Chilly Poetically Summarizes What Vikings Fans Think

by Anthony21 on Sep 21, 2009 4:20 PM CDT in Minnesota Vikings

"I know just from reading the clips there's a clamoring for the throws down field," Childress said. "There's a taste for it right now. There's an appetite for it."

In my opinion, there's also a yearning, a desire, a hunger, a hankering, an ache, a craving, and a longing for more downfield throws. But that's beside the point. Here's a little more from the account of Chilly's presser:

Childress seemed more amused than annoyed by this as he addressed reporters at Winter Park. Asked if the Vikings' short passing game was simply the West Coast offense at work, Childress made it clear this system does have the ability to go up the field.

I wouldn't doubt that's the case, but even his point there is speculative -- because we haven't seen this team throw the dang ball downfield during the first two games. The Vikings have the weapons to throw the ball, say, ten or more yards beyond the line of scrimmage, but the leash has remained tight on King Favre thus far.

There's little doubt Favre has done a fine job of managing the game, but he can do more than that. At more than one time during these last two games, I've wondered what the point of bringing him in was if this team won't open things up a little -- because there's no question T-Jack and Rosenfels could dump the ball off to Chester Taylor just fine. I'm not suggesting a full-blown aerial attack that wears Favre's arm down, but let's mix things up.

Chilly does have a point later in the article when he's quoted as saying that YAC is of the utmost importance to the Vikings passing game. Percy Harvin has proven to be especially valuable in that regard. But too often, we've seen this team fall into the first half trap of over-utilizing the running backs in the passing game -- and failing to get Harvin, Bernard Berrian, and Sidney Rice involved until later on, when the Vikings have ultimately taken control.

The lessons from these first two games? Get your receivers involved early on. Get Shank involved too -- the big fella only had one reception for one yard on Sunday. And let the gunslinger take a shot once in a while. Favre's been doing fine in his overall role of game manager, but utilize more than his ability to throw a mean checkdown.

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+100

by vikingfanfrom afar on Sep 21, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions

+1

by dsludo on Sep 21, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Tough to throw downfield when

your QB is under pressure all day. That’s gotta improve before any serious downfield passing game can take place.

Brett Favre is a Viking, and John Smoltz is a Cardinal. The Cubs and Packers still suck. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

by Ted Glover on Sep 21, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions

Why is this such an issue?

The Vikings have won by double digits in their first two games, opponents be damned. Why is everyone complaining about shots downfield?

When Minnesota gets in a vicious cockfight with a team and doesn’t take any shots downfield when Peterson can’t get going, then yes, we have an issue. But now? I don’t think so.

Visit:
http://www.vikingvigil.com

Skol Vikings!
Woot Woot!

by Manimal on Sep 21, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions

this

If you can't laugh at yourself... Who can you laugh at?
The Packers, that’s who.
-- The almighty Manimal

by TheViking83 on Sep 21, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions

If we were blowing these teams away, I’d agree. But losing at the half to Cleveland and Detroit? Something’s not quite right. The offensive line is definitely an issue, but I think the offense could be opened up as well. A win is a win is a win, but the margin of error from the last two weeks will be nonexistant when the Vikings reach the tougher part of the schedule.

by Anthony21 on Sep 21, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions

2 halves

Would you prefer we lose the 2nd half

by iowaron on Sep 22, 2009 4:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I disagree

We brought Favre in so he COULD manage the game. Too many times we’ve seen t-jack and his inaccurate arm throw ints. The Vikings have been very successful so far with the gameplan they’ve been using, so why mess with it. If they ask Favre to start airing it out, I guarentee he will begin throwing ints (something he has yet to do btw) and then we will all whine about him being a ‘gunslinger’ who’s too old and can’t play anymore.

by VikingsFan92 on Sep 21, 2009 4:56 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

I agree

But they still need to throw down field occasionally. I’d be very happy with an 80% game manager 20% gunslinger mixture from Favre. That should let him minimize INTs and grind the defense down while also allowing for some explosive plays through the air.

by ckb on Sep 21, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions

well enough

Have you ever heard the saying: Leave well enough alone. Down field passes have a lower competion rate. We will get there. We can dink & dunk & run all the way to the Superbowl for all I care. Its a long season. I’m sure we will see a few bombs away in the coming weeks. Some 2nd & short situations, maybe even 3rd and short if we are at midfield or better.

by iowaron on Sep 22, 2009 4:45 AM CDT up reply actions

You Play to Win the Game haha just like the commercial says

Who cares what your wins look like!!! If we played this way against the Steelers and won or Ravens etc … whats your thoughts then???whats it matter ?? feel the need to be patient.!!!!

by AHHHWoooooo on Sep 21, 2009 5:18 PM CDT reply actions

Well, we wouldn’t beat the Steelers or Ravens if we played like we did the last two weeks.

by Anthony21 on Sep 21, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

and they’re coming up.

by KC Viking on Sep 21, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Why waste the arm

when its not needed. With the first two opponents, the short passes were enough. Wait with the long ones till 1) they’re needed and 2) Favre has more time to get into sync with the receivers.

by suns_shine on Sep 21, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions

Patience is a virtue most Vikings fans lack...

It seems that drinkers of the purple nectar want this year’s Vikings to be like the ‘98 Vikings. However that is obviously not the case.
We have a defense the Saint’s don’t have. We don’t need Favre to play like Drew Brees, not with this team.
Most importantly not yet, give it time and the shots will come downfield, especially if the O-line gives Favre time and he develops more chemistry with Rice, Berrian, and Harvin. The Vikings will eventually get their Moss on, but why force it… let it happen when the time is right, the time is not yet.

by solafide on Sep 21, 2009 6:02 PM CDT reply actions

+10

by NMVike on Sep 22, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions

fretting fans

It’s amazing what people will worry about. The team is 2-0 and people are actually worried that the Vikes aren’t throwing downfield “far enough”! Good Grief, last year at this time we were 0-2 and ready to storm the castle. Could all of you wait until we lose to start complaining how bad we are?

by jimbo2 on Sep 21, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions

Consider the competition, though.

I’m just looking ahead to the tougher parts of the schedule. This team isn’t playing well enough in the first half of its games, and losing at the half to Cleveland and Detroit is reason enough for at least some concern. I’m not blowing this out of proportion, but there are some adjustments that need to be made for them to start stronger and avoid relying on second half comebacks.

by Anthony21 on Sep 21, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

So far we are winning the halfs we are suposed to.

But I do understand the concern :-) I m just going to have to trust the team pro’s and staff (wow imagine that) that they will make the adjustments … I would hate to blow a first half lead and see it go down hill from there.

by AHHHWoooooo on Sep 21, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions

nice post Jimbo

We can figure out what went wrong when we lose. Until then leave well enough alone.

by iowaron on Sep 22, 2009 4:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THE SHAKESCHILLIAN PROSE

I have been a fan for 40 years. I have suffered through the hail mary pass, Les Steckel and the 98 fiasco, just to name a few. A real Viking fan probably needs counseling anyway. Here we are with all of the talent needed and a full off season to prepare. The best Childress has to offer is giving the ball tp AP 10 of the first 12 plays. Not withstanding that Purple Jesus is the absolute best, this just isn’t going top cut it. I realize we are 2-0 but if not for the Lion turnovers we could have lost this game. This isn’t about throwing the ball down field it is about some real game planning. This is why we cannot advance further. A great coach makes synergies. Childress makes stomach aches. Look at the Giants last night. Everyone talked about running the ball with Jacobs. They came out with play action to start the game and completed a 25 yd pass. They set the tempo and played great on the road at Dallas. There is no time to waste. If these were good teams and we only play offense one half we will never be an elite team. Look at Childress’s offensive play calling the last couple of years. Is it any wonder Andy Reid called his own plays. Does anyone else see this…….?

by Volund the Viking on Sep 21, 2009 6:21 PM CDT reply actions

For as "great" as the NYG were vs. Dallas

They still only won by 2 points despite having zero TOs to Dallas’ 4. That doesn’t sound all that dominating to me.

A win is a win. Period. We’ve beaten teams we should’ve. We’re 2-0. When we lose, then we can piss and moan all we want about bad play calling and the like.

by Yotum on Sep 21, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions

reality

I hate Dallas, but they should have won. By the way the Lions turnovers were because of our defense. Some turnovers the defense causes. Some like AP’s are your own fault. Relax, we have a long way to go. You have not suffered alone my friend. This team like alot of Vikings teams in the past has the right stuff to get to the promise land. The regular season is where we learn what we need to do both right and wrong. Different coaches different approches lets see where this one leads. The post season is where our problems lie anyway.

by iowaron on Sep 22, 2009 5:04 AM CDT up reply actions

worry warts

Last year against Detroit we barely won both games, this year we won going away.
What was the ONLY difference – #4! I suppose instead of taking knees we could have piled it on both Cleveland and Detroit, but what would that prove? That we can outscore N.O.?

by jimbo2 on Sep 21, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions

Really?

I would have to disagree about Rosie and Tjack passing to Chester. Have you watched how many dump passes Tjack has misthrown in the last 3 years? A lot.

As far as the deep passes, I honestly think its about saving Favre’s arm and not letting him have the chance to throw interceptions. Let him manage a game, and we’ll keep winning.

by NYCVike on Sep 21, 2009 6:39 PM CDT reply actions

Why?

Crap heard about Brett on the NFL Network:

He can’t take a hit – proven false

He’ll throw INTs – who doesn’t? So far so good.

His arm isn’t what it used to be – duh!

He can’t allow this team to be Adrian’s. Adrian will never get to 2000 yards because Brett will insert his ego and take yardage away from AP – nonsense.

He can’t throw the ball downfield anymore – ??

I want him to disprove the last one as much as anyone. After all, aren’t we all asking ourselves the same thing? But the ease with which he laid the ball into Sidney Rice’s hands at the goal line in Cleveland was enough to tell me that Brett is biding his time. The 30-40 yard pass will come. Relax and enjoy the ride.

by Belarus on Sep 21, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions

+1

by purplegrey on Sep 21, 2009 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Hate to break it to you

but there is no such thing as a perfect game. Sure adjustments need to be made. The slow starts are troubling. But I would say this team’s ability to overcome adversity is a positive right now that outweighs any negatives that most of you have complained about. It’s a sign of this team’s maturity and leadership that we haven’t had in a long time.
Sure 155 yards passing isn’t impressive, but we are 2-0, and we’d probably be 1-1 or 0-2 without Favre.

by NMVike on Sep 22, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

Perspective, please - remember what we used to have?

I have to agree with everyone who’s saying “relax, we’re 2-0.” It really has been an extended preseason, and that’s fine. I, too, have watched these guys since Van Brocklin, and it’s incredibly refreshing to see someone hitting quick slot passes – actually hitting them! – and getting first downs. It’s not the downfield throws you should worry about missing – they will come. It’s that we’ve not had a quarterback just make the simple outs consistently for so long, I’m thrilled to see it. Plus, isn’t it a nice change to have us make adjustments at half and kick * the rest of the game? We’ll be fine, and it’s a good start. And isn’t Greenway just turning into something great?

by JJ the DFB on Sep 22, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions

Would you rather be a Dolphin??

Run, Run, Run, and eat up the clock. Keep Manning off the field. The only difference between the Vikes and the Dolphins? Brett Farve can make plays DOWN THE FIELD when the game is on the line. Don’t fret yet. Let this team build together. Good defense and a good offense will win many games.

by lifelongvike on Sep 22, 2009 6:41 PM CDT reply actions