Childress's 1st year (1 Viewer)

[Banger]

I'm wondering how the board feels Childress did in his 1st year as a HC. They obviously made some big FA signees in his 1st offseason (Hutch/Taylor) and got off to a quick start at 4-2. Then the NE game happened and their big weakness on defense was exposed.

They are now sitting at 6-9 and are looking toward next year but seem to be going backward in the 2nd half of the season. I'm not sure how to feel about their year. I thought their offense would be better (due largely to the o-line) and their defense would be worse but the opposite happened. Defensively, their run defense is ridiculous and the pass defense is ridiculous in the opposite way.

On the offensive side of the ball, it's really kind of a mess. They've probably got the worst WR/TE corp in the league, Taylor looks to be an average back and Jackson looks to be their QB of the future but looks raw and may take time to develop.

I think Childress is an obvious upgrade from knucklehead Tice but did they really improve that much as a team. I'm really not sure....

I guess if I had to give them a grade it would be a C.

What's the plan for the Vikes in the offseason? I'd say WR is a definite need, maybe CB's and a pass rusher?

 

[Snotbubbles]

Childress brought a new offense. Typically it takes a QB 3-4 years to learn the WCO. I don't know if Tavaris Jackson is the answer, if I were Childress I'd take a long hard look at Garcia this off-season at least to teach Jackson (or a high draft pick) how to run this offense.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I just don't think they have any identity. I realize that sounds pretty broad, but when I think of the Vikings, I don't really think of anything compelling other then, "The only way they win today is if the other team plays poorly." That's one of the worst backhanded compliments I can think of.

No idea what they need, but someone who can catch the ball would be a good start.

 

[Banger]

I just don't think they have any identity. I realize that sounds pretty broad, but when I think of the Vikings, I don't really think of anything compelling other then, "The only way they win today is if the other team plays poorly." That's one of the worst backhanded compliments I can think of. No idea what they need, but someone who can catch the ball would be a good start.

I actually think of good lines both offensive and defensive. I don't know if the offensive line is more hype than production at this point but the defensive line's run stopping is 2nd to none. So I guess if there is one bright spot it's that they've addressed/solidified the lines but everything else is pretty up in the air...

 

[Colin Dowling]

I just don't think they have any identity. I realize that sounds pretty broad, but when I think of the Vikings, I don't really think of anything compelling other then, "The only way they win today is if the other team plays poorly." That's one of the worst backhanded compliments I can think of. No idea what they need, but someone who can catch the ball would be a good start.

I actually think of good lines both offensive and defensive. I don't know if the offensive line is more hype than production at this point but the defensive line's run stopping is 2nd to none. So I guess if there is one bright spot it's that they've addressed/solidified the lines but everything else is pretty up in the air...

Good points. The D line has been very good and the O line has been solid as well. Of course, that begs the question of why they haven't won more games since most folks agree that being/remaining competitive starts with competent play up front.

 

[Banger]

I just don't think they have any identity. I realize that sounds pretty broad, but when I think of the Vikings, I don't really think of anything compelling other then, "The only way they win today is if the other team plays poorly." That's one of the worst backhanded compliments I can think of. No idea what they need, but someone who can catch the ball would be a good start.

I actually think of good lines both offensive and defensive. I don't know if the offensive line is more hype than production at this point but the defensive line's run stopping is 2nd to none. So I guess if there is one bright spot it's that they've addressed/solidified the lines but everything else is pretty up in the air...

Good points. The D line has been very good and the O line has been solid as well. Of course, that begs the question of why they haven't won more games since most folks agree that being/remaining competitive starts with competent play up front.

I wonder that myself but on the offense they couldn't have had much worse players at the skill positions. TE? WR's? are total jokes and retreads. At RB Taylor was servicable but much more of a plodder than I anticipated. At QB Johnson was pretty horrible and was one of the worst starters in the league.

 

[mozzy84]

Childress really needs to learn how to change a game plan during the game and before each week if needed, it the same dull play calling every week,not sure if thats his fault or the players he has to work with at this point. I have never seen a more boring vikings season than this one, every game was almost identicle.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Childress really needs to learn how to change a game plan during the game and before each week if needed, it the same dull play calling every week,not sure if thats his fault or the players he has to work with at this point. I have never seen a more boring vikings season than this one, every game was almost identicle.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Minnesota = Jacksonville Light

 

[Biabreakable]

I know the majority of Viking fans are dissapointed with Childress. They don't like how boring and pedestrian the offense is. After a decade of offensive excelence it is easy to understand why.

I don't agree with the majority however. This team is much better coached. The Vikings did not have any very significant upgrades to thier defense personel wise. Rookie Cedric Griffin being the only new impact player. He is going to be a good one too with some seasoning. Yet the defense has been a MONSTROUS force against the run. I think the pass defense is not as bad as it may appear. Teams have to abandon the run against the Vikings so early because it just doesen't work against them. Thier Lbers need to improve in coverage. That may happen when Greenway returns healthy. It is still a work in progress. But it has made a lot of progress from being one of the worst defenses in the league for so long to actualy being dominant against the run. I am happy with and impressed by that. Give it some more time and this defense could be really special. Erasimus James and Greenway returning to health could give the defense better pressure on the Qb and coverage. More experience for Griffin and the pass defense should improve. They may look for more help on that side of the ball during free agency/draft as well.

I thought Williamson would break out this season. He needs to spend all offseason working out with a jugs machine. Would like to see him train similar to what Torry Holt does. Catching 100 balls/day no matter what. And hopefully he can improve that way. The guy has skills. He is very good at getting open. He just needs to learn to catch the ball more consistently.

Jackson was clearly not ready to start yet. So I guess Childress wasn't blowing smoke about this. But he is getting some valuable experience in these last few games. Hopefully he can build on that and be more ready to play next year. Childress said he expected a 3 year learning curve for Jackson.

What the Vikings really need is a clutch possesion type Wr. A guy who can be counted on to convert 3rd downs would make a great compliment to Williamsons big play ability.

I don't think the focus on improving the Oline is over yet either. I expect they will look to land another player who can help strengthen the right side. Mount Mckinney is decent but he still totaly wiffs on pass rushers at times. Having Hutch next to him is great mentorship though and I think his mean streak is rubbing off on McKinney.

Focus on personel upgrades:

WR

FS/CB

RG/RT

3rd down DE/Speed pass rusher.

TE

Overall I like the progress the new coaching staff has made but if a great coach like Dungy became available I would love for the Vikings to upgrade. Some people think the Vikings DC Mike Tomlin is a better coach than Childress. And that might be true. Will have to wait and see how things develop there.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

They are a QB, RB, and #1WR, #2WR away from being a decent team on offense. Chester taylor had Hutch and mcKinnie to run behind...there are at least 5-10 RB in the league that could produce close to 2,000 yds rushing behind that side of the line IMO. They need to think about bringing in one of the top 2-3 RB in the upcoming draft. At least someone that can split time with Taylor.

They need a QB and they are a long way from that right now unless there are some good FA QBs and I can't think of any off the top of my head. I can't see them as much more than an 8-8 team at this point, although that rush defense and their NT, Williams...OUCH!!! Those guys are pretty good.

 

[BigJim®]

Bad

I'm already pretty tired of Childress. With all due respect to his credentials, this is a guy who went from not even calling offensive plays to virtually running things (including calling plays) in Minnesota. They basically did a whole KFAN show yesterday discussing his failures. Nutshell version:

(1) His mantra coming in was this team will not beat itself. Result? Vikes led the league in penalties. Is all of this attributable to him? No. His players apparently still don't know how to line up 15 games in, however.

(2) He had an entire offseason to review roughly 15 years of Brad Johnson game tapes and determined he would be a good fit to lead the Childress offense. Result? Brad Johnson had a catagorically horrid season. Childress holds 100% accountability here as he was the one who hitched his cart to BJ instead of pursuing FA QBs such as Brees/McNair (for starters). Still, at the end of the season Childress has the audacity to refer to his predictable "take no chances" offensive scheme as a "kick ###" offense.

(3) The team started off 2006 going 4-2, beating teams it arguably should have lost to. It ended the season on a huge slide, losing to teams it should have beat. You'd expect the opposite to hold true for a coach destined for success, as it suggests the team is going backwards rather than getting more comfortable in Childress' scheme.

(4) Not a fan of the ego. This is a guy who treats every team issue as a matter of national security... whether it is why a player was deactivated after not being on the injury list or whether he'll be starting a rookie or a horrible existing starter for the next game. Sorry Chilly (or "secret squirrel" as certain KFAN personalities call him), an irrelevant NFL team is not important enough for such secrecy. To me the Culpepper fallout was a ramification of ego. Marcus Robinson mysteriously being cut in week 16 is another shimmering example of ego. Most any other coach would have allowed the final game to pass and walked away from an unwelcome player without much ado. Not Childress, need to make a statement here over this NFL veteran who was ten times better than the other crud he had at WR. To me a guy has to do something before he gets to toss his ego around and act more important than he is. He hasn't done a single thing particularly well yet, outside of hiring Mike Tomlin as DC.

Bottom line, this is a team that was 9-7 with less talent under Mike Tice.

 

[mozzy84]

Bad

yea I forgot to add that to my first post. The whole way he goes about things have been odd to say the least.

 

[TeamDingo]

I would give him a gentleman's D.

Pretty attrocious year for Mr."Kick-###". Hated the way he handled Cpep, hated the way they reached in the draft and wasted a pick, Vikes were handed the CAR and DET games in the Dome. Could easily be 4-12 this year coming off of a 9-7 season in which they splurged in the offseason. Hated the way he handled BJohnson/TJackson ( who sucked but a 15 year veteran Super Bowl winning QB deserved not to be embarrassed the way he was) hated how the he is handling MRobinson. Thi is a team that when the offense is running good they have 1 good drive a game ( the first drive). Hopefully the return of EJames and CGreenway aid the pass rush/coverage issues.

Anyone who thinks that BMcKinnie is even a good run blocking tackle needs to watch him more closely.

Chilly Year One = Bad

 

[Colin Dowling]

Point well taken. They won more games with arguably less talent under Tice and managed to imrpove during the year as opposed to regressing.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The guy is a joke.

What 'discipline and new attitude' has he brought to that team? Same with that butt-jockey in Detroit.

Childress cuts devout Christian (and leading TD receiver) Marcus Robinson and lets continued idiots like bar-brawlin' Troy Williamson (and his zero TDs) and Fred Smoot remain on the team.

Did you guys catch the latest with Smoot?

He broke his jaw in several places in a 'one car accident' in which he was alone. Ya right.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot will miss the last game of the season because of a jaw broken in five places in a recent car accident.

The single-vehicle crash, revealed by coach Brad Childress at his Wednesday news conference, occurred Friday evening in Smoot's home state of Mississippi. After the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention with a 9-7 loss to the Packers last Thursday, players were given the holiday weekend off.

 

[Vikes Fan]

BadI'm already pretty tired of Childress. With all due respect to his credentials, this is a guy who went from not even calling offensive plays to virtually running things (including calling plays) in Minnesota. They basically did a whole KFAN show yesterday discussing his failures. Nutshell version:(1) His mantra coming in was this team will not beat itself. Result? Vikes led the league in penalties. Is all of this attributable to him? No. His players apparently still don't know how to line up 15 games in, however.(2) He had an entire offseason to review roughly 15 years of Brad Johnson game tapes and determined he would be a good fit to lead the Childress offense. Result? Brad Johnson had a catagorically horrid season. Childress holds 100% accountability here as he was the one who hitched his cart to BJ instead of pursuing FA QBs such as Brees/McNair (for starters). Still, at the end of the season Childress has the audacity to refer to his predictable "take no chances" offensive scheme as a "kick ###" offense. (3) The team started off 2006 going 4-2, beating teams it arguably should have lost to. It ended the season on a huge slide, losing to teams it should have beat. You'd expect the opposite to hold true for a coach destined for success, as it suggests the team is going backwards rather than getting more comfortable in Childress' scheme.(4) Not a fan of the ego. This is a guy who treats every team issue as a matter of national security... whether it is why a player was deactivated after not being on the injury list or whether he'll be starting a rookie or a horrible existing starter for the next game. Sorry Chilly (or "secret squirrel" as certain KFAN personalities call him), an irrelevant NFL team is not important enough for such secrecy. To me the Culpepper fallout was a ramification of ego. Marcus Robinson mysteriously being cut in week 16 is another shimmering example of ego. Most any other coach would have allowed the final game to pass and walked away from an unwelcome player without much ado. Not Childress, need to make a statement here over this NFL veteran who was ten times better than the other crud he had at WR. To me a guy has to do something before he gets to toss his ego around and act more important than he is. He hasn't done a single thing particularly well yet, outside of hiring Mike Tomlin as DC. Bottom line, this is a team that was 9-7 with less talent under Mike Tice.

I agree wholeheartedly with all of your points. I think we were spoiled by the anti-secrecy of Mike Tice which we are all now used to, and now the game of "competitive advantages" is getting old. He learned from Andy Reid, and while Reid is tight lipped on some information, he isn't a wet dish rag like Childress is. The release of MRob is a joke. Other players (Winfield and Sharper) spoke out about the offense and didn't get cut. Robinson complains and gets cut. The only red zone target on the team is cut with 1 game to go? And in the paper players said that MRob was a leader of the offense. Childress needs to check his ego a little at the door.Charch on KFAN made similar points yesterday and if you put him head to head against the other teams with rookie head coaches, he only outdid the Lions and that organization has Millen to deal with.

 

[Vikes Fan]

The guy is a joke.What 'discipline and new attitude' has he brought to that team? Same with that butt-jockey in Detroit.Childress cuts devout Christian (and leading TD receiver) Marcus Robinson and lets continued idiots like bar-brawlin' Troy Williamson (and his zero TDs) and Fred Smoot remain on the team.Did you guys catch the latest with Smoot?He broke his jaw in several places in a 'one car accident' in which he was alone. Ya right. EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot will miss the last game of the season because of a jaw broken in five places in a recent car accident.The single-vehicle crash, revealed by coach Brad Childress at his Wednesday news conference, occurred Friday evening in Smoot's home state of Mississippi. After the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention with a 9-7 loss to the Packers last Thursday, players were given the holiday weekend off.

I agree with you! Smoot will be cut during the offseason. He has been a disappointment on and off the field. I find it interesting that the Defensive players seem to get a pass when they speak out about the coachesm but MRob gets cut...

 

[Rogi]

I'm not throwing Childress under the bus yet. A lot of people complain about the Vikings not going for big plays, but have they seen Brad Johnson's deep ball? Have they seen the Vikes' deep threat, Williamson, catch a ball? Also, their D-line is great against the run, but they put very little pressure on the opposing quarterback. This creates problems for their DBs when the QB has all day in the pocket. They need an upgrade at WR and QB (not an easy fix). Wiggins is actually a pretty good TE. Dumping Marcus Robinson seems cold the way it happened. But Childress is probably already preparing for next year and MRob must not be part of that plan.

 

[Wreckincrew]

I don't remember who said it (some old-school coach I think) but it is still true. Penalties & turnovers kill offensive football. The Vikings had too many of both. I want to see some positive signs this offseason or my Viking dollars might be spent elsewhere next season.

OK, probably not, but I can threaten it, can't I?

 

[Facecow]

After watching every wretched moment of the Vikings season, I've come away with many of the same opinions that have already been discussed. Let me just add the following:

1. The offensive line was not nearly as good as advertised. I'm sure no one here is surprised that Hutchinson and Birk are going to the Pro Bowl merely on reputation. The line's pedestrian play this season doesn't warrant sending two starters.

2. Brad Johnson spoke in the local paper about his relationship with Childress saying something to the extent of, "We never talk." How does a Head Coach go through a season without developing a working relationship with his "Field General"?

Perhaps Childress finds such interaction with players beneath him as he's climbed to the top as the head coach in the NFL.

3. The defense has done very well against the run but the passing problems are shocking. With Winfield and Smoot, it was understandable for the Vikings and their fans to believe that both corners were going to be strong plays for the year. Smoot lost his job to a rookie and Winfield can't do it all himself.

The defense was really frustrating as their personnel led this Vikes fan expect much more.

4. Vikes have a good kicking game! That's something to look forward to.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Les Steckel: Redux

 

[Banger]

I agree with the majority of posters. I think he's built a good foundation by focussing on the lines but I think if they go with Jackson next year they won't progress. They need to get a real QB and some wr's for the offense to take the next step both of which are achievable.

I don't think they are that far but I was suprised to see how well they started and how poorly they finished up. It was really a tale of two seasons.

 

[Aaronstory]

I'll admit I was blind with jealousy when the Vikes hired Childress before he even got an interview with the Pack. Now, I'm happy they did. McCarthy has his share of problems, but he's done a much better job with much less talent.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Brad Childress post-mortem

I don't like how he threw his offense under the bus the other day.

I don't like that he released Marcus Robinson, a veteran, with one game left in the season. The reason he gave was lame too: "To give other guys a chance." I'm not the biggest MRob fan, but releasing a vet when he did is a great way to lose the team.

The team was THE most penalized in the league.

There was apparently NO communication between he and Brad Johnson all season.

Poor at making in-game adjustments.

Vikings post-mortem

The Good

Chester Taylor ran hard all year long. I don't think it's fair to say he had an average season at all.

After a slow start, Hutchinson earned his keep. A buddy pointed out to me that he doesn't have a single penalty against all year.

They had a pretty good draft.

- Cedric Griffin was a great 2nd round pick.

- Ryan Cook appears to have talent as well.

- Hard to get a read on Tarvaris Jackson as it's awfully difficult to get a read on the QB when the receivers can not only not catch, but can't get open either. Ray Edwards

- Ray Edwards has looked good in spot duty.

- Greg Blue will knock your socks off.

Obviously the run defense is lights out.

The bad

The receiving corps is the worst in the league. No debate.

The offensive scheme is boring, unimaginative, & inflexible.

ZERO pass rush.

The right side of the o-line was abysmal for most of the season.

Fred Smoot is a world-class free agent bust. At least now he can't talk as much with his mouth wired shut.

Bryant McKinnie regressed from his outstanding second half of last year.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

More Childress coaching genius:

Vikings coach Brad Childress and Marcus Robinson have not discussed the move and likely will not; Childress said he has made only one call to inform a player that he had been released. Asked why he does not talk to most released players personally, Childress said: "Because the personnel guy does that. I mean, I could spend my life on the telephone."

You cut a veteran and team leader here Chili.

 

[MrPack]

More Childress coaching genius:

Vikings coach Brad Childress and Marcus Robinson have not discussed the move and likely will not; Childress said he has made only one call to inform a player that he had been released. Asked why he does not talk to most released players personally, Childress said: "Because the personnel guy does that. I mean, I could spend my life on the telephone."

You cut a veteran and team leader here Chili.

Andy! Hope all is well!

 

[Funkley]

Add me to the bad column for the reasons listed.

Hi Andy.

 

[MrPack]

I'll admit I was blind with jealousy when the Vikes hired Childress before he even got an interview with the Pack. Now, I'm happy they did. McCarthy has his share of problems, but he's done a much better job with much less talent.

I was thinking this same thing. I'm very happy with McCarthy right now, especially in light of seeing how Chlidress handles not only his in game decisions, but personnel decisions.Funny, I was listening to an interview on why he decided not to go to Green Bay for even an interview. He said he wanted to be somewhere where the talent was in place to have a winner. Minnesota was that place.I wish I could find it in print somewhere.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Andy! Hope all is well!

Hey Pack. All is well except for the Packers sweeping the Vikes. And the fact that the Pack is still alive in the playoff hunt.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I thought Williamson would break out this season. He needs to spend all offseason working out with a jugs machine. Would like to see him train similar to what Torry Holt does. Catching 100 balls/day no matter what. And hopefully he can improve that way. The guy has skills. He is very good at getting open. He just needs to learn to catch the ball more consistently.

*darius watts*Williamson's hands are only part of the problem, and maybe the smaller part. The other flaw that stands out about him that he has a lot of trouble tracking deep balls - picking them up in flight, adjusting, smoothly snagging the ball instead of jabbing at it... It's painful to watch this guy try to run under a ball that Brad Johnson summons up all his strength to throw 50 yards, only to look like the pratfall french waiter when it arrives.

 

[Banger]

I thought Williamson would break out this season. He needs to spend all offseason working out with a jugs machine. Would like to see him train similar to what Torry Holt does. Catching 100 balls/day no matter what. And hopefully he can improve that way. The guy has skills. He is very good at getting open. He just needs to learn to catch the ball more consistently.

*darius watts*Williamson's hands are only part of the problem, and maybe the smaller part. The other flaw that stands out about him that he has a lot of trouble tracking deep balls - picking them in flight, adjusting, smoothly snagging the ball instead of jabbing at it... It's painful to watch this guy try to run under a ball that Brad Johnson summons up all his strength to throw 50 yards, only to look like the pratfall french waiter when it arrives.

did you see that nice pass from Jackson bounce off his shoulder pad last game when he got behind the defense? It was pretty funny.

 

[harryhood]

Accept the first year and look forward to next year. I am biased because I know his daughter and he is a real nice guy. He knows his stuff and is commited to turning this team around. Give him a little time.

 

[Aaronstory]

Brad Childress post-mortem

I don't like how he threw his offense under the bus the other day.

I don't like that he released Marcus Robinson, a veteran, with one game left in the season. The reason he gave was lame too: "To give other guys a chance." I'm not the biggest MRob fan, but releasing a vet when he did is a great way to lose the team.

The team was THE most penalized in the league.

There was apparently NO communication between he and Brad Johnson all season.

Poor at making in-game adjustments.

Vikings post-mortem

The Good

Chester Taylor ran hard all year long. I don't think it's fair to say he had an average season at all.

After a slow start, Hutchinson earned his keep. A buddy pointed out to me that he doesn't have a single penalty against all year.

They had a pretty good draft.

- Cedric Griffin was a great 2nd round pick.

- Ryan Cook appears to have talent as well.

- Hard to get a read on Tarvaris Jackson as it's awfully difficult to get a read on the QB when the receivers can not only not catch, but can't get open either. Ray Edwards

- Ray Edwards has looked good in spot duty.

- Greg Blue will knock your socks off.

Obviously the run defense is lights out.

The bad

The receiving corps is the worst in the league. No debate.

The offensive scheme is boring, unimaginative, & inflexible.

ZERO pass rush.

The right side of the o-line was abysmal for most of the season.

Fred Smoot is a world-class free agent bust. At least now he can't talk as much with his mouth wired shut.

Bryant McKinnie regressed from his outstanding second half of last year.

I agree with everything here. The biggest thing they need is a legit pass-rusher. The secondary is actually pretty good. They just have to hold coverage for 4 to 5 seconds on almost every pass play. Never gonna happen.Andy, I'm interested in your sig. Is the FCC reference a lost sig-bet, or are you really ready to fire Childress after one year? Thanks.

 

[MrPack]

Andy! Hope all is well!

Hey Pack. All is well except for the Packers sweeping the Vikes. And the fact that the Pack is still alive in the playoff hunt.

Well the silver lining here is the the Packers will make the playoffs, win theier first round game and then knock DA Bearsssss out of the playoffs.As a Viking fan that, as painful as it is, should still bring a small smile to your face.

 

[Aaronstory]

Andy! Hope all is well!

Hey Pack. All is well except for the Packers sweeping the Vikes. And the fact that the Pack is still alive in the playoff hunt.

Well the silver lining here is the the Packers will make the playoffs, win theier first round game and then knock DA Bearsssss out of the playoffs.As a Viking fan that, as painful as it is, should still bring a small smile to your face.

Mr. Pack, I know you're joking, but could we keep all fantasy scenarios in some semblance of reality? Thanks.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Accept the first year and look forward to next year. I am biased because I know his daughter and he is a real nice guy. He knows his stuff and is commited to turning this team around. Give him a little time.

Color me surprised. Through the media he comes off as a know-it-all #####.Maybe I'm being too hard on him. Since it's not my decision to make, I guess I'll have to give him at least one more year.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I thought Williamson would break out this season. He needs to spend all offseason working out with a jugs machine. Would like to see him train similar to what Torry Holt does. Catching 100 balls/day no matter what. And hopefully he can improve that way. The guy has skills. He is very good at getting open. He just needs to learn to catch the ball more consistently.

*darius watts*Williamson's hands are only part of the problem, and maybe the smaller part. The other flaw that stands out about him that he has a lot of trouble tracking deep balls - picking them in flight, adjusting, smoothly snagging the ball instead of jabbing at it... It's painful to watch this guy try to run under a ball that Brad Johnson summons up all his strength to throw 50 yards, only to look like the pratfall french waiter when it arrives.

did you see that nice pass from Jackson bounce off his shoulder pad last game when he got behind the defense? It was pretty funny.

funny and sad. How can this guy be blessed with the tools to get behind the defense effortlessly, yet look like one of us when its time to finish the play?Im afraid that the problem is unfixable.He's still salvageable as a big time run after catch threat, and a guy that can get open easily in the short and intermediate passing game, but his deep game, one of the main things that got him drafted #7 overall, we can probably close the book on that one.The 2005 rookie WR class is looking like another example of teams seeing best case scenario instead of most likely scenario when they are choosing their first round pick:Braylon Edwards - moody and inconsistentMike Williams - its a victory for him that he's still on the rosterTroy Williamson - discussed aboveMatt Jones - looking better, but a bit brittle and stiffRoddy White - Another Vick casualtyMark Clayton - Boring old Clayton is already the best WR from this draft, and only getting better, along with Reggie Brown, another guy that was a boring pick in the early 2nd for Philly.Scouts: It's about the fundamentals, stupid.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Andy, I'm interested in your sig. Is the FCC reference a lost sig-bet, or are you really ready to fire Childress after one year? Thanks.

I am serious about it. He has sucked the life out of this franchise at the absolute worst time.As much as Minnesotans don't want to pay for a third stadium (we agreed to build one for the Twins & Gophers football last year) the reality of it is that we have to. The biggest problem here is that the franchise cannot survive in the Metrodome.

The performance of the Vikings has sucked all the momentum that they had for getting a new stadium built. Interest in the team is at the lowest point I've ever seen (although still strong). This increases dramatically the threat that the Vikings may leave town. People say that that wouldn't be possible. I'm sure they're the same people that said the North Stars would never leave.

He's the wrong coach for the time. We needed a coach with charisma. He has zero.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

funny and sad. How can this guy be blessed with the tools to get behind the defense effortlessly, yet look like one of us when its time to finish the play?Im afraid that the problem is unfixable.He's still salvageable as a big time run after catch threat, and a guy that can still get open easily in the short and intermediate passing game, but his deep game, one of the main things that got him drafted #7 overall, we can probably close the book on that one.The 2005 rookie WR class is looking like another example of teams seeing best case scenario instead of most likely scenario when they are choosing their first round pick:Braylon Edwards - moody and inconsistentMike Williams - its a victory for him that he's still on the rosterTroy Williamson - discussed aboveMatt Jones - looking better, but a bit brittle and stiffRoddy White - Another Vick casualtyMark Clayton - Boring old Clayton is already the best WR from this draft, and only getting better. Scouts: It's about the fundamentals, stupid.

Troy Williamson = Willie GaultOlympic sprinter's speed. Edward Scissorhands for mitts.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Troy Williamson = Willie GaultOlympic sprinter's speed. Edward Scissorhands for mitts.

Not just world class speed. Troy has ridiculous quicks and change of direction too. If he was a natural at WR, he would be an uberstud.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Troy Williamson = Willie GaultOlympic sprinter's speed. Edward Scissorhands for mitts.

Not just world class speed. Troy has ridiculous quicks and change of direction too. If he was a natural at WR, he would be an uberstud.

If frogs had wings, they wouldn't bump their asses so hard when they land a jump.

 

[harryhood]

Accept the first year and look forward to next year. I am biased because I know his daughter and he is a real nice guy. He knows his stuff and is commited to turning this team around. Give him a little time.

Color me surprised. Through the media he comes off as a know-it-all #####.Maybe I'm being too hard on him. Since it's not my decision to make, I guess I'll have to give him at least one more year.

thats exactly how he comes off. But he is a real nice guy. Pretty intimidating, but stand up, none-the-less

 

[TeamDingo]

Accept the first year and look forward to next year. I am biased because I know his daughter and he is a real nice guy. He knows his stuff and is commited to turning this team around. Give him a little time.

He may in private be a very nice person. If true I still see it as zero reason to cut him any slack when evaluating his professional performance.I can not think of a public person that comes off as more petty.In addition I fear he has already turned the team around for the worse from a mediocre NFC playoff contender to a bottom tier uncompetitive team.

 

[Bull Dozier]

Andy, I'm interested in your sig. Is the FCC reference a lost sig-bet, or are you really ready to fire Childress after one year? Thanks.

I am serious about it. He has sucked the life out of this franchise at the absolute worst time.As much as Minnesotans don't want to pay for a third stadium (we agreed to build one for the Twins & Gophers football last year) the reality of it is that we have to. The biggest problem here is that the franchise cannot survive in the Metrodome.

The performance of the Vikings has sucked all the momentum that they had for getting a new stadium built. Interest in the team is at the lowest point I've ever seen (although still strong). This increases dramatically the threat that the Vikings may leave town. People say that that wouldn't be possible. I'm sure they're the same people that said the North Stars would never leave.

He's the wrong coach for the time. We needed a coach with charisma. He has zero.

I agree with most of what you said, but I'd add that the Vikes performance is not the only thing that has sucked momentum out of the stadium issue. Among other things, Wilf has some blame to. His promise to "clean house" after the love boat scandal, which resulted in only Moe Williams and Culpepper being jettisoned (Culpepper probably wouldn't have been had he not asked for more money. I also wonder if they are wishing they would have jettisoned Smoot as well hindsight being 20/20). The "triangle of authority" or whatever being a mess. And hiring an obviously unprepared, in over his head coach who has no desire to communicate with the public. They were super secret for most of the off season about anything going on within the organization and that does not exactly lay the groundwork for a good PR campaign. Granted, an 11-5 season would have done a lot to make people forget that, but a 5-11 team with a charismatic coach, and a true house cleaning after the love boat would have gotten people excited about a new stadium.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I agree with most of what you said, but I'd add that the Vikes performance is not the only thing that has sucked momentum out of the stadium issue. Among other things, Wilf has some blame to. His promise to "clean house" after the love boat scandal, which resulted in only Moe Williams and Culpepper being jettisoned (Culpepper probably wouldn't have been had he not asked for more money. I also wonder if they are wishing they would have jettisoned Smoot as well hindsight being 20/20). The "triangle of authority" or whatever being a mess. And hiring an obviously unprepared, in over his head coach who has no desire to communicate with the public. They were super secret for most of the off season about anything going on within the organization and that does not exactly lay the groundwork for a good PR campaign. Granted, an 11-5 season would have done a lot to make people forget that, but a 5-11 team with a charismatic coach, and a true house cleaning after the love boat would have gotten people excited about a new stadium.

The good news is that Smoot will likely be gone this offseason. The bad news is that they have to replace him. The good news is they have lots of $$$ to spend this offseason and I expect Wilf to do so.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

High on my Vikings FA wish list:

1. London Fletcher. There is no measure as to how much of an improvement this would be over Napoleon Harris.

2. Eric Steinbach. Right guard has been a disaster this year.

3a. Asante Samuel/Nate Clements

3b. Nick Harper/Jason David

4. Tony Gonzalez. Chili doesn't seem to use the TE as much, but might be inclined to if TG was the starter instead of Wiggins.

 

[Bull Dozier]

I agree with most of what you said, but I'd add that the Vikes performance is not the only thing that has sucked momentum out of the stadium issue. Among other things, Wilf has some blame to. His promise to "clean house" after the love boat scandal, which resulted in only Moe Williams and Culpepper being jettisoned (Culpepper probably wouldn't have been had he not asked for more money. I also wonder if they are wishing they would have jettisoned Smoot as well hindsight being 20/20). The "triangle of authority" or whatever being a mess. And hiring an obviously unprepared, in over his head coach who has no desire to communicate with the public. They were super secret for most of the off season about anything going on within the organization and that does not exactly lay the groundwork for a good PR campaign. Granted, an 11-5 season would have done a lot to make people forget that, but a 5-11 team with a charismatic coach, and a true house cleaning after the love boat would have gotten people excited about a new stadium.

The good news is that Smoot will likely be gone this offseason. The bad news is that they have to replace him. The good news is they have lots of $$$ to spend this offseason and I expect Wilf to do so.

You don't think Cedric can be the replacement, or do you mean a replacement for the nickel? Either way, Smoot hasn't given the team anything this year so I don't think an upgrade will be too hard to come by.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

You don't think Cedric can be the replacement, or do you mean a replacement for the nickel? Either way, Smoot hasn't given the team anything this year so I don't think an upgrade will be too hard to come by.

I meant for the nickel. But if the Vikes got Samuel or Clements, Griffin would be great in the nickel.

 

[TeamDingo]

The guy is a joke.

What 'discipline and new attitude' has he brought to that team? Same with that butt-jockey in Detroit.

Childress cuts devout Christian (and leading TD receiver) Marcus Robinson and lets continued idiots like bar-brawlin' Troy Williamson (and his zero TDs) and Fred Smoot remain on the team.

Did you guys catch the latest with Smoot?

He broke his jaw in several places in a 'one car accident' in which he was alone. Ya right.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot will miss the last game of the season because of a jaw broken in five places in a recent car accident.

The single-vehicle crash, revealed by coach Brad Childress at his Wednesday news conference, occurred Friday evening in Smoot's home state of Mississippi. After the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention with a 9-7 loss to the Packers last Thursday, players were given the holiday weekend off.

Not really looking to come to Smoot's aid but...http://vikingsnow.blogspot.com/

Smoot accident update

According to the Jackson (Miss.) Police Department, a 2007 Rolls Royce Phantom crashed into a guardrail at 2:51 a.m. Friday on Interstate 55 in Jackson.

Four occupants were in the car, and Fred Smoot was one of the backseat passengers.

The driver claimed he was sideswiped or about to be sideswiped and lost control of the car. No other vehicles were involved, and two other passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

There were no signs of improper driving or of alcohol.

Smoot was believed to have been wearing a seatbelt.