We have devoted enough time and energy to Brett Favre for a couple days. There are some things emerging from Mankato that quite frankly have me troubled. We'll start with the QB situation as it pertains to performance on the field, injuries that don't seem to be healing, and where the Vikings sit in the battle for backup running back, and an injury that might or might not have made that decision easy for the coaching staff.
The uneven play of quarterbacks in camp has been an issue from day one. Other than asking about the 600 pund Favre in the room, there really hasn't been a whole lot of info about Tarvaris Jackson, other than the coaches have been very pleased with his approach and increased understanding of the offense. That's the good news. The bad news is that today, he went 3-11 in 11 on 11 drills, although Judd Zulgad said he looked very sharp in 7 on 7. I have no doubt that Jackson knows the offense better now than at this time last year, and that he will be better in that offense, but it's all for naught if he can't get the ball to the receiver. Sage Rosenfels really stuggled early in camp, throwing four picks in one practice session. But over the last two days he has really picked up his game, having a good session today and building on what was described as his best day of camp yesterday.
The status of Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson has gone from an afterthought to a mild concern. Between the two, the one I am least worried about is Peterson, although he went from a light workload to not even being in pads today. I'm sure a lot of that is precautionary, but with AP's fumbling issue, it can't hurt to practice and get reps. Sidney Rice's injury is starting to concern me, though. If his hip isn't okay with rest and phyical therapy, it's something that will affect him all season, and could lead to surgery. Regardless of who the QB is, Rice is a vital cog to this offense, and if he is out for an extended period of time it will hurt. With Percy Harvin's migraines, a healthy Rice is essential.
Oh, Adrian Peterson also thinks that it's time to 'have a conversation' about his contract.
"At least talk about it," Peterson said. "It is what it is. It’s a business and people really don't understand. The fans really don’t understand it but there is a business side of football that my agents take care of while I still come out perform and play football. It’s a business side with the Vikings organization and we can talk about whatever, but I’ll let those guys handle that and I just do what I've got to do and that’s get myself ready to play this season and get to the championship."
Cool, more distractions!!
Speaking of running backs, Albert Young entered camp as the 2nd string RB with Toby Gerhart 3rd string, and Young is still the #2 guy. Bevell said that is due to Young's familiarity with the system, and that's also why he is the leading candidate to be the third down back as well. My sentimental favorite for a RB spot, Darius Reynaud, injured his ankle today and was carted off the practice field. Even a minor injury that sets him back only a day or two could be the difference in whether or not he makes the team. Reynaud has an uphill climb to begin with, and any time out of the loop could put him far enough behind that he won't be able to catch up.
Okay, that's all I have from the Mankato reports for today.