Last night, the Giants eliminated the Rams from playoff contention. Rams fans were disappointed. Rams fans were rooting for Washington and Vikings fans should have been, too. Why? Well, it's simple: With the Vikings season over, it's time to evaluate and look to next year. If the Vikings are doing that, they will play rookies and not often-seen talent. The goal is to see how good they are.
If the Rams are playing for a playoff spot, those Vikings will face a motivated team. They will face the NFL's best. Now, that's not likely.
The Rams are done. Now, they too will evaluate. This turns the game into a well-attended exhibition game. Does that help Minnesota? No. Now, the Vikings will see how their backups perform against the Rams backups. What will that tell you?
Yep, the Redskins let a lot of fans down when they went down with the ball at home against the New York Giants. Try to enjoy today anyway.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Did Vikings Do Robinson a Favor by Releasing Him?
I'm confused by the release of WR Marcus Robinson. Does anyone have any idea? I see the Vikings will save roughly $117,000 for the final game versus Saint Louis and now will save $2 million for his 2007 contract. I'm assuming it's okay to take the cap hit on his signing bonus (that won't be distributed over the final year of his contract).
If he gets picked up by a playoff team (the Colts, Chargers, Cowboys and Ravens have been listed a potential suitors), we could get a ring out of the deal.
Either way, he's betting paid. How odd!
For the Vikings, does this create discord? Or was he a problem and the players rally behind coach Childress? Any thoughts?
If he gets picked up by a playoff team (the Colts, Chargers, Cowboys and Ravens have been listed a potential suitors), we could get a ring out of the deal.
Either way, he's betting paid. How odd!
For the Vikings, does this create discord? Or was he a problem and the players rally behind coach Childress? Any thoughts?
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Don't Blame Tarv & Focus on Next Year
Wow, what an amazing game. The Vikings were in it despite their offense generating nothing but dropped passes. I was tryingto figure out what happened and I can't fault Tarvaris. After all, do the Vikings really want a running quarterback? I'd think not. There's more than being one-dimensional. I don't blame Tarvaris in the loss. It's year 1 and he's learning.
The loss eliminated the Vikings from playoff contention. Maybe that's good. It's been a bad year and now the focus can shift on moving forward. Now, the Vikings can relax, have a Merry Christmas, and starting thinking about making it a happy New Year.
Next week will be interesting. It's the ex-explosive offense of the Saint Louis Rams versus the ex-explosive offense of the Vikings. Who knows what will happen?
The loss eliminated the Vikings from playoff contention. Maybe that's good. It's been a bad year and now the focus can shift on moving forward. Now, the Vikings can relax, have a Merry Christmas, and starting thinking about making it a happy New Year.
Next week will be interesting. It's the ex-explosive offense of the Saint Louis Rams versus the ex-explosive offense of the Vikings. Who knows what will happen?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tarvaris Wishes for a Silent Night Christmas
Tonight, Tarvaris is wishing for a Silent Night Christmas. If he hears cheers, it will be because the Packer fans are enjoying holiday joy (and probably a Vikings football Christmas present). And who wants that? Silent Night wishes for everyone at Lambeau.
That seems perfect for this holiday season.
That seems perfect for this holiday season.
Key to Today's Green Bay Game
Today, I woke up and have all of this energy for the game today! Man, do I wish that I were in Green Bay, WI!
Q and A's that I have found on the Internet.... Let's have some fun today and just chat!
TARVARIS JACKSON
Q and A with Coach Childress:
How much stock will you put in Jackson's performance on Sunday?
A: That's always ongoing. You are always looking to see time and distance, how fast is he accelerating the curve, did he stay the same, did he get worse, did he get better. I have high expectations for him, and he's prepared. He's ready to go at this point and I think he put it on tape the other day.
What do you like best about Tarvaris Jackson?
A: We liked his skill set coming out obviously and that would include how he thinks. Obviously, for a quarterback not just his arm, not just his athletic ability. The guy's got to be able to communicate. He's got to be able to make decisions quickly and effectively, and we saw those things and continue to see it through training camp on.
Can you confirm your starting quarterback?
A: Well you guys have seemed to snuff it out already. Yeah, Tarvaris (Jackson) is going to start. I think when you make a decision like that, first of all you visit with the guy that was starting. I don't like to knee-jerk; I don't like to be emotional after a game, which you typically are. Come back to the office and obviously we have preparation for Green Bay. Look at that game film, evaluate it, think about what you are going to do, sleep on it, and then decide, so I don't do that just to do it. I think we needed a spark at that point in time. I think he gave it to us. There is an evolution, as there will continue to be with a first-year quarterback, but he's managed to put it on tape, and it's not something that probably he could have done or I would have wanted him to do game three, game four, game eight, game nine. It's just that he was able to get it on tape. He's a quick study, and I'm not foolish enough to think, having coached rookies before, that this won't continue to evolve. He's not going to be a finished product.
Is that as much of a statement, him being able to win now as well as in the future?
A: Well the future is the future, but he'll give us the best chance to win right now just based on what I saw off of that tape.Q: Given the short week and the skill set, how much can you change the offense for him?A: You do a few things, but really still in all you are attacking their scheme of defense in Green Bay. The front they are playing, the coverage that you are playing with specific routes, and all the while you are mindful of what people do better than others. But it's not like you taper a complete game plan toward one quarterback or the other.
How did Brad Johnson handle the news?
A: Just like the pro that he is.
CHESTER TAYLOR
Q and A with Packers' Linebacker AJ Hawk
What have you noticed about the way Chester Taylor runs? What makes him difficult to deal with?
A: I think he's a good physical back who has great leverage when he runs the ball. He's going to run hard, and I think as a linebacker you respect guys that run hard like he does. The biggest thing that I think it takes to be a good running back is to have great vision, and I think he does. He's going to hit creases and he has the speed to take it when he can. He's also patient enough to let things develop and then get up in the hole and take it where he needs to. He has all the great things that running backs need to make them successful.
Is he pretty physical for his size?
A: Yeah, I think he is. He runs hard, and I think when people see guys that aren't as big as some other guys, they might not think they're as physical, but they can definitely still be very physical, like I said, if they run with great leverage and want to run hard every day.
How do you evaluate this Vikings' offense now? What do you have to do to be successful against them?
A: I think you definitely have to stop the run. They're a very physical team, and they like to run the ball. If a team can be two-dimensional and run and throw the ball on you, it makes it a lot tougher, so just like every other week we know we have to stop the run first and try to make them one-dimensional because when a team can have a balanced passing and rushing attack, it makes everyone's job a lot harder.
So...Any thoughts on these comments? Thoughts on today's game?
Viking Meshell
Q and A's that I have found on the Internet.... Let's have some fun today and just chat!
TARVARIS JACKSON
Q and A with Coach Childress:
How much stock will you put in Jackson's performance on Sunday?
A: That's always ongoing. You are always looking to see time and distance, how fast is he accelerating the curve, did he stay the same, did he get worse, did he get better. I have high expectations for him, and he's prepared. He's ready to go at this point and I think he put it on tape the other day.
What do you like best about Tarvaris Jackson?
A: We liked his skill set coming out obviously and that would include how he thinks. Obviously, for a quarterback not just his arm, not just his athletic ability. The guy's got to be able to communicate. He's got to be able to make decisions quickly and effectively, and we saw those things and continue to see it through training camp on.
Can you confirm your starting quarterback?
A: Well you guys have seemed to snuff it out already. Yeah, Tarvaris (Jackson) is going to start. I think when you make a decision like that, first of all you visit with the guy that was starting. I don't like to knee-jerk; I don't like to be emotional after a game, which you typically are. Come back to the office and obviously we have preparation for Green Bay. Look at that game film, evaluate it, think about what you are going to do, sleep on it, and then decide, so I don't do that just to do it. I think we needed a spark at that point in time. I think he gave it to us. There is an evolution, as there will continue to be with a first-year quarterback, but he's managed to put it on tape, and it's not something that probably he could have done or I would have wanted him to do game three, game four, game eight, game nine. It's just that he was able to get it on tape. He's a quick study, and I'm not foolish enough to think, having coached rookies before, that this won't continue to evolve. He's not going to be a finished product.
Is that as much of a statement, him being able to win now as well as in the future?
A: Well the future is the future, but he'll give us the best chance to win right now just based on what I saw off of that tape.Q: Given the short week and the skill set, how much can you change the offense for him?A: You do a few things, but really still in all you are attacking their scheme of defense in Green Bay. The front they are playing, the coverage that you are playing with specific routes, and all the while you are mindful of what people do better than others. But it's not like you taper a complete game plan toward one quarterback or the other.
How did Brad Johnson handle the news?
A: Just like the pro that he is.
CHESTER TAYLOR
Q and A with Packers' Linebacker AJ Hawk
What have you noticed about the way Chester Taylor runs? What makes him difficult to deal with?
A: I think he's a good physical back who has great leverage when he runs the ball. He's going to run hard, and I think as a linebacker you respect guys that run hard like he does. The biggest thing that I think it takes to be a good running back is to have great vision, and I think he does. He's going to hit creases and he has the speed to take it when he can. He's also patient enough to let things develop and then get up in the hole and take it where he needs to. He has all the great things that running backs need to make them successful.
Is he pretty physical for his size?
A: Yeah, I think he is. He runs hard, and I think when people see guys that aren't as big as some other guys, they might not think they're as physical, but they can definitely still be very physical, like I said, if they run with great leverage and want to run hard every day.
How do you evaluate this Vikings' offense now? What do you have to do to be successful against them?
A: I think you definitely have to stop the run. They're a very physical team, and they like to run the ball. If a team can be two-dimensional and run and throw the ball on you, it makes it a lot tougher, so just like every other week we know we have to stop the run first and try to make them one-dimensional because when a team can have a balanced passing and rushing attack, it makes everyone's job a lot harder.
So...Any thoughts on these comments? Thoughts on today's game?
Viking Meshell
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Questions for Thought
So...the expensive O-Line isn't meeting expectations, the defense is almost hapless against the pass, and our offense is, well, offensive to its own fans.
Do you think it's time to see what the kid's bringing to the team?
The entire NFL knows that Brad Johnson's typical pass play has him look deep briefly, then check down to his "safety valves" which are easier on his arm. It's not all his fault, though, as our "lead" receiver can't catch even perfectly-thrown balls and the others are easily covered by a single defender.
We have a workhorse running back that's wearing down from being too much of our offense. We have a pair of proven tight ends that are under utilized.
As the season falls away from under the Vikes' feet, is it time to shake up the offense? Tarvaris Jackson, the 2nd-round pick that looked so poised in the preseason, does he have a shot in the arm for a struggling team needing just that?
During Tarvaris Jackson's three-year career at Alabama State, he passed for 7,849 yards and 67 touchdowns, while rushing for 982 yards and 11 scores. He led the Hornets to two Southwestern Athletic Conference championship games, helping ASU win the title in 2004. He played in 36 games during that span, compiling a 24-12 record.
Jackson is a thick-bodied quarterback with the ability to get rid of the ball quickly. When he strides into and follows through on throws, he can make strong and accurate throws all over the field. He does a very good job of looking off the defender (especially the deep safety) and coming back to the receiver he wants to throw to at the last possible moment. He is a tough quarterback who has consistently shown a willingness to stand strong and take hard hits in the pocket to complete important passes. He has the athleticism to get out of the pocket and can make plays with his feet.
Tarvaris is a little short for a quarterback at just over 6-2, but at over 220 pounds, he is definitely well-built for his height. He was a tough and durable player at Alabama State, but any time a player makes the jump from a small school to the NFL, his NFL durability is definitely a question mark. He is an explosive runner when he takes off with the ball -- he bursts out of the pocket and can make big plays with his feet. However, the ball does not burst out of his hand often, because he does not throw with good technique/follow-through consistently. He has very good playing strength for a quarterback -- he can pull free from potential tacklers/sacks surprisingly well and has shown the strength to run through low arm/grab tackles when scrambling.
As I was looking at some comments posted throughout the Internet on Jackson in the preseason, there was much speculation about whom he reminded people of from the present and the past. He was compared to the likes of Michael Vick, Randall Cunningham, Daunte Culpepper, Terry Bradshaw and the great Steve Young. Well, the jury is still out and I believe that Jackson will hope to become a household name all of his own. Will the young man that transferred out of Arkansas to a Division II school, ASU, become the best move for a team in 2006? Is it too soon for him to be named the starter?
The way I look at it, Childress is in a "Catch 22". He starts Jackson, he's not ready, fans boo......he starts Johnson and the receivers aren't supportive, the team can't score, the fans boo......the only way out of the pickle? Jackson starts, is amazing, has a great game and wins next week, does Brad Johnson boo? I don't think so, he has class! I just wish that more Viking fans would pay him the same respect. After all, if Jackson is amazing.....Brad will have had a hand in him coming so far to learn the Vikings offense in six short months.
Viking Meshell
Sunday, December 17, 2006
I Know Tarvaris is the Future But...
I know Tarvaris is the future but do Vikings fans need to boo their offense because it includes Brad Johnson?
I was at today's game and was shocked into laughing. The Vikings offense struggled after their quick strike to take a 7-0 lead. The Jets flew up and down the field like a runway while the Vikings were grounded.
The fans were furious. "We Want Jackson" was the chant and they got what they wanted.
What do you think? Is it okay to boo the Vikings at home or do you need to support them?
I was at today's game and was shocked into laughing. The Vikings offense struggled after their quick strike to take a 7-0 lead. The Jets flew up and down the field like a runway while the Vikings were grounded.
The fans were furious. "We Want Jackson" was the chant and they got what they wanted.
What do you think? Is it okay to boo the Vikings at home or do you need to support them?
Monday, December 4, 2006
Playoffs Are Wide Open: Coach Make Your Choice!
The Vikings are 5-7. They will go to Detroit (2-10), face the New York Jets (9-3), go to Green Bay (4-8), then host Saint Louis (5-7).
Sure they suck but you need to realize that everyone sucks! If the playoffs started tomorrow, 6-6 is in. If Carolina wins tonight, they are the wild card leader at 7-5. If they lose, 4 teams are 6-6 (New York Giants, Philly, Atlanta, Carolina) with 2 playoff spots at stake.
Let's break down the future of these wild-card-leading teams:
Now it's on the coach. Coach, your team is 5-7. Do you look to the future? Do you rest your weary, give your young bucks a good luck, and make this officially a rebuilding year? Or do you pursue the unlikely, but possible playoffs?
What do you think?
Sure they suck but you need to realize that everyone sucks! If the playoffs started tomorrow, 6-6 is in. If Carolina wins tonight, they are the wild card leader at 7-5. If they lose, 4 teams are 6-6 (New York Giants, Philly, Atlanta, Carolina) with 2 playoff spots at stake.
Let's break down the future of these wild-card-leading teams:
- Carolina (6-5 with tonight TBD) has a tough road hosting New York Giants and Pittsburgh, then to Atlanta and New Orleans.
- Giants (6-6) have work to do at Carolina, home to Philadelphia then New Orleans, and finish hosting divisional rival Washington.
- Philly (5-6 with tonight TBD) is at Washington, at NY Giants, at Dallas, then home to Atlanta.
- Atlanta is at Tampa Bay, home to Dallas then Carolina, finishing at Philadelphia.
Now it's on the coach. Coach, your team is 5-7. Do you look to the future? Do you rest your weary, give your young bucks a good luck, and make this officially a rebuilding year? Or do you pursue the unlikely, but possible playoffs?
What do you think?
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