Reports of the Vikings Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated
by Ted Glover on Mar 7, 2010 5:25 PM CST
in NFC North
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PrintSince Free Agency began at Midnight EST Friday, there has been a flurry of activity, most notably among two of our NFC North division rivals, the Bears and the Lions. It's easy to take a look at a few signings by one team, or a loss of free agents by another, and then proclaim that one team is all of a sudden better, another team is worse, and the football world as we know it has been flipped on it's ear. Well, it's not always that simple. If we break things down a little more, I think we'll see that the Vikings aren't as bad as we think, and that the Bears and Lions still have a way to go to catch the purple...with one notable exception, of course. But to read some places on the Internet, the Vikings are worse and getting worse with each passing day. I'd like to present my rebuttal, after the jump.
I'm not going to try and minimize the impact of Julius Peppers signing with the Bears. He's one of the three or four best DE's in the game, and makes the Bears better. It angered me when the Vikings swung that draft day trade for Jared Allen because I thought it was a great deal, yet people wanted to pan it. It was a great trade for the Vikings, and this was a great signing for the Bears. That said, there are significant differences between the two. Prior to the Allen trade, the Vikings were quietly collecting some serious talent on a defense that had been neglected for the better part of the last 10 years. Pat Williams, Antoine Winfield, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber, etc., arrived through free agency or the draft, and Allen was widely considered the 'final piece' of the defensive puzzle. He has flourished, the defense has been one of the league's best, and looking back there is no way you can consider that a bad trade by the Vikings.
With the Peppers signing, the Bears find themselves in a different place. He is a 30 year old pass rusher on a defense that has been aging for the last two years. He will be an upgrade, but he is not a long term answer. The Bears are still a year older, Tommie Harris still is injury prone and playing on a degenerative knee, Brian Urlacher is still coming back off a season ending injury, and their secondary still hasn't upgraded a unit that was 28th in touchdown passes surrendered last season.
The Vikings defense was a defense on the ascendency when they acquired Allen, the Bears are a defense on the decline, and even with the Peppers signing, it's still hard to make an argument that the Bears defense is ascending. Entering 2010, every Bears defender has a 'yeah, but' quantifier attached to him that makes them a very questionable unit, Peppers included, especially if the Bears switch him to the left side, as is being reported.
The Lions, however, have something going in Detroit. Very quietly, they've signed DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, and with the second pick in the draft, they are guaranteed a premier DT if they want one. All of a sudden, they look downright respectable on the defensive line. They still have a ways to go, but I really like what the Lions have done so far. Well, other than to give Nate Burleson $25 million. That was kind of Matt Millen-ish, but they are putting more and more distance between them and the Millen era every day. I'm not saying the Lions are better than the Bears, but they're heading in the right direction.
The Chester Taylor signing bugged me more because of the team he went to, and not the fact that the Vikings lost him. Yes, it would have been nice to retain Taylor, but I can't fault a guy for wanting a chance to start and get one last big payday. Does losing Taylor make the Bears better? Marginally. Does he make the Vikings worse? Debatable. The Bears still haven't upgraded an offensive line that helped lead the Bears to the 29th ranked rushing attack, and Taylor was just okay running behind the Vikings line last year. His value was as a third down back, but if the Bears don't address their issues on the line, Taylor will be a wasted asset, much like a manners class would be on Jay Cutler.
Losing Artis Hicks was as damaging as losing a...backup offensive lineman. Yes, he was versatile, but he couldn't beat out Anthony Herrera, who struggled quite a bit in 2009. So how good was he, really? And the Vikings won't be able to replace him? Seriously? Can I ask more questions? Really?
The Bears had to make a splash in free agency because they spent the impact portion of their 2010 draft class on Jay Cutler, and the Vikings are restricted in free agency because of the stupid collective bargaining rules established in the event of an uncapped year. There are attractive alternatives to Chester Taylor on the market, and I doubt the Vikings will leave that situation unresolved by the time training camp begins. So let's wait until the Vikings announce their plans for a third down back and backup lineman before we declare them demostrably worse, shall we?
Oh, but if Favre doesn't come back, well, uh, it'll be interesting, and we'll leave it at that.
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don't worry
i agree completely with what you said. The bears are better with peppers, but this isn’t a one man roster. As for the lions, i have them winning more games then the bears this year.
the bears still have no receivers
and that secondary is atrocious
From the only TRUE North division
by thewild_viking_twins on Mar 7, 2010 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
More than the Bears?
I don’t see that. I don’t see Cutler being as bad as he was last season, but I don’t see them being more than a .500 team.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Bears will be better, Lions won't be atrocious.
I don’t see why we won’t be able to beat them both twice. If anything, I can see them beating the Packers once or twice, which will help. Detroit is building up a decent-looking future. Idk about the Bears though.
I don't think that losing either hurts very much
but what’s the one notable exception that you mention at the beginning?
Favre
If he comes back, the Vikes are an 11-13 win team. If not, they’re 9 or 10 wins, unless Tarvaris Jackson all of a sudden figures it out, which I’m dubious about. 12 qins pretty much guarantees a division title, 10 wins and anything can happen.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
I wouldn't say that 12 guarantees it in THIS division
by Donald Driver on Mar 7, 2010 8:16 PM CST up reply actions
He was probably talking about the Packers. With that passing game and a better defense I wouldn’t put 12 wins past them.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 7, 2010 11:24 PM CST up reply actions
Because you know that 3-4 defense scheme is just gonna solve everything
All they need is a little more time to figure it out. Warner (and every other experienced QB they played) racking up oodles of points on them was an aberration, they just need a littlebit more time.
Oh yeah, and they have gotten rid of their main “problematic” player that didn’t fit in well with their wonderful scheme, Aaron Kampman. Acme had a high post-count discussion or two about how he had to go this off-season. Now they got their wish, they should be just ecstatic over there.
I'm not so sure they're happy about losing their left tackle though...
That might put a damper on the happy days. Since we got some pass rushing ends in the division now… Starting to feel bad for Rodgers here. R4F slap me!
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
Clifton resigned with them.
If I’m not mistaken.
"Last season, we knocked on the door. Next season, we’re kicking it down."
SKÖL VIKINGS!
SHOW YOUR HORNS!
Hey I'm not saying it will happen.
I’m just saying it could.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 8, 2010 5:23 PM CST up reply actions
It was about 50-50 about whether to re-sign him
but Aaron Kampman could never be classified as a problem, no Packer fan would put it that way ever. I’m pretty convinced that the Pack can shut down opposing quarterbacks at Lambeau, favre was the only one who had a good game there this past year. I think that the home environment is pretty important for a defense, and no, not “every” experienced qb lit up the Packers this year. You are ridiculous to mock the fact that it takes time to switch defensive systems. We need to draft players who fit the new system and we need to develop our young players. Our defense will make you eat crow next season.
by Donald Driver on Mar 8, 2010 11:55 PM CST up reply actions
Aaron Kampman could never be classified as a problem, no Packer fan would put it that way ever.
You need to talk to your tearless leader Brandon about that one, along with a good half your posters over there, not me. And again) And some more.
And I couldnt’ even find the one from mid-season that I was remembering for you all really ripping into him, with many saying he personally was the reason the 3-4 wasn’t working (or maybe it’s buried in the comments of one of those linked posts, I don’t know).
I do
I don’t see two 12 win teams in this division. Going back to 2000, there has only been 5 divisions that have had two teams with 12 or more wins in it in the same season (AFC South 3 times, NFC Central (2002, before current realignment), and NFC West (also 2002, before realignment).
In the history of the NFC North, there has never been two teams win 12 or more games in the same season. I don’t see it happening this year, either.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
It was a Mike Wallace twinkletoes catch away from happening this year
So I have to disagree. I don’t think it will happen, I just don’t think it’s any kind of guarantee.
by Donald Driver on Mar 8, 2010 11:45 PM CST up reply actions
Just one problem
You can never underrate or underapreciate the locker room effect.
Both Chester and Hicks were great influence on the locker room, and that is unreplaceable.
But, with all said and done, we are still SB contenders, even if no offseason signing happen, and the bears are not.
The Lions, on the other hand, are truly improving, and can make a huge noise in a couple of years.
"Last season, we knocked on the door. Next season, we’re kicking it down."
SKÖL VIKINGS!
SHOW YOUR HORNS!
There are some Vikings fans that are concerned that the team has lost two free agents already and have little in the way of recourse to make up for the losses. But, the reality of the situation is a little different than the perception. The Vikings suffered a pair of losses, but the significance of their departure may not be measured in numbers.
Chester Taylor was a valued piece of the Vikings offense, but far from indispensable. He was a 30-year-old backup to Adrian Peterson who, barring injury, was never going to take over his position or even get to the point where he would be in a time share. In a way, one has to feel sorry for Taylor, whose career has never been able to pan out as hoped or anticipated. When he came to the NFL, he played for Baltimore, which had one of the game’s top backs at the time in Jamal Lewis. When push came to shove and both Taylor and Lewis were free agents, the Ravens front office opted to pay Lewis and let Taylor try the free-agent waters. He signed a four-year deal with the Vikings and, after five years of playing second fiddle in Baltimore, he was going to get a new lease on life with the Vikings.
That lasted all of one year. Despite setting a franchise record for rushing attempts in a season in 2006 with 303 and rushing for more than 1,200 yards, when the Vikings drafted Adrian Peterson, it was obvious that Taylor’s days as the top dog in the Vikings backfield were not only numbered, but all but over. A.D. made an early impression and, after a month of splitting carries, Peterson took over the leading role in the backfield and never looked back. After carrying the ball 303 times in 2006, Taylor’s rushing attempts dropped in each of the next three seasons (157-101-94). Along the way, his average per carry also dropped in each of those years (5.4-4.0-3.6).
What made Taylor’s situation so sad in many respects was that he has the talent to be a lead back in the NFL – the only time he was given a chance in his career to be a starter, he proved worthy of the challenge. But he was facing an uphill battle in both situations – coming into Baltimore with an established star on board and being in Minnesota a year before the biggest impact running back in franchise history got drafted. But what made Taylor special in the minds of his teammates was how he handled his demotion from featured back to supporting player. He never demanded a trade. He never groused or complained about the situation. He was never a divisive influence in the locker room. He was team player who showed more class than most in his situation would have. He was a credit to his team, his family and young players who might want to emulate him.
In many ways, Artis Hicks followed much the same path. A two-year starter prior to being traded to the Vikings, Hicks started his first 18 games as a Viking at right guard. As the Vikings struggled on the O-line at the start of the 2007 season, Hicks was replaced by Anthony Herrera and never won that job back. While he would start six games in 2008 – four at left tackle and two at right tackle – and three games in 2009 – one at right tackle and two at right guard – he never got a chance to be a full-time starter with the Vikings again. In his first 18 games, he started them all. In his final 43 games, he made just 13 starts.
But, like Taylor, you never heard Hicks complain. He had as difficult a job as any player on the team, having to learn the varied blocking assignments and blitz pickups for four positions and be ready at a moment’s notice to step in at any of them. A lot of players that had been three-year starters wouldn’t have accepted such a demotion with either class or dignity. Hicks did both and never wallowed in the "what if?" type of scenario that often accompanies a starter being asked to take a reserve role. He was a leader in the locker room who led by example.
In the big picture of things, the Vikings didn’t lose a huge amount over the last two days. Neither Taylor nor Hicks were starters. Although valued role players, they were just that – role players that the team can hope to replace. But when Brad Childress took over as head coach, the Vikings were viewed as a punch line to a bad joke. In the aftermath of the "Love Boat" scandal, the Vikings were viewed as a team run amok and coach Mike Tice was seen as little more than a lenient Dean of Boys at Delta House. When he had the pencil taken away from behind his ear by Zygi Wilf, Childress was given the mission to clean up the Vikings and bring in players not only of talent, but of high character. Two of the first players he brought in to change the culture of the Vikings were Taylor and Hicks. In an "American Idol" type of purge, the "Taylor/Hicks" combo were plucked away in the span of a little more than 24 hours.
While the Vikings will find athletes to replace both of them, the loss the team will suffer will be in the locker room more than it was on the field. Both players were the type of guys that coaches loved, young players could turn to for advice and role models in every sense of the word. That kind of loss isn’t as easy to replace.
"Last season, we knocked on the door. Next season, we’re kicking it down."
SKÖL VIKINGS!
SHOW YOUR HORNS!
by VikingTW11 on Mar 7, 2010 6:14 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
And uhh...
what if they just…. sign people with the same kind of personality? I think that would replace them pretty good, personally.
Dude i Read this somewhere else!!
Is this an original concern?—-Don’t think so: Vikings lose two quality locker-room assets
Favre + 3 = ❼ = Vikings= 2009-2010 NFL Champions= New Stadium=Greatest Fans and Team!
by UnBannedVikingholic on Mar 8, 2010 3:56 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks!
I was trying to find the source of the text since yesterday.
"Last season, we knocked on the door. Next season, we’re kicking it down."
SKÖL VIKINGS!
SHOW YOUR HORNS!
So many teams would be better if locker room guys mattered
Seriously, have you tried to test your theory with rosters of SB winners? Playoff teams? All of those had predictable amounts of talent, and that is what matters most by a lot.
FYI, CT kind of proved that he couldn’t be a good starter in 2006. Football Outsiders ranked him 34th among running backs in a 32 team league. He only produced 4.0+ yards per carry in 5 of his 15 games started while the team won only 2 of their last 10 games that year. You accurately pointed out that he set a Vikings record for carries, but since he didn’t set the record for yards gained (total or per carry), then it only demonstrates that coach Childress went to the well too many times without enough production (and continued to do so).
The Chiefs supposedly went through a character change during the Herm Edwards years (and last year as they shed the last bad apple, Larry Johnson, off their roster), yet they were terrible.
Depends selection
We won’t be horrible,bu tI have always said we need to search for a rt guard in FA. We can’t rely on too many rookies to lead us to the “promise land” I like our 2 young RB’s but this is a big year coming up, especially if Favre returns. He will be much more familir with his team mates and I think if an incentive laden contract is offered to Westbrook for 2 years (option for 3rd) we fill the void left by Chester. Westbrook is a good pass catching RB with a lot more skill in the open field than CT. It is the concussion crap that worries me. Will he be sitting out 3 games every time he bumps his head?.
We di OK with our secondary and should have hit the bargaining table on free agents early on that.
A good LB who can play both OLB and MLB would make me feel comfortable. EJ is still a big ? mark. Brinkly has a bright future but really not ready for leading the D all season as MLB. He too has knee issues. Joey Porter or Bulluck. I think Porter is or has palyed MLB and could be a nice security addition.
No. We are not down and out, but some moves need to made now that we are open to dabble in free agency. I would feel much better if Westbrook get a good report on his physical and signs with the Vikings and the return of Favre. Get McCoy, Tebow or Pike to learn from him. Trade T ajx for a 3rd round pick this year or next if we draft a QB. I would bet that if the Vikes get one of those guys the wheeling and dealing will start at the draft. I wouldn’t settle for anything but a 3rd after what we gave up for TJ. Even if it is a 2011 pick.
We’ll be just fine. I think Favre and Westbrook would make me feel a lot more comfortable tho
re: Peppers on the left
Peppers lined up on the left and right in Carolina. He is equally effective on both sides, and will probably match up better against RT’s in this division than the LT’s. I agree it won’t make a bit of difference in the end though because teams will be able to throw on that secondary all day before a pass rush can reach them anyways.
Also,
“The Bears had to make a splash in free agency because they spent the impact portion of their 2010 draft class on Jay Cutler”
That and Gaines Adams.
I still don't see
the Bears being any good next year
they still need a #1 target, not a bunch of #3’s
Unless they get a #1, I see Chester leading the team in receptions
As for defense, Peppers is a great addition if he’s properly motivated, but their secondary still needs a lot of work
From the only TRUE North division
by thewild_viking_twins on Mar 7, 2010 6:55 PM CST reply actions
The thing I don’t get, honestly, is how people can write off the Vikings so easily. Do they not learn from years past? Just last year, who was the biggest free-agent signing we had? Karl Paymah. Yeah, we had Housh in the house, and once he signed with the Seahawks everybody was saying we were screwed, especially once Chicago traded for Cutler. Throw in that we lost both Birk and Sharper, and people had us landing in 3rd in the division for last season…
Fast forward to this free agency. We made it to the goddamn NFC Championship. We’ve lost some respectable veterans, and have yet to sign anybody significant. . . but do we really have to? I mean, we’ve been doing damn good with the draft recently. Particularly the first day picks.
My point is, since we’ve been drafting well, we really don’t need to sign any huge free agent, because we already have the players waiting to fill those spots. So buckle up Vikings fans ‘cause its gonna be a… slow, smooth ride through free agency. But I’m confident we’ll make it through just fine, like we did last season.
by Frost on Mar 7, 2010 7:05 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
um
Just last year, who was the biggest free-agent signing we had?
Brett Farve…Right?
... Yeah, I guess
You’re right. What I meant though was during the FA period. The normal one, where everyone is like OMG WE NEED TO GET THIS GUY
so many fanatics have the attention span of a flea
the new reality is road wins and overcoming sophisticated defences is the key to deep playoff success. remember that is the triangles evolved state. the other 3 division rivals have upgraded, but trust me they are far from evolved. GB is the only one half close ,defensively, but as GB knows more than anyone brett still owns that organization i wouldn,t besuprized if informs GB before wilf so they can change there diaper after crappin all over their fallen nation for one more year. to be fair let me explain. under tarvaris and the williams wall we inprove yet were one and done time and time again. in comes adangerous pass rushing monster and we still had missing pieces. depth, ageneral and a stash of draft picks like the model franchise NE. in walks the general and for the dilusional bear fan bright enough to follow along, nick names like cry baby shows your lack of a general. and to further be honest . he is your hershal. the triangle has a deep draft. and the stacking of draft picks is the lack of evolvution. we need to agressively shop most of our RFA’s after they sign. such as ray, berrian, tj, cook, evans , and even frampton . if we evolve in our second tier , not just hoping for special team bodies and insurance signings. the other three clowns aren’t even close. der bears need to swing a peppers trade for marshall but they don’t have their eye on the real prize. depth in the playoffs. reality check. we moved on from two backups in two days and they will be replaced by two starters in the first two rounds. with at least six more to evolve our depth for the future. it’s easier to state than to impliment. in the norse it’s a one horse race…………
Mmmnn
I’m not so sure about Taylor and Hicks being replaced in the first two rounds. I mean, both guys were back ups. We aren’t going to draft somebody to start in their place, because they weren’t even starters. Possibly if one of the can’t miss Gs fall to us, he may replace Hicks, and obviously Herrerra as well, but I doubt it.
Same here!
While I would have loved to retain Chester, I knew he wanted to go somewhere where he had a bonified chance to start. While I seriously doubt L.T. would want to be a back-up, I think we could pass on Westbrook. We can take the place of Chester within ourselves or a decent back-up option out there. And they are out there. For those that think we are dead, we haven’t lost any mainstay’s. We are good, will recover and be back in the thick next year. If anything, we may have a bit of a run from the Pack. Bears, while upgrading the running back and front line, still have a crap WR corps as many have mentioned already here and can be thrown against all day. Not too mention if Cutler has another “trade worthy” season like last year.
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
RB,s
LT wants a top four team to insure playoffs and will accept a lesser role because he is still in recovery mode no work horse mode. westbrook is based on lower body physical and money , risk/reward. our top four picks will be eaten up in OL, DL, and DB’s unless a playmaker falls the triangles way. best available 3rd down/goalline back,such as blount if he drops is a potential pick. brad’s lack of confidence in drafted backs inside the 20’s will frustrate us because capt. obvious couldn’t even trust AD so who would he trust then, spielman holds all those answers.
You could easily make an arguement
that he shouldn’t really trust AD in the 20 anyway…
Sad to see Chester Taylor go...
Artis Hicks was one who needed to be replaced (and move Herrera to backup) with top-rate talent. No tears there.
But losing Taylor has left a serious hole in the Vikings’ offensive scheme. He wasn’t an every-down back, but he was a seriously integral part of the running game. He extended AP’s life-expectancy and he was the definition of the word, ‘clutch’. I don’t know what all goes on in the ‘lockerroom’ that people get hot and bothered over, but I do know that CT was an absolute class act. There’s no way that a player of his ability, and a man of his character, can leave and not be missed.
The real question is; who are the Vikings looking at to replace him?
Albert Young? Unproven quality. We’ll see what that young man has, but he’s no Chester Taylor.
Ian Johnson? He can’t seriously challenge Young, Johnson has a lot to prove.
My personal hope is that the Vikings go get Sproles. Sproles is young and would make an excellent alternative to Young. I know LT is out there, but I’m skeptical about how much gas he has left in the tank.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Sproles ? Darren Sproles ?
Who has been tendered a 1st and a 3rd ?
"Last season, we knocked on the door. Next season, we’re kicking it down."
SKÖL VIKINGS!
SHOW YOUR HORNS!
Yep
Sproles is pretty much out of reach. I’d say try and get Thomas Jones, but he will more than likely want to be a starter. The Lions did release Kevin Smith though, I think. I can see him being a decent option on passing downs. Not sure how he is in pass-blocking though. This is, of course, assuming he hasn’t been picked up already.
If, and only if, they don’t like the idea of Albert Young being AP’s backup (which is totally fine by me, I think he has a lot of potential), I think we should take a closer look at Justin Fargas, who has been released from the Raiders before signing with anyone else.
"Last season, we knocked on the door. Next season, we’re kicking it down."
SKÖL VIKINGS!
SHOW YOUR HORNS!
I like this idea.
Really, all we need is a solid backup running back. Since we’re limited in how many free agents we can sign, I also wouldn’t mind if we let Albert Young have a shot as the main backup.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 7, 2010 11:34 PM CST up reply actions
More than a Backup
CT didn’t just step in when AP was injured. He came in to shake up the offensive scheme, to spell AP when AP needed a break, as well as being the reliable 3rd down back. Often he gained good yardage when AP was getting stuffed.
Do you really think that Young or Johnson can fill those cleats?
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
I think they have a chance to
I don’t know them I havn’t seen them play, but RB’s aren’t that hard to find. Young has a rediculously fast 40 in his combine and I think it would be nice to have a speed back again. He’s also supposedly good at catching passes out of the back field. If he can succeed at that he will do everything we need him to do.
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
Maybe not completely.
But we don’t need them to be as good as Chester. We just need one of them to be solid. If they can just be solid, then we can focus on more important positions, like cornerback and offensive line.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 8, 2010 5:22 PM CST up reply actions
Sproles
I didn’t see the tender on him, and you’re right; that’s way too much to pay, even at #30 and #94.
Maybe LT has enough in him to do the duty… but the other question is, can his ego fit inside the Met?
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
Plenty left in LT
What get’s lost I think is he was banged up half of last season. Sure, his production was off a little the year before, but no one was complaining about him then. L.T. would be nice, but as I stated above, he wants to be a started, nothing less. Sproiles, eh, to costly unfortunately.
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
LT
Living in San Diego I have to disagree. LT is pretty done, he just doesn’t have the lateral speed and cutting ability he used to have. He has also lost a step and doesn’t seem to be able to run away from the D like he used to. Later in the season I saw him get 7 shots at the endzone from inside the 5 and failed on every one of them, LT of two years ago would have gotten it done. The best evidence I have is that there was an amazing lack of outrage over his release. I say no to LT.
Agreed.
LT is just about done. He would also want a good amount of carries and a nice paycheck. Give the job to someone younger, hungrier, and cheaper.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 7, 2010 11:36 PM CST up reply actions
Okay...so...
I’ve been following the Vikings offseason only for the past couple years, and, as far as I can see, I’m pretty much a believer in anything the front office decides to do with free agency and the draft.
Until the Vikings go DOWN in wins, I will not have one problem with any signings or with-holding of signings they might have.
This franchise has proved to me that they know what kind of personnel it takes to win, and I don’t think now is the time to panic.
Last year I got seriously upset with our lack of free agent signing excitement and this year I regret all the rants I would get into back then. This is a SMART franchise, and I will always enjoy the “silent but deadly” approach we take in our off-season transactions.
We’re all good you guys…..take a chill pill.
Thank you
This is what I was talking about in my rant earlier. I wish people would take the time to look back a couple seasons and realize that teams don’t always need to make that ridiculous free-agent splash to do well in the regular season. I suppose they need to hype everything up though. Sort of like how EVERYBODY who’s drafted is going to end up a superstar for their team, if you were to abandon reason and just listen to the commentators.
a healthy big mac..
..not the sandwich, that would be an oxymoron.. but bryant mackenzie.. i think his double foot injury is the reason for his decline in 09.. if he is 100% for next year.. the o-line should be at least close to where is was in 08 (AP can go over 2K)..i think that alone can be the difference next year.. and if they can get immediate contributors in DB’s thru draft, and SB is OURS!!
"the following statement is true:
the preceding statement was false" - george carlin
Get an offense lineman
For the love of God sign Jahri Evans free agent from the saints. Maybe the best running back in Football AP will not be stuffed at the line next year and your quaterback will not be hit every play
Yep O-LINE
It’s plain and simple get the o-line together for Peterson to run. We got a good receiver core ( Not Great?) but good enough! Left tackle needs to be improved? Minn. needs home field all the way through! No Cold games! Biggger holes less fumbles!
I See Way better comp this year!
I am not at all worried about the vikings position, They have very suitable backs in Johsnson, and Young. They are pretty deep at the line position.
But the Bears are strongert than you think.. Cutler, had a ton of miscues and poor performances last year, yet he is a top caliber QB….If they step up in the receiving and their secondary improves even a little, they will not go down easy…
I am hoping that if the Great Favre does not return, we at least have enough time to figure out our replacement…I would sure be disappointed in another season under Jackson, if that were the case…..I would much rather see Mcnabb or VIck behind center….
by PURPLEPUSSYEATER on Mar 8, 2010 3:43 PM CST reply actions
You better hope...
…that Favre returns because Chilly has already said he’d be fine with either T-Suck or SageCopterFels at QB instead. UGH. Not a season that would be terribly fun to watch, imho, but what can we do if #4 doesn’t come back, right? :(
Bwaaahahahahahaha
I am hoping that if the Great Favre does not return, we at least have enough time to figure out our replacement.
Even if Bertt publicly announces that he is not coming back, you won’t know that he isn’t going to change his mind until the season actually starts without him!
You are never going to get what are hoping for there, until the off-season after his first season out of football.
-
The glass is more than half-full.
Concerns
I have a lot of concerns about the this season for the Vikes before losing Chester.
- Farve is old. He could fall apart any time.
- AP has been in the league 3 years, which is when RBs start breaking down.
- There are weaknesses in the secondary.
Our team is built to win right now, but that window could close quickly, as we have seen happen with a lot of teams. We have had great luck in the draft, at least the first round, and that is where we will need to get some help. If we get a good left tackle to solidify the line and help AP that would be very helpful. If we can help on the defensive secondary that would help as well.
Let’s be patient and see how this all plays out. The Bears had to spend money because of lost picks. The Lions will be better, but will still not complete. The Packers are the team to fear still.
I wouldn't say to fear them.
The Pack is the second best team in the division, but they’re really not so fearsome. If the defense were to mystically catch up to that offense, THEN I would be worried, but the #2 ranked defense from last year was scored on at will by their more offensively inclined opponents, particularly those who made it to the playoffs.
If there’s any team to fear in the division it still is us.
by Frost on Mar 8, 2010 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
As long as Favre returns
If he does retire, the Packers are the team to beat, IMHO.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
I sort of agree with you, Coin.
I do think we have some serious concerns to face up to this year. Pretending that the points you’ve raised here don’t exist is just burying our collective heads in the sand. We really do need to shore up our porous Secondary still, revitalizing our sagging O-line, get AP back on track and NOT FUMBLING all the damn time, and have #4 return but still stay in the same form he showed us all so wonderfully this past season.
If we can’t address a majority of those concerns, particularly the Favre return, we’re in some trouble.
As much as I loathe the stupid Packers, they are nipping at our heels, though they’re not unbeatable, by any means (as we well know). ;)
With all these free-agency signings by the Bears and Lions, it does beg the question.
Is the NFC North in your opinion going to be a race between the Packers and Vikings, or does one of the other two teams (if I had to pick one, I’d say the Bears) have an outside chance of making it a three-team race?
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 8, 2010 9:27 PM CST reply actions
I would say the Bears have an outside chance to compete, but it’s a very small chance. Despite their signings they have some big question marks on offense and defense. The Lions could pull off some upsets, but they won’t compete for another two or three years.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 8, 2010 9:33 PM CST up reply actions
That's the feeling I have too.
I also don’t believe that Julius Peppers will work out as they hope. IMO, he is too inconsistent to rely on.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 8, 2010 9:40 PM CST up reply actions
I think Kampman would've been a better pickup for them
From the only TRUE North division
by thewild_viking_twins on Mar 8, 2010 10:44 PM CST up reply actions
Just like a certain quarterback who was supposed to propel them to the top. I’m seeing a similar result.
I take much pleasure in the Bears’ suffering. Especially now that they’ve taken Chester.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 8, 2010 11:01 PM CST up reply actions
Good article, thanks MilCardFan
But I do think that you’re wrong in one respect. Losing CT DOES hurt this team, no doubt about it. And he was more than just “Okay” last year. It seemed like he converted nearly every darn 3rd down we tossed his way. Oh, and all that without FUMBLING like King Fumblitis aka Adrian “I fumble All-day” Peterson.
He led the NFL in 3rd Down Pass Receptions so his loss will absolutely be felt. :( I think the Vikings were chumps for letting him go but as you pointed out, he had a chance for a big paycheck and the Vikings are limited in what they can do in the off-season due to the stupid rules. :(
It’s looking to me like this will be one of those annoying/frustrating off-seasons where we sit on our thumbs while everyone else snaps up the good free agents and talent. Here’s to hoping that we draft as good as we have in recent years AND that (and this is huge) #4 returns to work his mojo for us.
Mr Peppers says hello...
<img src=“”http://www.flickr.com/photos/40915184@N03/4418831847/" title=“Peppers by JeremeMW, on Flickr”>
"/>
and to tell Brett he’ll be seeing him soon.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Is that really a pic of Peppers? Or is it really R4F run down on the field to give his hero a great big smoochie?! Kinda hard to be sure…
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
*yawn
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 9, 2010 8:34 AM CST up reply actions
Tired sir?
Maybe you need a litre of cola…
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Might as well wait until draft day
Like the Jared Allen trade, who the Vikings select and who the rivals do and/or do not select will have exponentially more influence than the recent signings, especially in the long run.
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