"The Vikings Are a Quarterback Away from Contending"

by Christopher Gates on Aug 17, 2008 1:12 AM CDT in Minnesota Vikings

How many times do you think we heard that during the off-season this past year? A dozen? A hundred? A thousand? I'm not totally sure, either, but it was a lot.

Well. . .just for fun, here's the performances for the first two pre-season games from some of the quarterbacks that will be hanging around the rosters of NFC North teams this season. Prospective starters are in italics.

Quarterback	Team	Comp	Att	Comp %	Yards	TD	INT	Sacked	QB Rating
Rex Grossman	CHI	13	23	56.5	118	1	1	2	66.9
Kyle Orton	CHI	12	19	63.2	99	0	0	1	76.4
Jon Kitna	DET	6	7	85.7	106	1	0	0	158.3
Dan Orlovsky	DET	8	11	72.7	81	0	0	0	93.4
Drew Stanton	DET	5	6	83.3	27	0	0	0	85.4
Aaron Rodgers	GB	18	31	58.1	175	1	1	6	71.3
Brian Brohm	GB	12	26	46.2	103	0	1	0	41.0
Tarvaris Jackson	MIN	15	22	68.2	200	2	0	0	127.1
Gus Frerotte	MIN	8	16	50.0	129	1	0	1	98.2

Honestly, I don't know who the starter in Chicago is going to be. . .or the primary backup in Detroit. That's why things are the way they are in the table. I'll probably update this after Detroit has played their second pre-season game this evening against Cincinnati.

But, yeah. . .which team is a quarterback away from being a contender again?

Also. . .isn't it amazing how much less impressive Green Bay's offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs look without that certain someone behind center taking the snaps?

Yes, I know. . .it's only pre-season, none of this matters, yadda yadda blah blah. But, really. . .isn't it about time for folks outside of Minnesota to stop crapping all over Tarvaris Jackson at every opportunity? Particularly looking at what he's surrounded by at the position in this division?

If Tarvaris Jackson isn't already the best quarterback in this division. . .and I, personally, think that he is, but I'm biased. . .he will be by the halfway point of the 2008 season at the latest.

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The light is on.

I’ve heard references more than once to how the light turned on for Eli [Manning] last year, his third year in the league. I think his raping at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings may have had a little to do with it, but that is off topic… I’ve heard announcers say that maybe Tarvaris’ light will come on this year and the Vikings need it too. Well so far, it looks like fans will be needing the purple shades because the glare coming from the field [even though it may be reflected from the top of Childress’ head] is coming from Jackson. Clear as day!

Note above who the sack master is so far after two games. Thanks for the table Gonzo.

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Viking to raze a village.

by Luft Krigare on Aug 17, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply actions

fantasy football

So, on faketeams.com (a SBN affiliate site), there’s a tiered ranking-system of quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers falls under the category of “solid choice with big upside,” or something like that. Our very own Peanut gets no mention.

With the help of your table here, I’ve tried to set the record straight.

Check it out: http://www.faketeams.com/2008/8/16/595003/fantasy-football-rankings

by virginia viking on Aug 17, 2008 10:00 AM CDT reply actions

I dunno about Jackson...

being the best QB in the division. He’s good, better than Grossman, Orton and Rodgers, but I don’t see him being a better passer than Kitna. Which is what I expect from a QB, passing. In terms of who brings what to the table, versatility, then Jackson is on top, yes, because of what he can do with his legs.

Also, I hope Greenbay doesn’t change a thing on that ever-so-special O-line because I cannot wait to see them go against our D-Line come the 8th.

by Frost on Aug 17, 2008 10:31 AM CDT reply actions

It’s a double post I know, but I was just thinking. If Rodgers is getting such shitty protection, they’ll probably just end up handing the ball off to Grant alot of times.

by Frost on Aug 17, 2008 10:33 AM CDT reply actions

In which case. . .

Ryan Grant had better make sure that his health insurance is current.

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by Christopher Gates on Aug 17, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Offense v. Defense

I was @ the game last night, and Tarvaris looked sharp. His TD and the tiptoe grab by Rice couldn’t been thrown better, but you know what? Good teams make those catches.

I think our run D will slip to 10th or so this year, but I’d rather slip there and move up to about 15th or so in pass D. I really think the offense is going to be the surprise this year. Last year, not a chance the Vikes make three 3rd and long conversions in a game, let alone one drive! Sydney Rice is going to have a BIG year. Berrian and AP are getting the press, Andrae and Wade are known quantities as speedy up-and-comer and solid slot rec’r. I never see anything about Rice.

I’m so geeked out for the offense this year. I hope TJ’s knee injury doesn’t nag him all year.

by JasonAve6413 on Aug 17, 2008 9:29 PM CDT reply actions