Antoine Winfield disgusted with the Vikes offense... (1 Viewer)

[az_prof]

My understanding is that Winfield has not bee at OTAs and minicamps. Sooooo exactly what is his opinion based upon? Sounds to me like a guy who is trying to justify sitting around on his ### instead of working out with his teammates to get ready for the season. I don't put much stock in the opinions of such people.

 

[Workhorse]

How about Antoine Winfield for Asante Samuel?

Winfield just wants to be on a winner and his annual salary would be less than Asante's franchise tag # for 2007. Asante wants long-term security and doesn't seem overly concerned about playing for a playoff team since he's already won a title. Let Asante work out his new deal with the Vikes and make the swap to keep both guys happy.

Might be a good match.

 

[identikit]

How about Antoine Winfield for Asante Samuel?Winfield just wants to be on a winner and his annual salary would be less than Asante's franchise tag # for 2007. Asante wants long-term security and doesn't seem overly concerned about playing for a playoff team since he's already won a title. Let Asante work out his new deal with the Vikes and make the swap to keep both guys happy.Might be a good match.

Makes perfect sense to me. Looks like it would be something like the Branch deal (except a player instead of a draft pick).Id

 

[Banger]

They have a very solid line, and potentially a very good RB. That's a pretty good start right there. I don't expect monster numbers, but I don't think we will see the record lows some folks seem to be looking for either.

For these 2 reasons alone, this offense will be much better than many here are saying.

To be that one dimensional though and be able to consistently run the ball when everyone in the building knows you are going to run you need a dominant running game/line and I don't see that at this point. They are average at this point with a chance to be above average. Last year they finished 16th in rushing and 18th in passing. I'd expect them to drop in the passing stats which may make it more difficult to run (fewer third down conversions). One thing that they do have going for them is a VERY good run defense and a pass defense that should improve so their defense should be able to consistently get the ball in the hands of the offense. I just envision a lot of 3 and out's on both sides of the ball.

 

[Gopher State]

Being a MN homer here's my take on the Vikings:

QB: Jackson is very raw and was a reach where he was taken, the guy I am watching who has looked as good as Jackson in minicamp is Drew Henson it would not shock me if Drew gets a shot sometime in the season. Given Brad Johnson, C-pepp and his knee, Jackson is still the best opition for the vikes, looking back on what they had.

WR: Williamson is on the hot seat, he has to produce this year, I not sure he does. The kid that I will draft in everyone of my FF drafts(with my last pick), IF a big IF he makes the team, is WR Todd Lowber, this kid burned Whitaker for a 60 yard td in minicamp, and also burned Sharper for a long gain. He has held on to everything thrown to him, however he is a former track star with blazing speed, and has never played football, but if he continues to impress and if he can hold the ball after a hit, he "could" be a true sleeper. Bobby Wade is an ok WR, but imo better used as a WR3. However, T. Taylor, Robinson KRob, Moss all have had their best days behind them, and if your rebuilding why have WR's with little left in the tank. I can't wait for the first game in NE, when they run the ball 40 times and only pass once to Moss, Randy will give the press something to write about. Guys like Moss and T.O. don't change, and they have one thing in common no superbowl rings.

RB: Taylor, AP, Moore, will give teams problems, and should have success, and should be one of the better team running games in NFL, as the o-line should be better given Hutch has a year under his belt to gel with this group.

Def, I think the Vikes were #1 against the run last year, should be as good this year, but pass D needs help, and it remains to be seen if they have the help to improve.

I think the Vikings are better this year, they are rebuilding and people have to understand that. From a FF point their is value with Vikings players, IF you get them at the right spot, I take AP or Taylor as my #3 RB any day, provided I get them at the right pick. I also watch the WR situation, I take a starting#1wr in thelater rounds of any FF draft, and look for upside.

In what Winfield is saying he should worry about improving his play on pass D,. instead of making remarks about the offense.

 

[jurb26]

They have a very solid line, and potentially a very good RB. That's a pretty good start right there. I don't expect monster numbers, but I don't think we will see the record lows some folks seem to be looking for either.

For these 2 reasons alone, this offense will be much better than many here are saying.

To be that one dimensional though and be able to consistently run the ball when everyone in the building knows you are going to run you need a dominant running game/line and I don't see that at this point. They are average at this point with a chance to be above average. Last year they finished 16th in rushing and 18th in passing. I'd expect them to drop in the passing stats which may make it more difficult to run (fewer third down conversions). One thing that they do have going for them is a VERY good run defense and a pass defense that should improve so their defense should be able to consistently get the ball in the hands of the offense. I just envision a lot of 3 and out's on both sides of the ball.

I don't see how the passing game could realistically be significantly worse than last year. A lot of people seem to want to pick on Jackson and I find that a bit confusing seeing as he has only played a whopping 4 games thus far. Even if he only improves slightly he should be better than Johnson was last year. Sure, the WRs leave a lot to be desired. Do you really think a group that amassed only 159 receptions, 1983 yards and 9 TDs last year can really get any worse though? Minn will likely get better WR production this year IMO. Even if they don't they will again pass to the RBs, who managed 106 receptions, 919 yards and 1 TD. The bottom line for me is that this is an offense that in reality was nearly average last year. By the looks of it, they improved the talent heading into 2007.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

They have a very solid line, and potentially a very good RB. That's a pretty good start right there. I don't expect monster numbers, but I don't think we will see the record lows some folks seem to be looking for either.

For these 2 reasons alone, this offense will be much better than many here are saying.

To be that one dimensional though and be able to consistently run the ball when everyone in the building knows you are going to run you need a dominant running game/line and I don't see that at this point. They are average at this point with a chance to be above average. Last year they finished 16th in rushing and 18th in passing. I'd expect them to drop in the passing stats which may make it more difficult to run (fewer third down conversions). One thing that they do have going for them is a VERY good run defense and a pass defense that should improve so their defense should be able to consistently get the ball in the hands of the offense. I just envision a lot of 3 and out's on both sides of the ball.

I don't see how the passing game could realistically be significantly worse than last year. A lot of people seem to want to pick on Jackson and I find that a bit confusing seeing as he has only played a whopping 4 games thus far. Even if he only improves slightly he should be better than Johnson was last year. Sure, the WRs leave a lot to be desired. Do you really think a group that amassed only 159 receptions, 1983 yards and 9 TDs last year can really get any worse though? Minn will likely get better WR production this year IMO. Even if they don't they will again pass to the RBs, who managed 106 receptions, 919 yards and 1 TD. The bottom line for me is that this is an offense that in reality was nearly average last year. By the looks of it, they improved the talent heading into 2007.

Jurb, siomple question...Is Minnesota a likely candidate for bottom 5 in passing this season...yes/no? For many of us, the answer is a resounding yes...if you differ that's cool, everyone should feel free to speak their opinions but I just cannot see how that passing game could be better when they got rid of what little they had that was decent. At least MRob should have been kept on to school the younger WR...he was not going to hurt them as a WR4/5...they sent him, Travis Taylor, and Jermaine Wiggins all away...maybe not the brightest thing to do unless they had some immediate help.

 

[jurb26]

They have a very solid line, and potentially a very good RB. That's a pretty good start right there. I don't expect monster numbers, but I don't think we will see the record lows some folks seem to be looking for either.

For these 2 reasons alone, this offense will be much better than many here are saying.

To be that one dimensional though and be able to consistently run the ball when everyone in the building knows you are going to run you need a dominant running game/line and I don't see that at this point. They are average at this point with a chance to be above average. Last year they finished 16th in rushing and 18th in passing. I'd expect them to drop in the passing stats which may make it more difficult to run (fewer third down conversions). One thing that they do have going for them is a VERY good run defense and a pass defense that should improve so their defense should be able to consistently get the ball in the hands of the offense. I just envision a lot of 3 and out's on both sides of the ball.

I don't see how the passing game could realistically be significantly worse than last year. A lot of people seem to want to pick on Jackson and I find that a bit confusing seeing as he has only played a whopping 4 games thus far. Even if he only improves slightly he should be better than Johnson was last year. Sure, the WRs leave a lot to be desired. Do you really think a group that amassed only 159 receptions, 1983 yards and 9 TDs last year can really get any worse though? Minn will likely get better WR production this year IMO. Even if they don't they will again pass to the RBs, who managed 106 receptions, 919 yards and 1 TD. The bottom line for me is that this is an offense that in reality was nearly average last year. By the looks of it, they improved the talent heading into 2007.

Jurb, siomple question...Is Minnesota a likely candidate for bottom 5 in passing this season...yes/no? For many of us, the answer is a resounding yes...if you differ that's cool, everyone should feel free to speak their opinions but I just cannot see how that passing game could be better when they got rid of what little they had that was decent. At least MRob should have been kept on to school the younger WR...he was not going to hurt them as a WR4/5...they sent him, Travis Taylor, and Jermaine Wiggins all away...maybe not the brightest thing to do unless they had some immediate help.

They were not bottom 5 last year. Not even close. Here are 5 teams that finished WORSE than Min last year that I expect to finish worse then them again this year: Oak, Atl, KC, Tenn and TB. What reason do you have that is so profound to think these teams all improved over Min?

 

[Holy Schneikes]

They have a very solid line, and potentially a very good RB. That's a pretty good start right there. I don't expect monster numbers, but I don't think we will see the record lows some folks seem to be looking for either.

For these 2 reasons alone, this offense will be much better than many here are saying.

To be that one dimensional though and be able to consistently run the ball when everyone in the building knows you are going to run you need a dominant running game/line and I don't see that at this point. They are average at this point with a chance to be above average. Last year they finished 16th in rushing and 18th in passing. I'd expect them to drop in the passing stats which may make it more difficult to run (fewer third down conversions). One thing that they do have going for them is a VERY good run defense and a pass defense that should improve so their defense should be able to consistently get the ball in the hands of the offense. I just envision a lot of 3 and out's on both sides of the ball.

I don't see how the passing game could realistically be significantly worse than last year. A lot of people seem to want to pick on Jackson and I find that a bit confusing seeing as he has only played a whopping 4 games thus far. Even if he only improves slightly he should be better than Johnson was last year. Sure, the WRs leave a lot to be desired. Do you really think a group that amassed only 159 receptions, 1983 yards and 9 TDs last year can really get any worse though? Minn will likely get better WR production this year IMO. Even if they don't they will again pass to the RBs, who managed 106 receptions, 919 yards and 1 TD. The bottom line for me is that this is an offense that in reality was nearly average last year. By the looks of it, they improved the talent heading into 2007.

Jurb, siomple question...Is Minnesota a likely candidate for bottom 5 in passing this season...yes/no? For many of us, the answer is a resounding yes...if you differ that's cool, everyone should feel free to speak their opinions but I just cannot see how that passing game could be better when they got rid of what little they had that was decent. At least MRob should have been kept on to school the younger WR...he was not going to hurt them as a WR4/5...they sent him, Travis Taylor, and Jermaine Wiggins all away...maybe not the brightest thing to do unless they had some immediate help.

Robinson is a walking injury and is now playing for his 4th team. Fantasy geeks remember him for his one great year EIGHT YEARS AGO, but he hasn't really done anything remarkable since. Jermaine Wiggins was also hugely over-rated based on year of mediocre production in an offense that favored the TE position. Taylor is is, was and always will be absolutely horrible. Guys drops as many passes as Williamson but also has a lot of trouble getting open.These guys were all EASILY replaceable and now they have been replaced. The WR corps of the Vikings in 2007 is no worse and very likely better than the 2006 group. Say what you will about Rice, but a LOT of people love his potential. Williamson has been very bad, but he has one more shot and seems to be making the most of it so far. Wade is nothing special, but he's no worse than Taylor or Robinson at this stage. Shiancoe, though he has yet to do anything with it, has infinitely more potential than Wiggins and is very likely an upgrade as well.Could they be bottom 5? Sure they could. But you could make a case for a LOT of teams to be worse than the Vikings this year. There are a lot of teams that would LOVE to have the Vikings line or their RBs and some of those teams have weak WRs too.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

He's baaaacccckkkkk!

Link

Like peace negotiators at Camp David, the Vikings shook hands Saturday and smiled with one of their key players after an offseason of uncharacteristic rabble-rousing.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield agreed to attend the team's final offseason workouts this week, a symbolic gesture that signaled a friendly accord with coach Brad Childress. Winfield was not available for comment, but agent Ashanti Webb said Childress established a consistent dialogue -- through phone calls, text messages and face-to-face meetings -- to help Winfield reach a comfort level.

"The lines of communication are more open now," Webb said.

"Antoine is a quiet and reserved guy, and Brad was in his first year as coach last season. They both just needed to know how to communicate with each other. The main thing is they were able to build up a relationship over a certain amount of time, which is needed in the player-coach relationship."

Webb said Winfield received no additional money during the process and that the six-year, $35 million contract he signed in 2004 remains intact. Winfield, whose only offseason appearance at Winter Park has been for the Vikings' mandatory minicamp June 1-3, will return Monday for an Organized Training Activity. The team's final practice is scheduled for Tuesday, after which veterans are dismissed until training camp opens July 25.

"He's had some personal things he's dealt with," Childress said, "but we're happy that we're moving on here. He's a talented veteran who puts his money where his mouth is on the playing field. Over the years, he's been a good player and a good leader."

Several players -- most notably receiver Marcus Robinson -- criticized Childress for his inconsistent interaction with them last season. Robinson termed the situation "a total lack of communication" after Childress released him on Christmas Eve.

In March, Winfield chose to stay away from the team's strength and conditioning program and was absent from OTA practices when they began May 22. Short of a boycott, Webb termed Winfield's action as a "break" from the team.

"On our end, it was the offseason," Webb said. "I know the Vikings would have loved for him to be over there. And part of Antoine wanted to be there. But sometimes you need a break. We look at it like he was just cashing in vacation time, like any other employee would."

At the conclusion of minicamp June 3, Winfield indicated he would not rejoin the team until training camp. He indicated his concern with the team's ability to compete in the short-term -- "We still have a long way to go," he said -- but would not outline his issues in detail.

Ultimately, Webb acknowledged, Winfield's desire to keep the issue private might have worked against him. Reporters and fans drew their own conclusions, and rumors circulated on every topic imaginable. ESPN reported he had requested a trade, while other outlets suggested he wanted a new contract and/or had stormed out of Winter Park in late March after an acrimonious meeting with Childress.

"There got to be this perception that it was about money or because of the Vikings' lack of offseason moves or something," Webb said. "That was not the case and has never been the case. This is the offseason. It's where people iron out their issues. Antoine is a veteran, and he needed to iron some things, some personal issues that he thought he could work out on his own.

"It ended up escalating into big news," Webb said. "I think he learned that no answer is not always the way to go, because people start putting two and two together. We started hearing that fans thought he was being a Terrell Owens type of character, and that bothered him. So we just thought we had to get this thing opened up."

The thaw began at minicamp, Webb said, and continued in the weeks thereafter.

"To me," Webb said, "this was probably the biggest offseason move, that they were able to get this thing to move forward. Antoine's happy, and it really means a lot to be able to go from coach-player to open up the line of communication to build it up where they can be a strong, unified front."