Minnesota Vikings Offseason (2007) (1 Viewer)

[Maelstrom]

Well, 2006 is done, Vikings finished 6-10.

I thought we could review the past season and also ask what they need to do this offseason to get better.

2006 recap

Positives:

Run Defense - was great. Missed the lowest YPC by 15 total yards, I believe.

Chester Taylor - actually had a good season, but fell off at the end of the season. Not sure if that was due to the rib injury from week 13 or if it was because teams sold out against the run a bit with T.Jackson starting

Negatives:

Pass Defense - horrid, although probably inflated stats a little due to the fact that teams could not run at all

D-Line - great against the run, but didn't pressure QBs enough, gave them way too much time to pass, contributing to the bad pass defense

QB play - BJohnson was pretty horrendous - no arm strength, teams could play up. T.Jackson wasn't any better, but as a rookie he still gets a chance to prove he can improve.

WR Play - Williamson can't catch - he needs to spend his offseason with the jugs machine - 100 balls a day or something. He can get open, so if he can learn to catch he'll be good. The others can stay or go, I'd like to see TTaylor stay, Robinson is already gone.

WCO / play calling / head coach - I link these all together because they all fell under the same thing. Childress needs to let his offensive coordinator do his job. He was way to conservative until too late in each game. Obviously both QB and WR play hurt this as well.

Looking forward to 2007:

#7 draft pick, look for DB help, safety or CB or a WR in the draft. Does Childress believe Tarvaris is the future? If not, possibly QB, although I think that would be a bad move.

Offseason FA - look for WR help? Veteran QB to help Tarvaris (will BJohnson want to stay on after the salary issue at the beginning of the year?)

Thoughts? Feel free to give your own recap/looking forward for the Vikings as well.

Additional Threads:

Trade/Cut Speculations

 

[Biabreakable]

Well 1st of all I am kind of on the fence about Childress and the direction the Vikings have taken.

I have to view the year as a rebuilding year despite the spin that was put on it prior to the season begining. New Staff new philosophy. Many Vikings fans are critical because the team took a step backwards in total wins and perhaps rightly so. However we did lose our 2 biggest playmakers in CPep and Moss so I am not sure that expecting us to be better than last year was realistic. I don't think it was. And I certainly did not want to stick with meathead running the team.

The Vikings are playing dramaticly better defense now than they have since Tony Dungy left the team about a decade ago. I like that and I think it is a move in the right direction. Defense wins championships and I hope that will continue to be our focus even if it takes several years of rebuilding to get the defense playing at an elite level. They made huge strides with the coaching change so I see that as a positive. I am wondering if we are in another situation where Tobin should be our HC over Childress which is how I felt when Da Knee and Dungy were coaching. I wanted to keep Dungy then even if it meant letting Green go. That did not happen and the team really suffered because of it. The Falcons gave Tobin an interview but they have gone another direction so he is still with us for now.

I agree with the philosophy taken from Reid to focus team assets on building the Oline and defense. We need skill players too. But football is won in the trenches so I am happy with the overall philosophy and I hope that continues. We do need some playmakers though.

Chester did a good job and I expect him to come into 2007 in better shape and better prepared for the workload he knows he is going to get now. He is nothing special as far as a Rb goes and could be replaced if that opportunity presents itself. However I think he is good enough to hold down the job for now. I think he is similar to Terry Allen. Maybe not quite as good. But a solid and versitile Rb that we can build around for the next few seasons if a better Rb does not fall in our lap.

I think Brad Johnson will be a very good Qbs coach in the NFL and I would like the Vikings to keep him in that capacity. But relationship may be too strained for him to want to work for us in this way so he may move on to another team once he retires as a player.

We still dont know enough about Jackson to know if he is the answer at Qb yet. From what I saw of him he did not seem to have pocket awareness that a Qb needs to be successful. But that is somthing he could learn and can be taught perhaps. Although I think it is instinctual and some players just have it while others do not.

Catching the ball is another thing I think is somewhat instictual and Williamson does not have it. It can be improved through practice but I think there is a ceiling for how far he can improve on this unfortunitly. I know from my experience I was terrible at catching the ball. I worked on it and practiced a lot and I did get better. But I still never could make catches easily. If my concentration was off I would drop it. We saw Jake Reed have a similar problem and he was able to improve through practice and eye surgurey. So maybe Williamson can too. I am not giving up on him yet. But my expectations for him have lowered now because of this and we need someone else for clutch 3rd downs imho.

Having Erasimus James and Chad Greenway back from injury should help our pass rush I hope. We also have Edwards who could move into a bigger 3rd down role. Udeze is a disapointment however. The injuries may have robbed him of his closing speed if he ever had it. He is decent against the run but he cannot be a 3 down DE for us I don't think. So we still have a bit of a need there.

I think Griffin is going to be good. I wouldn't mind us going after Clements in FA though. He will probobly be too expensive.. Griffin could play FS or nickle if we did add another Cb. I don't think it is somthing we need to use the 7th overall pick on however.

I think we still need another Olineman to play on the right side would LOVE to see Alex Gibbs get hired if that is at all possible.

For the 1st pick I think we need to use it on a skill position player. A Qb Wr or even one of the 2 top Rbs.

Defensive back can be addressed in FA and/or our 2nd round pick. A situational pass rushing DE is another possibility.

Kevin Curtis is a FA Wr from the Rams that might be worth looking at.

What other free agents would Viking fans like to see us target?

 

[mcjc4]

Dwight Freeny and Justin Smith could both be F/Agents. We need a top 10 pass rusher, have to have it.

 

[Biabreakable]

I agree Freeny would be a good aquisition and should be perhaps our #1 priority.

Justin Smith.. not so much.

 

[Maelstrom]

Freeney would be great!

Also, what about Gbaja-Biamila (KGB) from GB for situation pass rushing. Word from GB is that his future with the team is still undecided. Obviously he generally stinks against the run, so he would only be a pass-rusher, but I didn't know he was 5 sacks away from breaking Reggie White's GB sack record. Might be worth looking into.

The Green Bay Packers' veteran defensive end wants to be on the field for every play but acknowledges that he might be just as productive, if not more so, as a pass-rushing specialist.

...snip...

Gbaja-Biamila, who has 63½ career sacks and is five away from the late Reggie White's team record of 68½, seems to be taking his demotion in stride.

Link

 

[mlball77]

Not a Vikes fan... but I have a question. The Vikes have a solid o-line, but it seems they desperately need help at the QB and WR positions on offense. Wouldn't drafting the best possible player at one of those positions with #7 and trying to address the other via free agency be a good route to go?

 

[Biabreakable]

Not a Vikes fan... but I have a question. The Vikes have a solid o-line, but it seems they desperately need help at the QB and WR positions on offense. Wouldn't drafting the best possible player at one of those positions with #7 and trying to address the other via free agency be a good route to go?

Yes this is definitly what I am thinking and what I hope the Vikings will do is draft the best skill player available with pick 7.Address other needs with later picks and free agency.Kevin Curtis as I allready mentioned might be a decent Wr fill in for a few years even if he is not a true #1 WR.

 

[mcjc4]

I could see Nate Burleson back in Purple next year. He is way over paid in Seattle, they will probably let him go.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Random thoughts:

I would like to see them pursue Kevin Curtis and Burleson (if he becomes available - Hackett stepping up really makes this possible).

I really hope they don't pursue Jeff Garcia. His end of the year push has really mirrored what Brad Johnson did last year after Culpepper's injury and I don't want to live through another year like this year!

As far as the draft goes, it really depends on what they do in free agency, but they really need a playmaker, so I hope they do something to get one on offense.

Hopefully they can land Daniel Graham in free agency.

 

[msommer]

I have to view the year as a rebuilding year despite the spin that was put on it prior to the season begining. New Staff new philosophy. Many Vikings fans are critical because the team took a step backwards in total wins and perhaps rightly so. However we did lose our 2 biggest playmakers in CPep and Moss so I am not sure that expecting us to be better than last year was realistic. I don't think it was. And I certainly did not want to stick with meathead running the team.

Moss left 2 seasons ago.Concerning Burleson - how is his contract structured? If releasing his will give a serious cap hit there is little incentive to release him. Also, IIRC Burleson was a tease and practically always injury list. Not sure how he'd improve greatly on the (depleted, sucking)WR corps.

They need to bring in a vet to compete with Tarvaris Jackson. From running the scout offense all season to being handed the reins on an NFL team is quite a stretch as seen in his performances late this season.

I'd hate to see Childress doing what Buffalo (Mularkey?) did with Losman last year - a starting job should be earned - and in all fairness Tarvaris seems to be even more of a project.

Is Mewelde Moore an RFA? if so how high does he get tendered? As a 3rd down back he might be worthwhile keeping. What's the deal with Fason - how does he contribute in the future?

Depth at end is crucial, if either Udeze or James goes down again, someone must be able to generate some pressure off the edge.

With Greenway returning, hopefully fully recovered, the LBs are in flux again. EJ or Harris or FA to the middle?

Will Smoot hit the streets? What does his contract look like?

 

[snogger]

#1 Childress needs to get off his high horse and let the Offensive Coordinator do his job.. Reid finally saw the light and look where they are.

#2 Although I think we could use another pass rusher, I think most are forgeting that we lost both James, Erasmus DE & Greenway, Chad LB. Getting both of them back should help.

So I'd rather they work on getting a true #1 WR. Williamson can be a very explosive #3 WR and possibly a #2 but he needs to work on his concentration and I don't think he has "it" to be the #1 WR.

#3. USE THE FRICKEN TE's!! The Vikes have two Very good Te's in Wiggins and Kleinsasser.

 

[reg]

#1 Childress needs to get off his high horse and let the Offensive Coordinator do his job.. Reid finally saw the light and look where they are.#2 Although I think we could use another pass rusher, I think most are forgeting that we lost both James, Erasmus DE & Greenway, Chad LB. Getting both of them back should help. So I'd rather they work on getting a true #1 WR. Williamson can be a very explosive #3 WR and possibly a #2 but he needs to work on his concentration and I don't think he has "it" to be the #1 WR.#3. USE THE FRICKEN TE's!! The Vikes have two Very good Te's in Wiggins and Kleinsasser.

Kleinsasser is a better blocker than a receiver. Seriously, the guy falls over the white line more than anyone I have ever seen. He is NOT a good receiver. I think he had one good season catching the ball?

 

[snogger]

#1 Childress needs to get off his high horse and let the Offensive Coordinator do his job.. Reid finally saw the light and look where they are.

#2 Although I think we could use another pass rusher, I think most are forgeting that we lost both James, Erasmus DE & Greenway, Chad LB. Getting both of them back should help.

So I'd rather they work on getting a true #1 WR. Williamson can be a very explosive #3 WR and possibly a #2 but he needs to work on his concentration and I don't think he has "it" to be the #1 WR.

#3. USE THE FRICKEN TE's!! The Vikes have two Very good Te's in Wiggins and Kleinsasser.

Kleinsasser is a better blocker than a receiver. Seriously, the guy falls over the white line more than anyone I have ever seen. He is NOT a good receiver. I think he had one good season catching the ball?

and they haven't used him since.. All receivers play better when they are used more. If you block 99.95% of the time and get your number called once every 5 games your receivng skills are going to go down.And then there is Wiggins.. When they did use him he proved to be a force.. With the way this offense is "ran" (WCO) TE's should be over used and not forgotten as Childress did.

 

[jim k]

As a Bear fan, I would offer these improvements to the Viking:

1) Your first need is a speed wr. Troy Williamson killed you last year. The extra possessions you lost and touchdowns he dropped would have made a significant difference in your playoff chances. Williamson must spend significant work on catching passes in all types of routes in the offseason. He got open a lot last year. Getting the ball into his hands was a different matter. If you can't fix this guy, you need to get someone for next year. Travis Taylor is your possession receiver and he is fine.

2) A goal line back for the short yards who is NOT Mewelde Moore. Moore should not be in your future plans, he is not a reliable 3rd down back and that is all he can ever be.

3) A healthy Tony Richardson. The running game with Taylor is much better with Richardson.

4) Better play calling - a better offensive philosophy. Chester Taylor should get a carry every series, he will be even better next year, imo; but you should use Wiggins more, he is a good te, you should use more quick outs to the wr's and more short passes to the outside to take pressure off the qb. Which brings me to the next point:

5) If you find the speed and hands at the wr position, Johnson is a good qb for next year. If you don't get the speed at the wr position, you need to get it at the qb position and that is Jackson. You can win with a Vince Young type of offense - a lot of movement by the qb who throws low risk underneath passes to the outside, qb runs and occasional deep throws off play action.

6) Could use some depth at cb on the defense.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

For next year, record to me doesn't matter as much as being interesting.

This team was melba toast/rice cake bland this year. Fan interest is way down and that leads to risk that the new stadium may not get built.

If it doesn't, Vikings. Have fun in L.A.

 

[Rogi]

I could see Nate Burleson back in Purple next year. He is way over paid in Seattle, they will probably let him go.

I hope not. At least not as WR #1. I'd rather see Kevin Curtis.

 

[shamrock84]

For next year, record to me doesn't matter as much as being interesting.This team was melba toast/rice cake bland this year. Fan interest is way down and that leads to risk that the new stadium may not get built.If it doesn't, Vikings. Have fun in L.A.

They should secure an offensive playmaker with the 7 pick. There will be plenty with that high a pick. That alone should make it interesting. I really don't feel the Vikings are that far away from being a playoff team in the NFC. WR and QB help should be enough to put them at 9-7 next year IMO.Please don't bring back the Vikings to L.A. rumors... they make me .

 

[snogger]

For next year, record to me doesn't matter as much as being interesting.This team was melba toast/rice cake bland this year. Fan interest is way down and that leads to risk that the new stadium may not get built.If it doesn't, Vikings. Have fun in L.A.

Please don't bring back the Vikings to L.A. rumors... they make me .

You?? I live in Wisconsin.. If the Vikings move, My wife and her family will expect me to join them on the dark side..

 

[shamrock84]

For next year, record to me doesn't matter as much as being interesting.This team was melba toast/rice cake bland this year. Fan interest is way down and that leads to risk that the new stadium may not get built.If it doesn't, Vikings. Have fun in L.A.

Please don't bring back the Vikings to L.A. rumors... they make me .

You?? I live in Wisconsin.. If the Vikings move, My wife and her family will expect me to join them on the dark side..

I'm in the same boat GB. It's tough living over here in the heart of Packer country (Central WI). We must stay strong! Keep the faith!

 

[inca911]

If the Vikings were to move to LA, would any games be blacked-out in our area? Would the Packers become our "home team" or would the blackout disappear during home games?

 

[The Gatekeeper]

I think the #1 priority in free agency should be a pass rushing DE. I would make 1 move and throw a boatload of money at Dwight Freeney. I then would draft a Offensive playmker at #7 (either Peterson, Jarrett, or Ted Ginn) and a Safety or a CB in the 2nd round.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

As a Bear fan, I would offer these improvements to the Viking:1) Your first need is a speed wr. Troy Williamson killed you last year. The extra possessions you lost and touchdowns he dropped would have made a significant difference in your playoff chances. Williamson must spend significant work on catching passes in all types of routes in the offseason. He got open a lot last year. Getting the ball into his hands was a different matter. If you can't fix this guy, you need to get someone for next year.

Funny how Troy Williamson can catch close to 100 ballsduring his 3 years at South Carolina, but has a problemcatching the ball in the NFL.He does get open an awful lot, if he can work on hispass catching skills, he will be a good one.I still like this kid.TOwens still led the league in drops.

 

[Biabreakable]

I have to view the year as a rebuilding year despite the spin that was put on it prior to the season begining. New Staff new philosophy. Many Vikings fans are critical because the team took a step backwards in total wins and perhaps rightly so. However we did lose our 2 biggest playmakers in CPep and Moss so I am not sure that expecting us to be better than last year was realistic. I don't think it was. And I certainly did not want to stick with meathead running the team.

Moss left 2 seasons ago.

Yes I know. But the void at Wr without Moss still is having a huge effect on the offense. Moss made everyone on the team better because of the plays he made and because of the attention defenses had to give him.

With Greenway returning, hopefully fully recovered, the LBs are in flux again. EJ or Harris or FA to the middle?

The coaching staff has said that Greenway can play any Lber position on the defense. They haven't seen enough of him yet to know where he is the best fit. EJ Henderson can also play any of the Lber positions. In the 4-3 cover 2 that the Vikings are using the WLB is the main playmaker so they used Henderson there. The previous coaching staff used a different defensive system (not even sure what to call it because it was so poorly coached). They did not like Henderson as a MLB because he was not reading plays well enough in that defense. I do not know if this will still be a issue for him or if it was more a problem of the coaching staff. In any case it is looking like Greenway and Henderson can both play either WLB or MLB leaving Leber at SLB where he played well. They will probobly go with whatever combination works best and it wont be settled until after training camp.

As far as Harris I don't think he will be resigned. If no other team throws much money at him then maybe the Vikings will bring him back for depth.

A free agent Lber is a possibility but I don't think it is a huge priority right now. They might bring in a lesser known player they like similar to how they brought in Leber last year but I don't think they will spend as much money to get one as they did on Leber.. but I guess we shall see.

Will Smoot hit the streets? What does his contract look like?

Smoot is almost certain to be cut or traded. The Vikings have been paying thier free agents with front loaded contracts as far as bonus is concerned so cutting/trading him wont cause much of a hit at all. They will save money from his salary by not having him on the team.

 

[Biabreakable]

As a Bear fan, I would offer these improvements to the Viking:1) Your first need is a speed wr. Troy Williamson killed you last year. The extra possessions you lost and touchdowns he dropped would have made a significant difference in your playoff chances. Williamson must spend significant work on catching passes in all types of routes in the offseason. He got open a lot last year. Getting the ball into his hands was a different matter. If you can't fix this guy, you need to get someone for next year.

Funny how Troy Williamson can catch close to 100 ballsduring his 3 years at South Carolina, but has a problemcatching the ball in the NFL.He does get open an awful lot, if he can work on hispass catching skills, he will be a good one.I still like this kid.TOwens still led the league in drops.

I am not giving up on Williamson either. I think half of his problem with catching the ball was a mental thing. He has a lot of pressure on him trying to fill Moss's shoes. I think he lost a lot of confidence in himself after the early drops and it became a monkey on his back. I hope he can put this behind him. It is not his fault that people have such high expectations of him because of the Moss trade.It is his fault for dropping many catchable balls however. And what I said about it being a somewhat natural instinctual thing I think is at least partly true. He may not be able to handle the role of being the #1 recieving target at this level. So while I am not giving up on him I think expectations need to be lower and another Wr needs to be brought in to at least share the main recieving role.Taylor is okay but I don't think he can handle being the main WR either. His career has proven that. The Vikings still need another WR.

 

[snellman]

I think the #1 priority in free agency should be a pass rushing DE. I would make 1 move and throw a boatload of money at Dwight Freeney. I then would draft a Offensive playmker at #7 (either Peterson, Jarrett, or Ted Ginn) and a Safety or a CB in the 2nd round.

As an OU fan and a Vikings fan, all I can say is PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

IMO - They're not going to throw the money neccessary at Dwight Freeney to sign him.

I would love to see Adrian Peterson make the cut, but if he's there, I think Jamaal Anderson is a lock to be the Vikings pick.

 

[reg]

IMO - They're not going to throw the money neccessary at Dwight Freeney to sign him.

Won't he end up being franchised anyhow?

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

My 2 cents on my Vikings, HC/play calling, Childress had too many things on the go in his first year as the HC. He should have given those duties to the OC and then taken those responsibilities away from him if the OC messed up.

The offense needs to get WR playmakers. I'm not sure about getting another top draft pick as a WR is right or not since most WR's need 2-3 years to blossom. FA/trade might be the way to go. No to Burleson but rumors of Randy for our #3 I'd say yes. Also Jerry Porter should draw interest assuming he passes his pysch test. I heard we're supposed to let go BOTH Wiggins and the 'sauce man so an over-sized WR-type of TE who can stretch the middle of the field is going to be needed. The OL probably will stay the same as we let Cook and Johnson age with experience.

On D, losing Eraser James hurt and as many have said that you can't ever have too many pass rushing DE's, I say we go after Freeney and hit Indy with another poison this off-season and/or draft someone for sure on Day 1. At LBer Harris is probably gone, thanks for nothing (almost) so Greenway will move into the starting line-up I assume (if he's healthy enough early on). Dump Captain Smooting and his Love Boat, move Griffin to the starting role and get another good CB (always said you need THREE solid CB's these days).

On special teams, sorry Bethel Johnson not the answer, use up a 6th or 7th rounder on a project WR who can return kicks.

To the draft....needs are DE...WR...TE....CB...KOR.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

On special teams, sorry Bethel Johnson not the answer, use up a 6th or 7th rounder on a project WR who can return kicks.

I think Charles Gordon qualifies as the return project...plus he can play defensive back.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Dwight Freeny and Justin Smith could both be F/Agents. We need a top 10 pass rusher, have to have it.

I guess drafting Udeze and James with 1st round picks means nothing, huh?

 

[mcjc4]

Dwight Freeny and Justin Smith could both be F/Agents. We need a top 10 pass rusher, have to have it.

I guess drafting Udeze and James with 1st round picks means nothing, huh?

How many combined sacks? Injuries took it toll, but the fact of the matter is , this defense turned every offense they played into a 1 dimensional passing team. But that doesn't do you any good if the opposing QB has 8-10 seconds to go through his reads twice. I don't care if the we drafted them 1.1 and 1.2 in the same draft, we need someone who the opposing o-line has to double team on the outside instead of the WILLIAMS ON THE INSIDE.

 

[Rogi]

Dwight Freeny and Justin Smith could both be F/Agents. We need a top 10 pass rusher, have to have it.

I guess drafting Udeze and James with 1st round picks means nothing, huh?

How many combined sacks? Injuries took it toll, but the fact of the matter is , this defense turned every offense they played into a 1 dimensional passing team. But that doesn't do you any good if the opposing QB has 8-10 seconds to go through his reads twice. I don't care if the we drafted them 1.1 and 1.2 in the same draft, we need someone who the opposing o-line has to double team on the outside instead of the WILLIAMS ON THE INSIDE.

Udeze had 0 sacks this year and has had 4 since the Vikes drafted him in '04.James has 4 sacks in a 17 game period.

Both were 1st round picks plagued with injuries, but both have underperformed.

 

[Blackjacks]

Do you Vikings fans think T. Jackson will be "the man" next year or do you see Leftwich, Plummer, Garcia or maybe even Carr as a possibilty. I doubt they would use a high draft pick on another qb. Is Schwaub s guy you could see the front office trading for?

 

[Tag]

a WR or two and QB and this team should be in decent shape.

 

[TeamDingo]

Do you Vikings fans think T. Jackson will be "the man" next year or do you see Leftwich, Plummer, Garcia or maybe even Carr as a possibilty. I doubt they would use a high draft pick on another qb. Is Schwaub s guy you could see the front office trading for?

Appears that it will either be Jackson or Bollinger, from Childress last news conference coverage -Childress made it clear that Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger are his top two quarterbacks and that if Johnson does return it would be, “in a mentoring role.” If the Vikings bring in a new quarterback Childress said it will be a “developmental guy,” or “lower-round draft pick.”“I don’t think we’re going the free-agent market, we’re not close to thinking about going for a free-agent quarterback,” Childress said. “I like the guys that are here right now. We kept three of the quarterbacks on this squad. If I didn’t feel like there was a viable third, possibly go with two next year.”

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I am excited about the hiring of George Stewart as WR coach! It sounds like Wyatt didn't know ANYTHING and you can't have that with a WR like Williamson that needs to develop. I think it is a clear sign that they believe in Williamson and are interested in letting him continue to work.

Good Hire!

 

[Biabreakable]

I am excited about the hiring of George Stewart as WR coach! It sounds like Wyatt didn't know ANYTHING and you can't have that with a WR like Williamson that needs to develop. I think it is a clear sign that they believe in Williamson and are interested in letting him continue to work. Good Hire!

Im not that optimistic about Stewart. Why should I be?He worked with the 49ers and did nothing to help develop JJ Stokes. Some might give him credit for TO. But honestly TO is a highly motivated physical player. He still drops a lot of balls. How much credit does the coach deserve for developing a self motivated player like Owens?Then he worked with the Atlanta WRs. I do think Vick is at least partly to blame for thier lack of success. But I see nothing about Stewarts coaching of them to get excited about. ETA- this is entirely new territory for the Vikings team. The Vikings have ALWAYS had a good WR for thier offense to work with. From Ahmad Rashad to Anthony Carter to Cris Carter to Moss. They have always had a playmaker at the WR position before now. That is somthing I think Viking fans may be having trouble with accepting. And may be the real cause of fans dissapointment with Childress.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/foot...tml?eref=si_nfl

Sad day for us Viking fans now. I would have preferred Childress to be let go after one year and promote Tomlin to HC.

 

[PeaceBringer]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/foot...tml?eref=si_nfl

Sad day for us Viking fans now. I would have preferred Childress to be let go after one year and promote Tomlin to HC.

figures, fits Rooney's profile of a guy he would tend to hire.

 

[wannabee]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/foot...tml?eref=si_nfl

Sad day for us Viking fans now. I would have preferred Childress to be let go after one year and promote Tomlin to HC.

This is supposedly a false report. Who knows right now, it looks like the Steelers' decision has not been made.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I am excited about the hiring of George Stewart as WR coach! It sounds like Wyatt didn't know ANYTHING and you can't have that with a WR like Williamson that needs to develop. I think it is a clear sign that they believe in Williamson and are interested in letting him continue to work.

Good Hire!

Im not that optimistic about Stewart. Why should I be?He worked with the 49ers and did nothing to help develop JJ Stokes. Some might give him credit for TO. But honestly TO is a highly motivated physical player. He still drops a lot of balls. How much credit does the coach deserve for developing a self motivated player like Owens?

Then he worked with the Atlanta WRs. I do think Vick is at least partly to blame for thier lack of success. But I see nothing about Stewarts coaching of them to get excited about.



ETA- this is entirely new territory for the Vikings team. The Vikings have ALWAYS had a good WR for thier offense to work with. From Ahmad Rashad to Anthony Carter to Cris Carter to Moss. They have always had a playmaker at the WR position before now. That is somthing I think Viking fans may be having trouble with accepting. And may be the real cause of fans dissapointment with Childress.

I guess it isn't so much Stewart's hiring that has me excited as getting rid of Wyatt does. They saw a problem and got rid of the problem with some experience. (Don't kill about the only excitement that I've had this season!! )Of course, now the Tomlin loss leaves us with another hole to fill. Maybe Chili will take over the defense, he seems to know how to stall an offense!

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Anyone have any clue on who is available for Defensive Coordinator??

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

Anyone have any clue on who is available for Defensive Coordinator??

Karl Dunbar (SP?) the DL coach is rumored to be the heir apparent here.

 

[jestertj]

My 2 cents on my Vikings, HC/play calling, Childress had too many things on the go in his first year as the HC. He should have given those duties to the OC and then taken those responsibilities away from him if the OC messed up.

The offense needs to get WR playmakers. I'm not sure about getting another top draft pick as a WR is right or not since most WR's need 2-3 years to blossom. FA/trade might be the way to go. No to Burleson but rumors of Randy for our #3 I'd say yes. Also Jerry Porter should draw interest assuming he passes his pysch test. I heard we're supposed to let go BOTH Wiggins and the 'sauce man so an over-sized WR-type of TE who can stretch the middle of the field is going to be needed. The OL probably will stay the same as we let Cook and Johnson age with experience.

On D, losing Eraser James hurt and as many have said that you can't ever have too many pass rushing DE's, I say we go after Freeney and hit Indy with another poison this off-season and/or draft someone for sure on Day 1. At LBer Harris is probably gone, thanks for nothing (almost) so Greenway will move into the starting line-up I assume (if he's healthy enough early on). Dump Captain Smooting and his Love Boat, move Griffin to the starting role and get another good CB (always said you need THREE solid CB's these days).

On special teams, sorry Bethel Johnson not the answer, use up a 6th or 7th rounder on a project WR who can return kicks.

To the draft....needs are DE...WR...TE....CB...KOR.

Why in the world do people still think this would be a good idea? The Randy Moss we saw here from his first 3-4 years is gone. He will never be the same. He's a chronically injured, half hearted, front running, quitter. The offense you currently have in place requires guys with the heart and toughness to go over the middle and catch the ball. Please stop with love fest for what used to be.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

My 2 cents on my Vikings, HC/play calling, Childress had too many things on the go in his first year as the HC. He should have given those duties to the OC and then taken those responsibilities away from him if the OC messed up.

The offense needs to get WR playmakers. I'm not sure about getting another top draft pick as a WR is right or not since most WR's need 2-3 years to blossom. FA/trade might be the way to go. No to Burleson but rumors of Randy for our #3 I'd say yes. Also Jerry Porter should draw interest assuming he passes his pysch test. I heard we're supposed to let go BOTH Wiggins and the 'sauce man so an over-sized WR-type of TE who can stretch the middle of the field is going to be needed. The OL probably will stay the same as we let Cook and Johnson age with experience.

On D, losing Eraser James hurt and as many have said that you can't ever have too many pass rushing DE's, I say we go after Freeney and hit Indy with another poison this off-season and/or draft someone for sure on Day 1. At LBer Harris is probably gone, thanks for nothing (almost) so Greenway will move into the starting line-up I assume (if he's healthy enough early on). Dump Captain Smooting and his Love Boat, move Griffin to the starting role and get another good CB (always said you need THREE solid CB's these days).

On special teams, sorry Bethel Johnson not the answer, use up a 6th or 7th rounder on a project WR who can return kicks.

To the draft....needs are DE...WR...TE....CB...KOR.

Why in the world do people still think this would be a good idea? The Randy Moss we saw here from his first 3-4 years is gone. He will never be the same. He's a chronically injured, half hearted, front running, quitter. The offense you currently have in place requires guys with the heart and toughness to go over the middle and catch the ball. Please stop with love fest for what used to be.

Why? Because I'd rather not wait another 2-3 or more years for this team to turn it around. We need playmakers and some veterans to lead the team. We have it on defense but not on Offense. I read somewhere where he wants to come back...so if he wants to come back then maybe just maybe he'll play something like he did when he was here the first time. We have the money so we restructure his contact, (he's just about in the same boat as TO where his spots are going to be limited) so I think the TEAM has the advantage over him. If he doesnt agree to a type of contract where he behaves then and then good riddenings but I'm willing to give him another chance.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

So what are thoughts on the draft (getting a little bored). I've seen mocks go with the following:

Jarrett

Ginn

Jamaal Anderson

Gaines Adams

This is a tough call for me as a fan because they need the WRs but I think it may be too high for either of these guys (Jarrett would be my choice if they decide to go WR), but with WR being so deep in this draft, I think they could get a high quality guy in the 2nd round.

The two pass rushers are awesome, but with two 1st rounders at end already it is tough to give up on them. If Adams is there, however, I think he is too good to pass up.

I also like Zach Miller if he falls to us in the 2nd round.

Thoughts...

 

[Biabreakable]

As I have said before I think they need to use the pick on a skill position player.

One of the top 2 Qbs or Adrian Peterson should not be out of the question. I also would be ok with Jarrett but would prefer to look for a WR through free agency or perhaps in the 2nd round.

Picking DE again would be allright I think also as long as we don't wiff again. I don't think Udeze can get to the Qb enough. James has more promise in this regard.

Honestly I am kind of hoping for Peterson though. I don't think there would be any doubt about the Vikings becoming a dominant running team then and the Vikings have never had a elite Rb before. Robert Smith was ok but he wasn't a elite Rb.

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

For the draft, I can't see them using any Day 1 pick on a QB since then it would only look bad on Childress' part for wasting a pick on Jackson last year. Also I'm not 100% up on how the Wolf's work things but if they are impatient with Childress he could be gone by the end of the season so this top pick has to be able to play almost right away, hence again no QB with top pick or Day 1.

I'd love to see Peterson or Ginn. I don't think Jarrett is fast enough to my liking so I'd pass on him. If they can't get one of those 2 positions then go after a speed rush end at least twice in the draft.

 

[Biabreakable]

Do you Vikings fans think T. Jackson will be "the man" next year or do you see Leftwich, Plummer, Garcia or maybe even Carr as a possibilty. I doubt they would use a high draft pick on another qb. Is Schwaub s guy you could see the front office trading for?

As much as I want to be optimistic about Jackson being able to play at this level I have one major concern about him.In the limited action we saw from Jackson he did not show good pocket awareness. He did not seem to be able to sense when the rush was closing in on him and his mechanics were terrible. I realise he is raw and some of this can be taught. But part of pocket awareness is instictual as well and I am sad to say I don't think he has it.I hope I am wrong but I see this as being a big problem with him. There are things an offesne can do to help him out such as rolling him out often. But I just have too many doubts about Jackson having "it".Maybe he will be fine in 2008 but he did not look ready to be a NFL starter in 2007 to me.

 

[Bull Dozier]

Do you Vikings fans think T. Jackson will be "the man" next year or do you see Leftwich, Plummer, Garcia or maybe even Carr as a possibilty. I doubt they would use a high draft pick on another qb. Is Schwaub s guy you could see the front office trading for?

As much as I want to be optimistic about Jackson being able to play at this level I have one major concern about him.In the limited action we saw from Jackson he did not show good pocket awareness. He did not seem to be able to sense when the rush was closing in on him and his mechanics were terrible. I realise he is raw and some of this can be taught. But part of pocket awareness is instictual as well and I am sad to say I don't think he has it.I hope I am wrong but I see this as being a big problem with him. There are things an offesne can do to help him out such as rolling him out often. But I just have too many doubts about Jackson having "it".Maybe he will be fine in 2008 but he did not look ready to be a NFL starter in 2007 to me.

Jackson, to me, loved no worse in his limited time than Daunte Culpepper did in his limited time in 2000 (only a few snaps). Now, granted, Jackson won't have the weapons Daunte did in his first year as a starter, but I don't think we've seen enough of Jackson to write him off yet. Let's not forget he was running the scout team until week 8 or so. Give him a full off season as the starter, getting starter reps in practice with the players he'll see on Sunday, and I think he could be a servicable QB. Now, if Childress follows Reid's lead and never gets him a premiere WR to throw to, then we're going to have to go out and get a Quinn or something, because only the best (Brady, Mcnabb, etc) can have any success at all without somebody to throw to.