Day Two Thoughts
by Ted Glover on Jul 31, 2010 11:05 PM CDT
Email
Print
The first full day of two a days has come and gone, and man, is it great to be talking football. Saturday was an eventful day, and we'll talk Percy Harvin, EJ Henderson, Cedric Griffin, the quarterback situation without mentioning Brett Fa-- ah, crap.
Percy Harvin suffered a minor ankle injury during the morning session, but was back out for the evening practice. I think Harvin, although not injury prone, is a guy who will probably miss 2-3 games a season every year. His migraine situation is bad enough, but he was always battling some injury last year, and while in college at Florida. Harvin will always be battling something; maybe we better just get used to it.
I can't tell you how cool it is to see that EJ Henderson is practicing. The low point for the regulalr season, at least for me, was EJ's injury, especially since he had misssed most of 2008. I thought he was just returning to his 2007 form and hitting his stride, and I thought that after the Arizona game he might not play again. I mean, that was a gruesome injury. There are other guys on defense that get more headlines, like Jared Allen, Kevin WIlliams, and Antoine WInfield, but Henderson is the soul of that defense:
Less than eight months later, Henderson is back on the field and his stunning recovery is having an equally strong effect on the team in the first few days of training camp.
"I know it was a bad injury and I know some of those injuries can be career-ending," defensive end Jared Allen said. "So to see him back running, to see him back with a helmet in his hand, to me is awesome. It's inspiring."
The quiet Henderson is not a Ray Lewis, fire-and-brimstone type of leader. He smolders in the huddle, quietly and calmly making the calls with a style that is perfect for this veteran unit. There is no more respected player in the locker room than the middle linebacker, who is battling back from his second serious injury in the past two years.
I'm glad the Vikings are taking the cautious approach for Henderson; he is an important member of this team.
Cedric Griffin is frustrated that he isn't going full speed, and I appreciate his wanting to get back out there and play. Like Henderson, there's no sense in rushing things and suffering a setback:
"I don't have a timetable," he said. "I wanted to participate in training camp and I wasn't able to. My timetables are up. I'm not giving no more. Whenever I'm ready I'm going to go out there -- and I will be ready."
Tarvaris Jackson is holding down the #1 spot. It's his job to lose until...well, I won't mention him.
Okay, the quarterback situation. Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN Minneapolis thinks Sage has trade value. Of course, he then went on to throw four interceptions during 7 on 7 drills Saturday night. Yikes.
The Joe Webb reviews are a lot like Tarvaris Jackson in 2006--athletically gifted, but drinking from a firehose and he is thinking too much. Again, Tom Pelissero:
Childress described Webb's camp so far as "just rough, like most first-year quarterbacks that are taking third-string turns. ... But he's got an aptitude, and you can see the arm strength. Now, you see some (bad) stuff, but a lot of times, guys are thinking so much that they can't let their God-given athletic ability come out, and you just want to keep accelerating that curve."
I feel bad for Sage Rosenfels, but it looks like his days are numbered. He is a consummate pro, but hey, he's made some good money just for wearing a baseball hat and holding a clipboard. The backups seem to be Jackson and Webb at this point, and any draft pick at all for Sage would seem like a steal at this point. He's 32, never been a starter, and looks like he could be the odd man out in less than a month.
And unfortunately, this is his career highlight:
As a former helicopter pilot, I love that video.
So that's all the latest reports from Mankato for Saturday.
SKOL!
34 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Never get tired of watching that
Percy bulked up this offseason to avoid being injured so let see how it works out this season.
Having E J back is huge, even though Jasper played well in his place, the D needs their captain and leader back.
Griffen just needs to do what he has to and prepare himself for when his time comes and not rush it. I hope the coaches hold him out at least the first 6 games so he heals properly, we’ll need him down the stretch.
Time to say bye to Sage…it was nice knowing you. Someone’s going to be in need of a veteran QB so he does have trade value, we may just have to hold on to him longer.
why is there all this talk about the athleticism of webb and jackson
when neither of them has performed the fabled and difficult maneuver known as the Rosen-copter. That takes an athlete to pull that off.
by muffin man on Aug 1, 2010 12:16 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Come one..
Lets get serious about this… Does T-Suck and Joe Who have any chance of one day being the Minnesota Viking’s franchise starter???!!! For real?… It’s just painful togo offseason to offseason hoping this is the year the Vikes draft their guy! We may not admit it, but we were all there watchin the Vike’s, hoping with our pick in the 2nd round we would some how go… QB. But… who am I to say what everyone else thought.
...add #4 to the mix and see what you get... Championship.
Yes
Jackson is a lot better now compared to years ago, when you and others formed your judgement about him.
As for Webb, I have never seen him play.
On Rosenfels, it would be nice to see him rally and keep his spot on the roster.
As for next year, there are a number of interesting quarterbacks who will be eligible to draft.
Keep the faith.
Good to see you back, MB :)
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!
Yes, actually
If Favre doesn’t come back, it’s going to be Jackson. And I think he’ll be okay. Not great, but not the TJ from 2007 or 2008, either. I don’t think anyone feels Webb is anywhere close to being ready.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
If Favre doesn't come back???????????????????????????????
R U SERIOUS?
I will be there in person to see some REVENGE on Sept 9th,2010!
Brett Favre is the Greatest QB in NFL History, Bar None!
Brett Favre will be back in 2010, Guaranteed!
Brett Favre will lead the Vikings to a Victory in Super Bowl XLV, Guaranteed!
by REVENGE4FAVRE on Aug 1, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
By your 3rd grade name calling......
I’ll take it you are not a Jackson fan. Well that’s fine, but realize he has been a work in progress from day 1. If you have a problem, it should be with the organization and not the player.
TJ has taken some strides. Now that he’s had his year of bench work, where he should have been for the past 3 years anyway, we’ll see what we have. Don’t pass judgment on a project, wait till you have the finished product to examine.
Terrifies me that Webb is being described as TJack 2.0
All the athleticism in the world won’t help you if you don’t have the nerves/presence of mind/quick decision making abilities to pull off playing quarterback. I haven’t seen any indication that Jackson can perform well under pressure. I was really hoping Webb would be able to come in, have a year under Favre and take over after that, but if he’s really the same as Jackson, we’ll need to grab someone in the draft next year. Hoping it’s just rookie jitters. Takes a while to learn pocket presence.
Eh, it's the first full day
Of course he’s going to be overwhelmed. Let’s get through the pre-season before we pass judgement on Webb being a bust. Like you said, it’s all new to the guy.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
lol pre-season doesn't mean crap
Since we’re on the subject of Jackson 2.0, I just wanna point out that Jackson’s rookie pre-season was pretty good. Like he finished it with a 150 QB rating iirc. We really won’t know about Webb for a good 3 years or so, just like with Jackson.
I agree
I think instead of putting him on the PS, we should utilize him as a WR.
Why you may ask?
1) S. Rice has a lingering hip issue… He could require surgery
2) P. Harvin has lingering migraines that could put him out a game here/there
3) B. Berrian, even claiming his hamstring is now completely fine, could potentially pull it again
4) Shiancoe was a great target, but he is also a TE.
5) G. Lewis, pulled off the miracle catch, yet, he wasn’t seen much since than
6) C. Taylor used to be our backfield catch-threat, but he is now a Bear
7) A.P. & T.G. could have the hands to catch out of the back-field, but I want more WR to move the ball farther at times.
Overall, upon Favre returning again, we could use J. Webb as a 3rd string back-up QB who is also available as a WR. Release Sage for a team looking for a veteran back-up and we don’t have to worry about Webb being stolen out of P.S., and not only will Webb be considered a 3rd string QB, he could still get play-time as a WR. This make sup for Lloyd being the special teams kicker, since we technically are 1 less roster spot than what we’re used to.
That’s the general idea I would like to see how things go down.
+ The 4 picks in the drills by Sage does not make him to be someone to get excited for…
(On a side note, Greenway picked off Webb too, but get a rook some credit… I would of expected better out of a Vet though).
what about the wild cat?
seems he would be perfect for that?
it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin
by montana vikes fan on Aug 2, 2010 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
The only people describing webb as T-Jack 2.0 are uninformed fans
Even the coaches know it is way to early to judge whether he will ever be an NFL QB.
But if you say they are both from smaller college programs and they are both athletic then yes, they are similar in that way. But that is it.
"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp
Very true
It’s like saying Everson Griffen is Ray Edwards 2.0….
Would that be a bad thing though? Not so much…. R. Edwards is good, but he is also part of a very good line.. He does not receive the double-teams and I think he’ll try his best to shine as much as possible this year to either get a better deal or increase his stock value.
the copter stays...
jackson has the headset, copter gofers Favre photos… that’ not going to change this year.
look for webb on the practice squad.
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Aug 1, 2010 9:28 PM CDT reply actions
I doubt
if Webb would make it through waivers, thus making it to the practice squad. Remember; we tried that with Tyler Thigpen a few years ago. We failed.
Your fantasy football expert since Jerry Rice's rookie year.
Agreed
It’s between Webb and Rosie for the #3 spot, and Rosie is playing himself off the roster, IMO.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
T-suck and rosechopper as you call them are two of the top 5 best backups in the league .
I believe Tarvaris has the best above 500% win percentage in the NFL . We all dream of Brett winning the big game . Wake up and remember the respect we were given when a backup came in and helped us win the North . Tarvaris is amazing as a backup . Aaron Rodgers had a poor first 2-3 years on the bench . Two major injuries without a start . Look at his progression . Name five other backups you would put in Tarvaris’s place . Pack fans won’t discuss Aaron’s first years and refer to him being in his third year . Freudian maybe ? Jackson won in Green Bay his first time and went to the playoffs . Rodgers is listed as a top five QB and hasn’t won any form of championship . Jackson isn’t fighting over money . He’s not doggin’ on his physical . He is a team player . You and all of Packerland can learn a thing or two from this young man ! He bleeds purple . He fits his role for 2010 . Brett goes down and you may re-think the distaste you have in your mouth from these wise words !!!
Your not really gonna compare Rodgers first 3 seasons to Jackson’s are you? Anyone with a brain realized that Rodgers was going to be sitting behind Favre until he was off the team. No if, ands, or buts about it.
Packers fans don’t really know how good (or bad) Rodgers was in his first three seasons. All we really got to see of him was in the preseason, which doesn’t mean a whole lot. He looked underwhelming his first preseason, and then seemed to progress every year after it.
When did Jackson win in GB? In his rookie season you guys lost 9-7, with your only points coming off a Favre pick 6. He didn’t play in the game at GB the next season due to injury I believe. He played in 2008 at GB week 1, and lost 24-19. Jackson’s actually never beaten GB in his career as a starter!
Yes, he’s a good back-up option but if you take Favre out of the picture he’s not exactly a good starting option (which is ultimately what matters). Probably in the bottom 10 based on how he’s performed so far in his career.
by packallday555 on Aug 1, 2010 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Rodgers is listed as a top five QB and hasn’t won any form of championship.
I think this statement is just silly. When you look at things like arm strength, accuracy, decision making, and athleticism for a Qb, there probably isn’t a better one then Rodgers. He needs to improve on his awareness in the pocket, and for that reason I think he’s somewhere between 4-6.
The Packers not winning any championships in his tenure is hardly his fault (far from it actually). He can’t control our defense’s poor play in 2008, and couldn’t control our defense not showing up against the Cardinals in the playoffs. Just like AP couldn’t help the fact that you guys had no Qb or Wr’s around him in 2007 when he managed to run for 1,341 yards that season (which ranked 2nd in the league). Did you also then say, well AP has great stats but he hasn’t won any form of a championship yet so I’m not sure that we can consider him one of the best at his respective position? I’m sure you probably didn’t because that would be silly. AP did all he could, and did a good job of it (just like Rodgers has in his career). It was obvious when watching him that he was one of the best at his position (like Rodgers). He shouldn’t be penalized because of the things missing around him, which was ultimately the reason for the teams mediocore season.
I like you gothic. You bring an interesting perspective, and make people really think to understand your logic, and the things your saying. It’s obvious that your pretty knowledgable about football, and the Vikings especially. I just think your obvious grudge against Rodgers is a silly, as well as your blind optimism directed towards Jackson. If you want to compare what their teams have done in their tenures then that’s fine but you then also have to take into account the rest of their respective teams. If you want to compare the two individually, as Qb’s I’m not sure what to say because honestly, there isn’t a whole of similarities.
1341
by packallday555 on Aug 1, 2010 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Gothic, I agree with PAD 555, with this caveat
If I had my choice between Rodgers and Jackson, I’d pick Rodgers for my QB. However, what has Rodgers accomplished? Yeah, he throws for a lot of yards, great. Jay Cutler threw for lot of yards, too. When has he driven his team for a fourth quarter comeback to win a game? You can counter that Jackson’s resume is as thin as Rodgers’ is, but no one is touting Jackson as a top 5 quarterback, either.
Gothic has a point with the top 5 QB that hasn’t won a title. I would modify that to ask this: How can Rodgers be considered a top 5 QB when he can’t bring his team back in the fourth quarter? If you’re a top 5 QB, you can start at the 20, with 1:30 left and no timeouts, and will yourteam to a win. Like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbmHO75i6gc
Rodgers has yet to do that. When he does, I will tip my cap and call him a top 5 QB.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
Gothic has a point with the top 5 QB that hasn’t won a title. I would modify that to ask this: How can Rodgers be considered a top 5 QB when he can’t bring his team back in the fourth quarter? If you’re a top 5 QB, you can start at the 20, with 1:30 left and no timeouts, and will yourteam to a win.
Your right. All the other guys in the top 5 are all proven winners, and as equally skilled as Rodgers is. They all possess that leadership type intangible that Rodgers lacks in comparison to them. However, he is only going into his 3rd year playing. He lacks the experience in comparison to guys like Favre and Manning. He also improved quite a bit late in games from 2008 to 2009. From this point I think it’s all about the mentality he holds. I think it’s clear he has the talent to lead us to those big wins, he just may not have all the confidence that he can make any throw, at any time, which is a must when the game is on the line.
by packallday555 on Aug 2, 2010 4:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Back-up
I believe gothic was trying to say Jackson had a better career his 1st three seasons as a back-up, mainly in part because he got more opportunities. Its hard to say who will be the better quarterback because if the Vikings don’t acquire anyone else by next year he will get one last shot. If he Flourishes, which it appears he can to me..i mean learning from a great one like Favre did wonders for Rodgers so why couldn’t it with Jackson. Jackson is actually very accurate, he just needs to correct when he needs to throw a bullet pass or with finesse. We don’t need another Jeff George.
I have to agree with you packallday that Rodgers has held up his part to have played good enough to put his team at a chance to perform in a super-bowl. Personally I think they put too much on his shoulders and havn’t tried hard enough to a have a decent compliment in the running game. I don’t necessarily think your YPC have to go up, but you need to keep from the DE’s shooting at his blind sides and so the linebackers aren’t anticipating dropping back into coverage.
If your defense plays anything like it did PRIOR to the Cardinals embarrasment then i’d say you all might challenge the Division Champs our beloved Minnesota Vikings =).
I don’t exactly enjoy bringing up old defeats to the Green Bay Packers but that 9-7 loss brought a bitter taste to my life. I remember how much I talked up all the Redskins fans down here in Virginia at work, and the BS I caught that Monday was…how do I say it….shitty?
Anyways…Its more about Favre vs. Rodgers and I’m sure that topic has been hit plenty, not just over the past couple of months, but more like the past 3 years.
Joe should go to the PS….and if stolen away like TT….well then we lost a project guy….TJ has what a 1 year deal?…..and if he leaves who is the starter/backup then? Joe Webb?
TJ has a history of injuries as well….what if Ole#4 retires this season…TJ gets hurt…who comes in Joe?
SR makes poor choices at QB and TJ makes none.
The Staff should have taken a QB imo with the 2nd or 3rd pick….to late now so we have to roll with what we have, I hope it will be a smart choice.
Excellent point VF1969
The front office will have to make a choice between having experience now and having a QB next year. But most teams don’t have a viable 3rd QB on their roster. Most teams use that spot for the trainee. In the Vikings case first Brett has to make a decision. If he retires we have our three QBs. If he chooses to play then either Webb has to be a back-up WR or be gone. I wouldn’t expect him to clear waivers. But we don’t have room on the roster for a 4th QB. If we use Webb as a WR he will have to play on ST like any 4th or 5th WR has to do. This increases his risk of injury and means he will probably never play at QB. Although in New England they only have two QBs with the WR being the emergency QB.
Unless Webb shows in this TC that he will compete as a QBOF then I would make him a WR, if indeed he has the skills to play that position. Sometimes Viking fans forget that he was a 6th round draft choice. He wasn’t ever suppose to be the 2nd coming of Randy Moss. At least not by 32 teams on 5 different occasions. If he is the WR/QB messiah then god bless our draft crew.
"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp
From the vids I saw
he seemed impressive..
could be a guy who was a steal at the round he was picked…
hate to lose him to another team who actually sees value in him.
Speaking of good drafting
How bout that Chris Cook . It is very early but it does appear he has the skills to help out in the Tampa 2. Could very well be the tall guy we need covering in the end zone. The Draft crew looks smart today. Hope we can say the same thing a couple weeks from now.
"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp
I don't want to make too much of this
since it’s a lot to live up to, but he has pretty much all the same measurables and physical gifts of Nnamdi. Hopefully his skills can live up to even 50% of that potential, because it’s huge.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
