maybe could be a good QB if we gave him a chance to be aggressive. Childress lets Gus be aggressive and he throws picks. I am not hating on Gus but I know Childress pulled the plug plenty early on TJ. Get rid of Childress and at least let TJ throw the ball and then if he fails then draft a solid QB.
by Zizzle on Oct 6, 2008 3:41 PM CDT 0 recs
play calling?
the play calling for Jackson was respective of his understanding of the offense, his ability to check down, and his ability to read defenses……it’s no mystery that Jackson can do NONE of those things well…
I’m not backing Childress and Bevell by any means, but if your QB can’t even handle, say 25 plays with confidence, how the hell is he gonna handle 50 plays?
Jackson is a failed experiment, and will define Childress’ legacy as a Head Coaching failure…
by Hilton Head viking on
Oct 7, 2008 11:04 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Michael Vick
When does Michael Vick get out of prison? Seriously. I love dogs, but a backfield with him and Peterson? 2 Super Bowls minimum.
by dicellular on Oct 6, 2008 4:01 PM CDT 0 recs
I am a moron
Obviously I should have read all the other comments before posting.
by dicellular on Oct 6, 2008 4:04 PM CDT 0 recs
BTW, here’s an early list of FA QBs I found at a site called profootballcentral.com. Take it with a grain of salt (i.e., notice they have some guys listed on the wrong teams). But just for an idea…
Patrick Ramsey, UFA, Denver Broncos
Charlie Batch, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kyle Boller, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Matt Cassel, UFA, New England Patriots
Rex Grossman, UFA, Chicago Bears
Byron Leftwich, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
J.P. Losman, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Kyle Orton, UFA, Chicago Bears
Kurt Warner, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Jeff Garcia, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Charlie Frye UFA Seattle Seahawks
Brooks Bollinger UFA Minnesota Vikings
Chris Simms UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers
J.T. O’Sullivan UFA San Francisco 49ers
Matt Gutierrez RFA New England Patriots
Gibran Hamdan UFA Buffalo Bills
Luke McCown UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brock Berlin RFA St Louis Rams
Shane Boyd RFA Houston Texans
by jianfu on Oct 6, 2008 5:20 PM CDT 0 recs
Warner, Orton, and Garcia
Are the only ons that have had recent success (although Garcia’s already been benched this year, so that might take him out of the equation). I would be pissed if we even thought of picking up Grossman.
In AP I trust
by FarvaForTheVikings on Oct 6, 2008 6:03 PM CDT 0 recs
Get a guy
just go out, get a guy and get a late qb int he draft
like with many drafts, there are a few good ones at the top, but a bunch of sleepers that the vikes could develop into decent players
Fire Brad Childress
by firebradchildress on Oct 10, 2008 3:00 PM CDT 0 recs
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