Taking a Look at the Vikings' Quarterback Quandary
by Christopher Gates on Jan 11, 2009 8:53 AM CST
in Minnesota Vikings
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PrintAfter watching the Vikings' playoff loss to the Eagles a week ago, you'd be well within your rights to wonder what, exactly, the Beloved Purple are going to do about the quarterback position for 2009. Gus Frerotte, after this quote, probably isn't going to be back:
“I just don’t know what to think right now,” Frerotte told Silver on Sunday night. “It was a very frustrating experience, because I felt like I should’ve been the one playing. That might sound selfish, but I think I would’ve given us the best chance to win. I’m going home to St. Louis [on Monday] to be with my family and figure out where things stand, but the way things played out at the end really makes me question things.”
I'm not sure how Gus' ability to hit members of the opposing team right between the numbers with passes would have helped the Vikings last week, but he has the right to think that way if he chooses. With the way he had performed over the last 3 1/2 games of the 2008 season, Tarvaris Jackson had earned the right to be the Vikings' starting quarterback in the game against Philadelphia.
However, with his performance in that game, he might have taken himself out of the running for the starting job in 2009.
There have been many names bandied about as a potential quarterback for the Vikings in 2009. Some of the names that have been potentially linked to the Vikings via trade are Matt Cassell, Carson Palmer, and Matt Hasselbeck.
The Patriots have already stated that they intend to use the franchise tag on Cassell, but with Tom Brady already on the roster in New England, one would have to think that the Patriots are using that tag for the sole purpose of actually getting something for Cassell in a trade. While Cassell did put up big numbers for the Patriots in 2008, it has to be tempered by the fact that he has two things at his disposal in New England that he wouldn't have in Minnesota. . .namely the best deep threat in the league at one WR spot (Randy Moss) and the guy that might be the best YAC receiver in the league at the other (Wes Welker). Now, might Cassell be a good fit at QB for the Vikings? It's entirely possible that he could be, sure. Is it worth spending a couple of draft picks and $30 million in guaranteed money on a "maybe?" I would have to say no. This isn't like trading for Jared Allen, who we knew was awesome before he got to Minnesota.
The Palmer rumor intrigues me a bit, but it's based on the assumption that the Bengals are going to completely blow everything up and start over from scratch. Surely they'll be ridding themselves of Chad Johnson this offseason, T.J. Houshmanzadeh is a free agent (and could potentially be franchised), and while Palmer isn't old by any stretch, it's possible that Cincinnati might be looking to completely start over again. I don't think that there's a lot of merit to any trade rumors involving Palmer yet, but stranger things have happened. I'd be more inclined to give up picks for Palmer than for Cassell, all things being equal.
I don't think that the Hasselbeck thing is likely to happen, either. For starters, it's entirely possible that the Seahawks still have the taste of the whole "poison pill" battle a couple of seasons back in their mouths, which could throw a wrench in any potential trade talks with the Vikings. Seattle doesn't have anyone obviously ready to replace him at this point, either. Hasselbeck is getting up there in age (he'll turn 34 in 2009) and is coming off one of his worst seasons. . .a season that was injury-plagued, sure. He'd be better than Gus Frerotte or Tarvaris Jackson, sure, but we don't know if what he went through this season is a sign of things to come.
One option that's kind of intriguing. . .and one that probably wouldn't cost the Vikings nearly as much as any of the three players above. . .is a guy that's currently serving as a backup QB for a team that's in the post-season. He signed a one-year contract to serve as a backup to a team with a superstar starter in training camp, and has performed ably when called upon this season. He's not spectacular, but in my opinion, he would represent an upgrade at the quarterback position for a team that really needs one.
That guy? Byron Leftwich of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, I've got a soft spot in my heart for Leftwich. I think the guy's been wrongfully maligned by many. He's obviously got physical talent, and he can obviously perform when he has decent parts around him. He was surrounded by a lot of crap over the course of his past couple of seasons as well. In 2006, nobody in Jacksonville knew what Jack Del Rio was doing with the quarterback spot. . .not even Jack Del Rio. . .and in 2007 he started a few games for an awful Atlanta Falcons squad. His last season as a full-time starter, back in 2005, he played well and posted a very respectable 89.3 quarterback rating.
The other knock on Leftwich is his lack of "mobility." In 2004, the year that he played the most games, he got sacked 25 times in 14 starts. This year in Minnesota, Gus Frerotte got sacked 29 times in 11 starts, and Tarvaris Jackson went down 14 times in 5 starts. So maybe "mobility" isn't all that it's cracked up to be. If you have a guy back there that can make his reads and make teams actually pay for loading up to stop one of the best running games in the NFL, "mobility" really won't make any difference at all.
I know there have been lots of FanPosts about this since the season ended, but let me ask again. . .what do you folks think the Vikings should do with their quarterback situation going forward? Talk about it here, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
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Would drafting a high round qb be an option for you?
Or does the team have other pressing needs?
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
I wouldn't mind a draft pick
But it’s going to depend on how many juniors declare.
Even if a bunch do declare for the draft, we might be far enough down in the order at #23 where we wouldn’t get any of the best prospects anyway. The senior QB class this year is weak. . .I know guys like Matt Stafford have declared, and that Sam Bradford might be declaring, but neither of those guys is going to make it to #23.
We’ll have to see how it plays out as we get closer to declaration time.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Jan 11, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
The Star Tribune
Has a few quotes from the Vikings’ Speilman, there is almost no chance there won’t be some move towards answering the the quarterback question going into Childress’ fourth season. It should come to a relief to Norsemen that the organization seems to be prioritizing the position too.
Speilman discussed looking at free agents, trade scenarios and the draft; though the draft wouldn’t address the urgency the club is facing.
Leftwich is interesting.
2009 QB
IF, and I mean IF, I’m all for Palmer or Leinart. Real pressure on T-Jack. If neither are available how about Carr? Did I just type that?
Actually not bad...
if you can protect him. Carr has actually looked good…behind the best (or one of) OL with the Giants. If he isnt protected, go get someone else. I though minn had a good ol??? What about the usc guy you guys drafted last year?
You guys are the NFL version of Fresno St. (can you tell where I went to school?) Plenty of off talent. Good receivers, stud at running back. However, weak qb, predictable playcalling, and horrible/stubborn coach. Why is he so hell bent on TJ? after 3-4 years, you should be able to tell if TJ will make it in this league or not.
I think Palmer, Leftwich, and Garcia are the most intriguing, to me anyway. I know the city of Cincy adores Palmer, or atleast they did at one point (I was there from 2005-2008). However, Cincy’s problems start at the top and it’s been well established which way some things run (downhill).
Garcia seems like a more likely choice, in that he would be content managing the offense and letting AD do his thing. I wonder how strong his relationship is currently with Gruden. I know things weren’t rosy, atleast early on this season.
Leftwich……yeah I’d take him.
Being mostly ignorant on the financial/contractual aspects with these choices, I’ll hae to defer to someone else in that area.
no
“That guy? Byron Leftwich of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
He have a very slow delivery. I do not want to see another randall Cunningham. One reason why we lost 1999 is randhall have too long of a delivery. if you watch it again you will see Moss have beeten his man but Cunning take to long to get him the ball the defense was able to swat hi s arm and fumble. The most important in a qb is his release. With a good release he can save lots of sacks. Take a look at Peyton. His line is not always great but because of a fast release he got away with lots of sack.. I watch Byron he is very slow in the release department
Leftwich is Intriguing
Is he better than Jeff Garcia? I feel like that they will both cost about the same amount of money. Leftwich has been battling ankle injuries. He has looked good in his relief appearances this year, and really the only time he looked bad in his career was in his rookie year and in Atlanta, and you can’t really blame him for that nightmare. The more I looked into Leftwich’s stats the more I started to like him. Of course Leftwich is 10 years younger than Garcia. based on his game logs it looks like we could expect a couple really bad games each year. His playoff performance has been one poor but not terrible game. The added bonus is now we get to have Bryon Leftwich and K Williams from the 03 draft and Leftwich will cost us a bunch less than it cost the Jags.
With Garcia you get a veteran presence. He has had significantly better seasons than Leftwich. He looked pretty good this season. His injury was a concussion and played OK when he returned. The few games I remember he looked capable and if he had only so much to work with in TB. I also feel like Garcia really wants to win a SB and will be a good teammate (unless your name is Owens, Terrell).
I guess I feel that they are both about the same with Garcia a consistent type and Leftwich more of a risk reward type. Right now I would rather lessen the risk if given the choice.
Manning
So Eli Manning is not having a stellar day against the Eagle D, I guess that means he is horrible like TJ?
Anyway, I would be comfortable with Byron, but he does not instill any “gotta have” debates on the blogs. Childress has hitched his wagon to TJ, we have to hold onto him and see what he type of QB Brad can mold him into. But we still need that veteran to challenge and push.
His rating was lower, to be certain, but one bit of difference is that Jackson played in a dome, where as Eli was playing in, by all accounts, a fairly strong wind. But, you know, it does make me wonder if maybe Jackson isn’t as bad as we all thought just because of the one game.
A couple of things
1) No, Jackson’s not as bad as a lot of us probably think he is.
2) If the Giants current starting quarterback was named Eli Smith, he would have been a third or fourth-round draft choice and people wouldn’t have the delusions about him that they do. And don’t give me “he was a Super Bowl MVP.” So was Desmond Howard.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Jan 11, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
And dont forget...
the legendary, never heard from again, Larry Brown also took home the MVP award!
Eli Back Down To Earth
Face it. The Giants had one of those incredible runs that teams get from time to time on the way to a championship where everything goes their way. They have a good offensive line and a strong running game meaning that Eli hasn’t been depended on to win games for them this year..i.e. carry the team. But what happens when the running game is shut down and your quarterback is called on to bail you out? I think we all saw that this afternoon in the Meadowlands. The loss of Plaxico was greatly magnified today.
The Bengals aren't about to let Carson Palmer go and I simply don't think it's worth
paying huge money for Cassel based on 1 year with the receivers NE has. Garcia’s a possibility but again this is a short-term deal given his age and he’s also somewhat prone to injury. I’d rather see the team go with a trade for Sage Rosenfels if Houston’s in a mood to deal. I’d also make a run at Houshmanzadeh as the team needs help at WR (I doubt Cincy would franchise him). Derek Anderson’s a stiff and there’s nobody in the draft class who’s even remotely ready to play in the NFL. I still think that with help at WR and a full camp Jackson’s capable of being a steady winning NFL qb. BTW, Eli Manning looked arguably worse at qb today against that Iggle defense than TJ did.
Congrats Gonzo as this post was linked to on CNN.SI.
by VikingBillArlingtonVA on Jan 11, 2009 4:17 PM CST reply actions
Leftwich
I like the Leftwich idea. Of course it’ll bring up all the “they didn’t get the pick in on time” crap but hey, we got Williams in that draft, didn’t we. Leftwich would give us a gut that competes with T Jack in the preseason and may the best man win. In my opinion, Jackson gets one more year to prove himself. Usually it takes a QB 3 years to understand the game and with T Jack coming from a dinky school I’m willing to give him a year pass. The tools are there, it really seems like recognizing D’s are his big downfall. If Leftwich can be had cheap, I say go for it. Otherwise, we’re better off dismantling the whole thing (coach and old players) and starting from scratch with a new draft pick.
p.s. I don’t want Garcia, yeah he made us look bad but I don’t think he’d be any better than T Jack. He works on improv and that’s not what we need. We need a guy who can get the ball the the WR while singled up. We gotta make the other teams pay for 8/9 guys in the box.
This post would be better if I wasn't screwed by the refs!
Byron Leftwich
I have seen Byron Leftwich play living in fla and that would be the biggest mistake of the viking yet. I have seen him play every year here and he would make Tarvaris Jackson look like an all pro. Byron Leftwich is a loser and always will be. We need to remove both our coach and Tarvaris Jackson while we still have a team.
QB
All I know is that TJ has had enough time to prove to the Viking faithful that he can do the job and he has failed miserably. Palmer sounds like an interesting option but maybe the draft is the better way to go. Look what Matt Ryan did for the Falcons.
Just say no to Leftwich
First of all, I think this is all a non-issue, because unless Zygi put a dull razor to Chilly’s moustache, he’s sticking with TJ.
Chilly only benched Jackson for self-preservation—had the Vikes gone 7-9 or 6-10, with all the money WIlf has put into this team, I think he gets canned. Gus saved his, um, chili, but he still needs to prove that he’s the smartest guy in the room when it comes to quarterbacks, so at the first hint of Jackson doing anything behind QB that was one step up from mediocre, he threw him back in. And he has staked his reputation on Jackson developing into a quality quarterback, so Jackson will be the guy come 2009.
No, Chilly stays with TJ one more season, but will want a backup that has a little more upside and youth than Gus was. I think Leftwich is a guy that was a bit too hyped coming out of college to begin with, never lived up to said inflated rep, got hurt, and then let his give a shit meter drop to zero. I mean, he had a chance to make a statement in Atlanta last year both as a player and a leader, and he failed misreably. It was a bad situation, to be sure, but he had a chance to win a starting job, if not with Atlanta, with someone else.
I think the Vikes will get someone completely under the radar and out of the box, like Jake Delhomme, maybe make a trade for a Matt Leinart.
OR….
Or if Brett Favre is still available, you know he’ll be in purple. Deep down, in the recesses of your soul, you know I’m right. And you hate me for it…
Thoughts on the Vikings, Buckeyes, and Cardinals
www.purplebuckeye.blogspot.com
Correct Me If I'm Wrong
(and I sometimes am) but if Brett is released from the Jets, wouldn’t he be free to sign with any team?
I believe he can.
If the Jets traded him to the Vikes, it would have cost them 3 1st rounders.
"Skol pa fiskande"
by NobleSavage on Jan 12, 2009 10:15 AM CST up reply actions
A few suggestions
Seneca Wallace…….qb rating 87, 58% completion, 11 TD 3 INt. 5th year in the league. and is mobile like tarvaris but is much more polished…and comes with a very reasonable 1.5 million dollar salary.
Brad Johson……..just kidding……
Mark Brunnell…..old, but it seems like he still knows where to put the ball.
Derek Anderson….was he a product of the “system” and surrounding talent of cleveland? It is pretty clear that Brady Quinn is going to be the man for the Browns….and I bet Anderson is willing to pack up and move on.
David Carr…..the last two years have been rough…but was he really ever given a fair chance to showcase his talents during his time with a brand new franchise?
A Derek Anderson note to add.
He is due a $5 million bonus in March, so he will more than likely be traded before then.
"Skol pa fiskande"
by NobleSavage on Jan 12, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions
Is there seriously a market for him?
I know almost half the teams in the NFL aren’t solid at qb, but how many would seriously be looking to take Anderson and the $5 mil (bonus) due him? Is his release a possibility, or is he an option to back up Quinn at such a price tag?
Good question LoveHate.
However you can’t deny he had a great season last year. I don’t think they’ll keep him and Quinn both, not with that bonus due.
"Skol pa fiskande"
I wouldn’t argue that he had a stellar 08 campaign, but that is besides the point. The question is, with a young quarterback (high draft choice) on the roster, what direction Mangini and Cleveland intend to go in.
If a possibility exists that Anderson is released and could then subsequently be signed at a cheaper price, you have to be prudent; especially in light of a hefty roster bonus looming.
Without knowing what Cleveland is planning to do or whether they’ve even attempted to shop him, it is all speculation.
Yeah, but the Brownies can cut him before then
and he’s owed nothing. Contract is voided at that point, and the team that signs him sets the term for payment.
I think that’s a non-issue, to be honest.
Thoughts on the Vikings, Buckeyes, and Cardinals
www.purplebuckeye.blogspot.com
This is backwards
If any quarterback can look good with a surrounding cast (read: Cassel) the Vikings should be looking at upgrading the O line through FA or the draft, to help better protect the quarterback and open holes for AD on the right side. Also re-sign Matt Birk.
Next, pick up Houshmalphabet to give our QB another excellent option to throw to.
Lastly, pick up someone to compete with Jackson for the starting spot. I prefer not giving up draft picks for this postion because the Vikings management really has done a great job of drafting good players the last two years and hope they continue making good choices.
I think...
…regardless of who quarterbacks next season, the right tackle will need an upgrade.
"Skol pa fiskande"
We need:
A QB a left tackle a right tackle,a center, MLB that can play cover 2 oh yeah a Head Coach. Besides that cannot wait for the season to start.
The Eye
Warner
Yes Kurt is old. But, there is something about him that makes me think he might be a one year wonder with the Vikes. Enough to produce an offense that is consistant, teach Botty and buy time to draft another QB if needed. Well, which probobly will be needed.
Agree w/ FlaVike on Lefty however, he isn’t any worse than what we have and left as an only opetion I would risk it.
PS FlaVike-Many Vikes fans down here. Some never lived in Minn. There is interest in a statewide fan club . Let me know if interested
Good article up until you say Leftwich I disagree entirely. Leftwich is a backup who was basically out of the league until the steelers picked him up. Sure he might be a slight upgrade.. but is he really consistent enough to make the Vikings a contender? I don’t think so not much better then T-Jack if any. If we got leftwich it would just depress me he’s no good simple as that we need a proven veteran. No one disagrees with me there no more chances..
Jackson
I’m one of the minority when it comes to Jackson. I think there has been far to much criticism of his play in the philly game. Don’t get me wrong. He played a lousy second half of football in that game but I think his performance, or lack of ,goes deeper than most casual observers understand. (mainly me)
It appears that this guy doesn’t get to use the whole playbook. From his benching earlier in the season to his return after Frerotte was hurt Jackson was a completely different player. That doesn’t just happen. This kid can play. His performance in the Arizona game was simply top shelf. I say he gets one more year. If his play is erratic than he gets moved to second level and makes a nice backup that knows the system well.
As far as his play in the Philly game I feel the offensive line played a much larger role in the outcome than Jackson.
Lets just take a look at some other playoff performances for comparison. Chad Pennington -4 picks, Eli Manning – he is what he is , Jake Delhomme – abysmal, Matt Ryan – 2 picks ( I wouldn’t be surprised to see Atlanta go 4 and 12 next year although I love the way Ryan plays his position) I think McNabb even threw a couple of picks. My point is this kind of stuff happens.
Leftwich????????
Man, when he’s going to throw a pass he winds up as though he was a pitcher for the Twins……..no wonder he can throw a football 100 MPH…..nope, his sacks are mostly on him……and he has a tendency to lock on to a receiver and toss that sucker no matter what kinda coverage is there……sound familar????…..pass on Leftwich…….
Having said all that……..anyone is better than TJoke……we gotta get this fixed and I don’t have any faith in Chili to get the job done…..
My most favorite team is whoever's playing GB
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