Minnesota Vikings NFL Team Column
By Brian Schiller and Brent Nowacki
| 27 April 2008 |
Vikings 2008 Post NFL Draft Analysis
So much for my predictions. But hey, this time of year, are there any picks that are certain or cast in stone? Indeed, we take our collective consolation on how close we were in our prognostication. Of course, it didn't help my draft board when the Vikings surprised the world by trading their number one and two threes for Jared Allen. On the other hand, this helps the Vikings in so many ways, and Brad Childress, Rick Speilman, and Zigi Wilf should be congratulated on such an inspired move. Afte rall, why use a 17 pick on a defensive end who is largely unproven when you can get the best player at his position, and in his prime, in Jared Allen? Indeed, the Jared Allen trade solidifies the Vikings defensive front and instantly makes their pass rush and pass defense exponentially better.
But what I really loved was the Vikings shrewdly trading up to get Tyrell Johnson, the safety from Arkansas State. Johnson was a player who was flying up draft charts and someone I had personally hoped the Vikings would consider. In fact, I had Tom Zbikowski and Johnson as players who could be available for the Vikings in the third round. I was off by a round, but with Johnson's currency rising by the second in the second, the Vikings were right on target. Some draft insiders even had Johnson as the best overall safety in the draft, ahead of everyone's hot pick prior to the 2007 college season, Kenny Phillips out of Miami. While it's true that Phillips continued Miami's first round history of excellence by being chosen by the Giants, many believe it's likely that the future will be much greater for one Tyrell Johnson. And with the Viking solidified at safety with Darren Sharper and Madeau Williams, he has two very productive veterans to learn from.
How about the Vikings taking John David Booty in the fifth round? Again, a smart move by the Vikings to trade up and make sure they get a guy who can compete with Tavaris Jackson and, at the very least, be a developmental prospect at QB. With his accuracy and west coast offense arm, he's perfect for the Vikings to be their number three QB. He's also been very productive and a great leader in a pro style offense run by Pete Carroll at USC. With this pick, the Vikings have all but decided to move on from the Brooks Bollinger experiment. Loved the pick!
With the Vikings next pick, the Vikings obviously went with the best player on their board and took Florida State prospect, defensive tackle, Letroy Guion. Some people had Guin coming off the board on the first day. So the Vikings got great value and added depth to the defensive tackle position. There's certainly no rush for Guin to start with Pat and Kevin Williams firmly entrenched at nose and defensive tackle. Guin can learn from the best and not have heavy expectations thrust upon him too early besides making the team. Remember, Pat Williams was slowly groomed in Buffalo before he went gangbusters and became a stopper several years into his career.
And then the Vikings addressed their offensive line with the center from Notre Dame, John Sullivan. Notre Dame has a great history of producing excellent centers. Jeff Faine comes to mind. Again, a great value here as Sullivan was considered by some to be a top three center. Of course, his choice begs the question, why wasn't Vikings center prospect, Ryan Cook, drafted later than the second round by the Vikings two years prior. Short answer: Fran Foley ran the draft then. At any rate, Sullivan, a great drive blocker with elite size will give the Vikings added depth. And with Matt Birk on the short end of a tremendously productive career, Sullivan's travel from South Bend to the Metrodome will be surely welcomed.
With the Vikings final pick, they focused on a need I had hoped they would look at sooner: They choose Jaymar Johnson, a wide out from Jackson State. As the result of the Jared Allen trade, the Vikings were certainly limited in addressing all their priorities. Even so, I wondered why they didn't look at the big receiver from Michigan, Adrian Arrington, who was still available when the Vikings picked in the sixth round. Guess who took a flyer on Arrington in the seventh? The team that also took a flyer on Marques Colston in the seventh round last year, the New Orleans Saints. I have to think Arrington could have competed with Robert Fergusen for the fifth receiver position on the team.
But who am I to question the Vikings at this point? They've comported themselves beautifully over the past week, starting with the maneuverings to obtain Jared Allen and ending with a weekend of value laden draft picks. And if Jaymar Johnson can somehow channel the greatness of another Jackson State star, Sweetness himself, Walter Payton, Chris Speilman will be my new hero.
That being said, I'm still a little concerned about the Vikings receiver situation. No matter how good the Vikings have drafted in other areas, all will be for naught if they do not execute the forward pass when they should. I, and many fans, still have the uncomfortable taste of watching the Vikings trying to stubbornly run Adrian Peterson for three straight quarters against the Washington Redskins without adjusting. Whatever the reason, as of today, Rip Van Childress can't use the excuse that he didn't have the receivers to implement a vertical game to counter eight men in the box. With the addition of Bernard Berrian (and only Jaymar Johnson via the draft) the Vikings can only hope that their plan will work.
| 8 April 2008 |
2008 NFL Draft Free Agency Status
This Pundit has spoken!
Okay, the draft gurus have spoken and the Vikings first pick will be...not so fast. First of all, how about giving me some props for predicting some key off season moves? Smith - gone. Williamson - gone. Mewelde Moore - gone...but he shouldn't be. I still don't understand why they couldn't figure out how to sign MM. He's the perfect third back and a tremendous asset as a punt returner. I can tell you right now, the Vikings don't have someone on their roster as good as the quick, nifty, and sure handed Mewelde Moore on punts. Bobby Wade? Nice number 4 receiver, great worker, and mature presence in the locker room, but his skills are not, shall we say, "Moore" better than Mewelde. Two steps forward, one step back.
I also said the Vikings would pick up a QB in free agency to back up and nurture Tavaris Jackson. I'm constantly amazed at the number of people who insist the Vikings will make a first day pick on a QB. I don't care if Brian Brohm is available at 17; it ain't happenin' people! You just don't get it, do you? The Vikings, at least for this year, have invested in Tavaris Jackson. Besides, if Childress gave up on T-Jack, he would look very amateur, disingenuous, and guilty of making T-Jack a second round pick. And by the way, if you hadn't noticed, T-Jack went 8-3 as a starter. Case closed.
But open again. You see, NFL fans, the Vikings have made the right decision in picking up Gus Frerotte as T-Jack's back up. Frerotte is a definite upgrade to Brooks Bollinger. Besides Brad Childress, most fans had grown weary of the lack of confidence Bollinger inspires coming off the bench. Indeed, he plays more like Lee Bollinger, the President of Columbia University. (Talk about an obscure reference.) Frerotte is very capable, even at this late stage in his career, and was outstanding when he was with the Vikings the first time around filling in for Daunte Culpepper. And since they don't have to give away any draft picks in getting him, (as they would have done in a deal to obtain Sage Rosenfels), it's a no-brainer addition
As for the other free agents, Bernard Berrian, et al., I commend them for going out and filling in holes where needed and creating depth on the roster. This breakdown, of course, leads into my draft predictions and analysis.
With the first pick, the Vikings will take...by the way: Could you believe Charles Davis of Scouts Inc. suggesting the Vikings would take Penn State line backer, Dan Connor, about a month ago?! Goes to show you, just because they're "professionals" doesn't always mean they are informed. Dude, have you seen their roster? Were you aware of the team needs before you made that pick? Did you know that EJ Henderson was signed to a long term deal and is a fixture at the MLB position. Hello, McFly? Anyone home?
Okay, here's how I see things developing. I'm going to project two scenarios. One is rather far fetched but
intriguing, and the second is the more likely. And the envelope please....
The Vikings need a rush end, so...
By now, I believe the Vikings are feeling burned by Bryant McKinnie. Knowing that the Vikings team ownership have, from the outset, said that they have a very specific set of behavioral standards for their organization, and knowing that they gave McKinnie a second chance after the Love Boat scandal and signed him to a fat contract, which showed their respect and appreciation for his team contributions even in the face of his Gavin McCloud / Bernie Koppel shenanigans, McKinnie was in no position to push his luck. Coupled with the fact that McKinnie has again violated team policies, if not legal and NFL policies, with his latest Miami vice, and knowing that he has been outspoken in the past in his criticism of the organization with the trades of Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper, I think Mount Mckinnies' mountains of issues are finally going to conspire to change the attitude of the Vikings front office.
So, with this in mind, if McKinnie is eventually exonerated from steep legal trouble and a possible NFL suspension, I would not be shocked to see the Vikings make a draft day trade to the cash strapped and annually cheap Oakland Raiders. That's right, I'm saying I would not be surprised to see the Vikings trade McKinnie for the Raiders number 4 pick. In doing so, DeMarcus Russell gets a left tackle (and Al Davis avoids doling out first round money after an off season spending spree) who could step right in at left tackle and the Vikings can choose either Chris Long or Vernon Gholston with the number 4 pick. Presumably, the Vikings would then use their 17 overall pick to draft a left tackle replacement, either Williams out of Vandy or Otah out of Pittsburgh.
Would the Vikings be gutsy enough to do this? Perhaps not. As of today, they have some offensive line questions with the aging Matt Birk refusing to train with the team in the off season work-out program. Also, Ryan Cook's long-term chances at right end are iffy.
Would the Raiders do it? If the Vikings sweetened the deal to include a third round pick, anything is possible.
Scenario II: At pick 17, the Vikings will hope that Derrick Harvey from Florida will slip and fall to them. However, because he is soaring up the draft charts, there's a good chance he won't be there when the Vikings pick. Now what? I say trade into the back of the first round and pick up an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick. With a pick somewhere between 25 and 30, the Vikings could then try a Quintin Groves or Calais Campbell or even a Phillip Merling. Or they could take a DB like Reggie Smith or Kenny Phillips. If they do, they could very well find USC's Lawrence Jackson at DE available with their 2nd overall pick.
But if the Vikings get Harvey with that first pick and the need for DE is addressed, they can set their sights on a wide receiver with the second pick. Yes, the Vikings recently resigned Robert "Fergy" Ferguson, but his Fergalicious days are in the past, and so they still need to build quality depth at the reciever spot to help augment the production of this unit and in turn, open things up in the running game. At this point, even with Berrian, they are at best adequate, and at worst unproven at this position. That's why I would look for the Vikes to take someone like a James Hardy or Limas Sweed if available. With Early Doucet's stock falling lately, he would probably be around towards the end of the second round. I just don't see many receivers going in the first round this year, so I think the Vikings are going to find some talent there.
And before the Vikings consider otherwise, someone needs to tell Rip Van Childress that the NFL is now a passing league. And if his game plans continue to get the great Adrian Peterson mired in running the ball against eight man fronts, the Vikings will be condemned to repeat their recent history of offensive ineptitude. By consequence, Childress will solidify the idea to many that he's too rigid and unable to adjust.
On the early part of the second day, I look for the Vikings to target safety and offensive line. In the late rounds, the Vikings will target a tight end, QB, another safety, and the best players available. Tom "The Man" Zbikowski and Terrell Johnson are two guys I like a lot at the safety position and I look for the Vikings to nab one of them in the third round in the event of a DE first round pick scenario. TMZ, as I like to call him, also returns punts.
My draft day predictions:
1. Derrick Harvey, DE
2. James Hardy, WR
3. a. Tom "TMZ" Zbikowski, S
b. Mike McGlynn, OT
| 22 March 2008 |
A NEW SEASON WITH SOME NEW FACES
It’s that time again Viking fans, the draft is a month away and free agency has taken off like a bullet. While some would say that the Vikings have over spent in the free agent market, I would beg to differ. The Vikings contracts with Berrian and Williams are cap friendly and these players where needed to replace an old safety in Dwight smith who has had some troubles with the law and a wide receiver that can’t catch a ball with stick-um. Even thou you probably have already heard or read about are free agent signings I’m going to list them all and give you some information on each player.
Bernard Berrian:
- Bernard Berrian
- #80
- Wide Receiver
- Minnesota Vikings
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 185
- Born: Dec 27, 1980 -
- College:
- Draft: 2004 - 3rd round (15th pick) by the Chicago Bears
As Viking fans we all know about Bernard’s speed and ability to catch the ball (yes he can catch the ball) Last year Bernard caught 71 passes and totaled 951 yards and 5td’s, he has done some put returns for Chicago but that was early in his career. The only knock I hear about Berrian is he does not always fight for the ball when it’s in the air. Berrian has signed a 6 year deal worth 42 million and 16 is guaranteed.
Madieu Williams:
- Madieu Williams
- #40
- Safety
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 203
- Born: Oct 18, 1981 -
- College:
- Draft: 2004 - 2nd round (24th pick) by the Cincinnati Bengals
When I heard about us getting Williams I said, "who is that guy" and it seems like a lot of Viking fans are saying the same thing. If you did not know, Lesiley Frazier our defensive coordinator, and now our new assistant head coach, has ties with Williams, during his first couple years in
Maurice Hicks:
- Maurice Hicks
- #43
- Running back
- Minnesota Vikings
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 205
- Born: Jul 22, 1978 -
- College:
- Draft: Undrafted
With the loss of Mewelde Moore to free agency the Vikings needed to address a third running back and a punt/kick return specialist. In 2007 Hicks had 63 kick off attempts with a total of 1502 return yards with an average of 23.8 per try, while he did not score any touchdowns he did have 4 returns of over 40 yards. The only knock that I really see with him is his age (29), the Vikings did sign him to a three year deal.
Derrick Pope:
- Derrick Pope
- #56
- Linebacker
- Minnesota Vikings
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 232
- Born: May 4, 1982 -
- College:
- Draft: 2004 - 7th round (21st pick) by the Miami Dolphins
Derrick Pope was brought into
Position: | Class: Sr | School: | Conference: | Ht., Wt.: 6-5, 235 | 40 Time: 4.74 |
Ellis Wyms:
- Ellis Wyms
- #95
- Defensive tackle
- Minnesota Vikings
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 290
- Born: Apr 12, 1979 -
- College:
- Draft: 2001 - 6th round (20th pick) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ellis Wyms: He has signed a one year deal with
Kenderick Allen
- Kenderick Allen
- #97
- Defensive tackle
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 328
- Born: Sep 14, 1978 -
- College: LSU
- Draft: None
Allen came into the league in 2004, signed by the New York Giants; in 2006 he suffered a lisfranc sprain that kept him out of the 2007 season. His best year was in 2004 when he played in 14 games and has 20 tackles with 2 sacks, the terms for his deal was disclosed. (Note: The Lisfranc injury is an injury to one of the small joints of the midfoot. The injury occurs when there is a dislocation or fracture and dislocation between the forefoot and midfoot joints.)
Michael Boulware
Full Name: Michael Boulware Born: September 17, 1981 Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 lbs. | Age: 26 Pos: S Experience: 4 years College: Drafted: Year:2004 Round:2 Pick:21, Seahawks |
Michael came into the draft as an outside linebacker;
| 23 January 2008 |
The 2007 Season is Officially Over
The season is officially over and the time to ponder about next year's Vikes can now begin. Typically such thinking comprises free agency and the draft. But the Vikings are a team that is committed to building itself through the draft, so here are some of my current musings. I think the Vikings will look to target a defensive back in the first round of the 08 draft. This thinking is based on
need of course. Dwight Smith is a goner and the Vikings desperately need an upgrade while injecting some youth into that secondary. However, at pick 17, they might take the best player available if such a player's rank is considerably more than the best safety available. Thus, such a pick could manifest itself in a solid offensive lineman like Gosder Cherilous or Ryan Clady or Jeff Otah. But as I look at the available talent, their grades along with other team's needs, it is entirely possible that the Vikings might find outstanding talent available with Miami's Kenny Phillips and / or Oklahamo's Reggie Smith when it is their turn to pick.
And Viking fans, there is no way the Vikings will take a wide receiver in the first round. Get this thought out of your minds; even it DeSean Jackson is available, it's still a risk. There is no good reason why the Vikings would take a wide reciever, though the Purple faithful will beg and bemoan this issue in favor of taking such a player all through the off-season. Why won't they? A great player like a Calvin Johnson will not be available at pick 17 and taking a wide reciever in the first round is a strategy that Minnesota's current administration feels is too risky. And for a guy who will only touch the ball twice a game, that's probably true.
But there is no question, the Vikings will look to upgrade this position and try to find someone that could compliment Sidney Rice on the outside. Expect Troy Williamson to be jettisoned (either released or traded for a second day draft pick) in the off season. With Minnesota's offensive strategy, they can achieve their personnel needs by taking the best wide out available in the second round. Taking a wide reciever in the second round, like they did with Sidney Rice, would seem to be a more prudent strategy. Also, like last year's draft, I predict that that there will be some very good talent ripe for the picking. If you recall, Dwayne Jarrett and Sidney Rice were touted as first round picks but ultimately fell into the second round. The same will happen this year. Guys like Mario Manningham, Malcom Kelly, Limus Sweed (come on, the guy is slow and might not even merit a first day pick), Adarious Bowman, Douglass from Louisville, etc should all be available in the seond round. The question is, how long will they last. But the Vikings should find one of these guys available. Warning Vikings fans: If Fred Davis, the USC tight end is available when they pick, all bets are off. Even with Shiancoe likely emerging as the Vikings main pass catching tight end threat next year, Davis is a fantastic talent, perfect for a west coast offense. Though it's not likely he will be available when the Vikings pick in the second round.
In the third round, the Vikes have two picks. I see the Vikings taking another safety and perhaps an offensive lineman. I think someone like Tom Zbkowski out of Notre Dame could be there and the Vikings should pounce if he is. The Vikings have not had a quintessential strong safety in some time. Good SS's are had to come by...I hope the Vikes can get one of Zbkowski's pedigree and toughness.
Another thing, get the ridiculous thought out of your mind that the Vikings will draft a QB. If they do, it will be a late round (6th or 7th) pick for a guy they will almost, assuredly, put on the developmental squad. I think they Vikings will offer a contract to Chad Pennington in the off-season to come to Minny (for practically nothing) to be the BACK-UP (just in case) to Tavaris Jackson. Jackson has the support of the team and showed progress in his second season, and first as a starter. Pennington, a veteran, and he of the west coast offense arm, gives the Vikings a chance to win should T-Jack get injured. Both Holcomb (who will probably say bye-bye this off season) and Bollinger were not able to get this done when they held the reigns.
Finally, it's likely the Vikings will part ways with Mewelde Moore in the off-season. Though, I hope this scenerio could be averted. Moore is a solid asset in the punt return game (and better than Bobby wade in this aspect of the game) and a very good third back. He's not only a terrific runner when given a chance, but he's a very nifty receiver out of the backfield and great after the catch. He has what Childress likes to call "wiggle"; but he often finds himself not fitting into Childress' game plan. But it's not for his lack of talent; it has more to do with Childress's rigidity and lack of creativity as a coach. Another reason why Moore could be gone is that he will seek (and probably get) a nice fat contract on the open market. Again, I hope the team's front office comes
to their senses and give this guy a nice contract. He's a great insurrance policy and asset on special teams, not to mention a good character guy. And if the Vikings give him up, they'll have to find his replacement on the second day of the draft. And while it's likely they will be able to find a nice running back, nothing is guaranteed.
| 25 December 2007 |
How could the Vikings lose a play-off clinching game at home?
How could the Vikings lose a play-off clinching game at home? Never has the answer to such a question been so easy to answer in the Brad Childress coaching era. Bad game plan, woeful and fundamentals-absent tutelage of chosen quarterback, and subsequent poor play of said quarterback. True, the Vikings seemed to have gotten robbed on a replay reversal call which involved too many players on the field during a substition by the Redskins. Of course, where was Childress' head when the Redskins, during the same sequence, hustled to the line of scrimmage to spike the ball before Childress could throw his flag? Answer: He was watching the play on the jumbotron. Do the Vikings not have other people watching replays from the booth like the rest of the NFL, whose job it is to report their replay conclusions to the head coach? But all this is beside the point.
As soon as Tavaris Jackson threw his first interception - only the second offensive play of the game for the Vikings, a wildly over-thrown pass, an intermediate route pass thrown off his backfoot and under a rush - it was as clear as day that he and the Vikings coaching staff had not learned their lessons from the previous week. And when he threw his second interception, one wondered if they had even listened to the plethora of obvious criticism that streamed from the voice of the NFL gods.
Steve Young, of ESPN, made it plain as day: Other teams will put eight men in the box to key on Adrian Peterson, therefore challenging Jackson to throw passes. But since his mechanics are still disturbingly unrefined, the Vikings need to concentrate on the short passing game - the hitches, the slants, the outs, the screens, etc. Young also queried how Jackson still needed to learn how to take a sack and get rid of the ball out of bounds so late in his second season. Furthermore, after the Chicago game, Emmit Smith, of ESPN, simply pointed out: If Jackson makes the same mistakes and poor decisions (ie, turnovers), the Vikings will lose against the Redskins and consequently, blow their chances at the playoffs.
The outcome of the Redskins game begged the question: During the week leading up to the Redskin game, where the hell was Childress and Rogers, the quarterback coach? Their answer to the football gods and to us plebian onlookers was, "Conventional wisdom? We don't need no stinkin' conventional wisdom?" Again, though, the football gods in the way of John Madden emerged in the fourth quarter to discretely chide Childress by saying, "[Knowing the Vikings would be going against the eight men in the box strategy], first, the Vikings tried the running game, [and that didn't work], then they tried balance by establishing the run and the pass, [and that didn't work], then they just went to the pass [and magically found that did work when countering an eight man front.] Of course, by the time Childress and Bevell realized this, they had put themesleves in too great a hole, no matter how good the Vikings defense was playing.
And of course, that has been the real shame of this season and last, the quality and playoff caliber play of their defense paired with the head scratching play of their offense. Simply put, you can't expect a defense to rise to the occassion every time when they are out on the field for most of the time. At some point, the offense has to make plays.
What a colossal let down. Now, in order to get into the playoffs, the Vikings must win at Denver next week and then rely on Dallas to beat the Redskins, which is not likely to happen given the Cowboys will surely rest their starters in a game that means nothing to them. How ironic. The Vikings must hope that Brad Johnson, the Cowboys second string quarterback they easily parted ways with this past off-season is their only hope to beat the Redskins and stay alive in the playoff hunt. Don't get your hopes up Vikings fans.
| 5 December 2007 |
Wow! What happened? Did I turn out to be wrong. The Vikings and Coach Brad Childress sure did turn things around at the right time. Who would have thunk it? Just three weeks ago, many people, including yours truly were accusing Childress of incompetence and Zigi Wilf of making a disastrous decision in hiring him. Apparently, that thinking not only turns out be premature but insulting. Indeed, it now looks as if the original master plan is working out just the way the coach and owner had hoped: A great running game, a staunch run defense, big plays on offense and defense, and now, improved and inspired quarterback play. It's definitely been the case of Dr. Jeckl and Mr. Hyde with the young quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson.
In spite of his 6-2 record as the signal caller of this offensive operation, earlier wins could be attributed to defensive superiority and an overpowering running game named Adrian Peterson. But over the past three games against the Raiders, the Giants, and then the Lions, Tarvaris Jackson has begun to show the kind of progress and steadiness us fans have been longing for. Over the past two games his QB rating has been over %100 and he has consistently found open receivers for important gains and has even run for key first down yardage. He's guided long drives when needed and for the most part, avoided turning the ball over.
Now with improved quarterback play and the passing game beginning to emerge, the Vikings have become, and I can hardly believe I'm saying this, a well-rounded team. Not only this, but they are a dangerous team that will vie for the remaining wild card playoff spot. Are you kidding me, Vikings? Three weeks ago, the word "playoffs" could not be mentioned in the same breath as Childress and T-Jackson. Now they are the darling of the league pundits and are quickly resuscitating the passions of the purple faithful. And I don't mean Donny Osmond or even Prince, I'm talking about us formerly depressed and unimpressed fans. For this, I suppose we owe Brad Childress and Zygi Wilf an apology for second guessing, and more importantly a thank you.
NFL Draft Dog whisper: The Vikings will look for some young safeties in the 2008 draft. Although veterans Sharper and Smith are still talented and savvy, the Vikings will look to groom their eventual replacements while also providing them much needed depth.
| 12 November 2007 |
The Failures of Zigi Wilf
Last week I said Minnesota should fear an injury of their prized running back, Adrian Peterson. It didn't take a crystal ball to figure that out. However, owner Zigi Wilf might have used a magic eight ball when he decided to hire Brad Childress as his coach. Many a critic has questioned the pathetic and moribund offensive output of the Vikings in the two years since Brad Childress took over the reins. Many a critic and fan have expressed frustration and amazement about horrible and utterly unimaginative play-calling.
Most fans have noticed a litany of poor internal decision making moves - everything from not starting key players like Mewelde Moore and Adrian Peterson, to hiring and quickly firing an unpopular general manager to docking a player pay after tending to painful family tragedies, to not doing enough to establish any kind of quarterback competency (ie, bringing in proven veterans to run the show and / or drafting someone who is not a division 1-AA QB with your second pick). But one person the writers and fans alike have not concentrated their analysis on has been the man who is actually more responsible for the Vikings current woes. And that man is Zigi Wilf. When Wilf bought the Vikings, I was one of the many who was excited and delighted about the new ownership.
Gone was Red McCombs. Gone was a cheap owner, gone was a man who threatened to move the Vikings from the Twin Cities, gone was a man who was...did I say cheap? In came a man, Wilf, who was proactive, spent money on administration, player personnel, and upgraded facilities. In came a man who has been responsive in establishing a player code of conduct and pushed very hard for a new stadium. But unfortunately, not everything Wilf has done has been good for the team. His most important decision, hiring the new leader of the Vikings, has been an unmitigated disaster.
But it's not just been his worst and most damaging decision because Childress has coached a bad product on the field. It's not just been his worst decision because fan morale has eroded considerably in two years or that it may have effected Wilf's new stadium stumping. It's his worst and most damaging decision because Wilf somehow thought he could hire his new coach by himself, without a general manager. Only a billionaire with one year of sports ownership under his belt, who in effect, knows nothing about x's and O's could have the arrogance and audacity to think he could hire an NFL coach. And because Zygi Wilf did not hire a general manager first, who would presumably make a more informed decision, he now must live in the bed he has made. How sad that this could have been averted with a little common sense and humility. How sad is it that Wilf makes Georgia Frontierre look like a genius. One can only hope that wisdom will prevail and smarter decisions will be made at season's end.
| 5 November 2007 |
Brad Childress might be the luckiest man in the NFL. Prior to Sunday, the negative sentiment about the Childress helm had built to a "Les Stekelesque" crescendo. That's right, not since the ugly days of the 3-13 Les Steckel Vikings had the collective panties of the Minnesota press core and fan base been in such a gigantic bunch. Article after blog have either hopefully hinted at or not so subtly suggested the outright ouster of the man the locals mockingly call "Chilly." Not even an ownership vote of confidence for their hand-picked coach a few weeks ago could assuage the rage of fans who are normally considered mild in their criticism. And who can blame them? Everything from personel mismanagement to unimaginative and uninspired play-calling have been leveled at the Childress regime. And to think, had it not been for Bill Parcels and Mike Ditka questioning Childress on national television, Adrian Peterson, the Vikings best offensive asset, might not have started his first game recently.
Of course, at half-time of the Vikings game today against the Chargers, the same press core and fan base were beginning to sharpen their pencils and anger over what was looking to be evidence of the same-old same-old. And how ironic it seemed at the half way point that the longest play in NFL history, a field-goal miss return by Antonio Cromartie for 110 yards, would occur in the Metrodome and would likely form an ugly blemish and embarrassing juxtaposition next to owner Zygi Wilf's efforts to bring a new stadium to the Twin Cities.
But alas, Childress, no doubt sensing that his job might finally be on the line, that winning now was now paramount, did what any smart coach would have done the first game of the season, fed the ball to his star running back in the second half. End result, 27 carries, 296 yards, three touchdowns for Peterson and a decisive Vikings win. Perhaps more importantly for the good news starved public relations department of Zigi Wilf, Peterson's new NFL record of most yards rushed in a game will go a long way in terms of of erasing the memory of Cromartie's return.
Tom Jackson on ESPN said something very wise. The Vikings, according to Jackson, would be scary good if they developed a "viable passing game" around the running game of Adrian Peterson. Makes complete sense. Everyone knows that a balanced attack makes teams less likely to put "eight in the box" to counter the powerful Peterson. Of course, this begs the question to the West Coast minded Brad Childress: Where has the passing game been and why has the quarterback play been so sub-standard? With an NFL franchise that has had so much vertical success over the past ten years, these are the kinds of queries that the average Minnesota Viking fan has wondered out-loud. These are questions that Childress was presumably going to have to answer sooner or later as the Vikings lost more and more games.
However, because Childress finally played the odds and rolled the dice with the number twenty eight, and won, he might have found a way to stay his execution. If AD continues to get a healthy dose of hand-offs in an otherwise lifeless offense, the man they call Chilly just might win enough games to buy himself more time to develop his quarterback and passing game. Of course, luck does giveth and taketh away. All Viking fans and, especially Childress, better pray that something "unlucky" doesn't happen to Adrian Peterson, like an injury.