Minnesota "passing" game (1 Viewer)

[Ever Present Lurker]

Want to hear some thoughts on the Minnesota passing game. Is anyone there even startable? I realize we weren't looking at a fantasy goldmine, and it's only been one week - but is there anything here? Just last week we were talking about Percy Harvin as a WR2 and Bernard Berrian as deep option that would vibe so well with McNabb. Maybe even some TE love. And we get nothing. Does anyone have any hope here?

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

McNabb has really no reason to put forth a solid effort in Minnesota. It's a 1-year contract so Ponder can ease into the spot. Why would any QB near retirement give enough of a load to really care about learning the playbook, practicing, etc?

I think Minnesota would be better served throwing Ponder in there now, see what they got, and if necessary pull a Carolina and draft a better QB in 2012. They're not going to win with McNabb.

 

[thriftyrocker]

McNabb has really no reason to put forth a solid effort in Minnesota. It's a 1-year contract so Ponder can ease into the spot. Why would any QB near retirement give enough of a load to really care about learning the playbook, practicing, etc?

Cement his legacy. Prove Shanahan wrong. Prove he wasn't just a product of Andy Reid. Make a case for the HOF. Play for 4 or 5 more years instead of 1.Ponder did not have a good preseason, and if McNabb is a capable QB and led the team into contention or even playoffs, he could hold off Ponder indefinitely. If he can't do that, he is Daunte Culpepper and hoping for a 3rd string job.

 

[Chase Stuart]

It was a weird game. The Vikings didn't have the ball that often and didn't run many plays. They ran even fewer passing plays -- McNabb ended with just 15 pass attempts, two of them throwaways.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year_min=2002&year_max=2011&game_type=R&game_num_min=1&game_num_max=12&week_num_min=0&week_num_max=99&game_day_of_week=&game_location=&game_result=L&overtime=&league_id=&team_id=&opp_id=&conference_game=&division_game=&tm_is_playoff=&opp_is_playoff=&tm_is_winning=&opp_is_winning=&tm_scored_first=&tm_led=&tm_trailed=&c1stat=pass_att&c1comp=gt&c1val=1&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=pass_att&order_by_asc=Y

It was an odd game. A very bad one for the passing offense, but I wouldn't totally jump ship just yet. McNabb played more like a quarter than a real game. Let's see how things unfold against TB.

 

[Joe Summer]

McNabb is done. He's been done for a year and a half.

 

[Reepicheep]

So I didn't watch the game. Just perused the play-by-play data. Seems like he had so few attempts because he couldn't convert a 3rd down to save his life, while the Chargers offense was mounting sustained drives just about every time they touched the ball.

Here's how each drive ended:

1. 1st-10: McNabb throws a pick.

2. 3rd-9: McNabb throws to AP short of the first down (this may have been a screen or something, dunno). Punt

3. 3rd-6: McNabb throws incomplete. FG

4. 1st-3: McNabb throws to M. Jenkins. TD

5. 3rd-6: Harvin rushes for 4 yard gain. Punt

6. 3rd-6: McNabb throws incomplete. Punt

7. 3rd-10: McNabb throws incomplete. Punt

8. 3rd-8: McNabb throws incomplete. Punt

9. 3rd-10: McNabb sacked. Punt.

 

[Jewell]

It's early in the season. Their passing will improve from week-to-week. I expect fifty yards next game.

 

[solorca]

I wasn't able to watch the game, but I am definitely keeping Harvin on the bench until I see some better production out of the team. I think that a transition to Ponder is the best thing possible for fantasy purposes.

 

[inca911]

This one really isn't hard. Sit everyone except Peterson until you see proof of life.

McNabb had 1 completion for 2 total passing yards in the entire second half. That's one completion in only 5 total attempts. For the entire HALF. What more do you need to know about the current state of the Vikes passing game?

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Berrian descends from sleeper to coma. Drop him for Doucet or someone else who did something in Week 1.

 

[Prinefan]

Speaking as a Redskins fan and homer, all I can say is "thank you".

 

[LargeMouthBass]

McNabb has really no reason to put forth a solid effort in Minnesota. It's a 1-year contract so Ponder can ease into the spot. Why would any QB near retirement give enough of a load to really care about learning the playbook, practicing, etc? I think Minnesota would be better served throwing Ponder in there now, see what they got, and if necessary pull a Carolina and draft a better QB in 2012. They're not going to win with McNabb.

I do agree somewhat, they won't waste a season so that Ponder can get experience though. Adrian Peterson won't allow that. Honestly, it's not all McNabb's fault, besides Harvin, he has no one to throw to. They are better off keeping McNabb as a starter and add a deep threat like Moss. Yeah I said it...

 

[solorca]

Very odd. In the upgrade/downgrade report, they say to keep Percy Harvin on your bench until the passing game improves, but in Dodd's week 1 rankings, he is listed as #5. I know it's the early projections, but that's a crazy ranking considering how poor the Vikes looked.

 

[Raider Nation]

Don't forget this, Philly fan. Reid is a genius.

 

[[scooter]]

Very odd. In the upgrade/downgrade report, they say to keep Percy Harvin on your bench until the passing game improves, but in Dodd's week 1 rankings, he is listed as #5. I know it's the early projections, but that's a crazy ranking considering how poor the Vikes looked.

Dodds is predicting 2 more kick return TDs for Harvin.

 

[Raider Nation]

Very odd. In the upgrade/downgrade report, they say to keep Percy Harvin on your bench until the passing game improves, but in Dodd's week 1 rankings, he is listed as #5. I know it's the early projections, but that's a crazy ranking considering how poor the Vikes looked.

Dodds is predicting 2 more kick return TDs for Harvin.

Harvin's butt is glued to my bench until he shows something in the receiving game.There are actually several guys on the waiver wire that I would rather start.

 

[Football Jones]

I believe McNabb is toast & has been for some time. They need to get Ponder in there, IMO. He's still my top-rated rookie QB. Ponder came on at the end of preseason & really started showing his talent.

He'll likely struggle like most all rookie QBs, but this kid can play. Ponder will be a very good QB in time (better than Newton).

 

[Dismattle]

I did not watch the game, but was told the Oline appeared turnstyle like.

Notes to consider:

*The Vikings ran only 43 plays in the game and managed 10 first downs, compared to 77 plays and 31 first downs for the Chargers.

•WR Bernard Berrian only was targeted twice in the opener and, in each instance, probably could have broken harder to come back for QB Donovan McNabb's throw

SD is pretty solid, the OLine may just need to step-up its game.

Here's a review that appears to break things down: http://thevikingage.com/2011/09/12/vikings-vs-chargers-ten-points/ Quote #7 "How about a play-action pass to a deep receiver? Oh that’s right, the offensive line s^@&s so the quarterback has no time. That’s a problem"

Now if we had numerous picks or a few so & so was open on the play, that would be on the QB. TB had no sacks last wk, and only 26 total last yr. (imo)This should be a good game ..

btw Its interesting to me that your not starting Harvin/ is this in a rtn yds League?

 

[comfortably numb]

McNabb has really no reason to put forth a solid effort in Minnesota. It's a 1-year contract so Ponder can ease into the spot. Why would any QB near retirement give enough of a load to really care about learning the playbook, practicing, etc?

This makes no sense whatsoever.Basically, why would any QB at age 34 bother because he is close to retirement?You realize Peyton Manning this past July signed a 5 year 90 million dollar extension?Manning was 35 at the time.Not saying Mcnabb is Manning, or many 35 year old QB's get big contracts, but unless you know Mcnabb went into the season knowing he doesn't want to play in 2012 he has million$ of reasons to put forth a solid effort.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

McNabb has really no reason to put forth a solid effort in Minnesota. It's a 1-year contract so Ponder can ease into the spot. Why would any QB near retirement give enough of a load to really care about learning the playbook, practicing, etc?

This makes no sense whatsoever.

Basically, why would any QB at age 34 bother because he is close to retirement?

You realize Peyton Manning this past July signed a 5 year 90 million dollar extension?

Manning was 35 at the time.

Not saying Mcnabb is Manning, or many 35 year old QB's get big contracts, but unless you know Mcnabb went into the season knowing he doesn't want to play in 2012 he has million$ of reasons to put forth a solid effort.

Offenses are complex. Terminology is different. Timing with receivers is critical. It requires dedication and a great deal of time to learn this stuff. You also need motivation. McNabb's motivation is a 1-year guaranteed contract that assures he'll step aside after a .500 season (at best) in favor of a high first round QB pick, at which time he'll realize, like everyone else has, that he's a backup QB in this league anymore and will either have to retire, or learn an entirely new offense as a QB2 for some team.You're telling me that you believe anyone would give 100% in this circumstance? No way. Exibit A: 7/15, 39 yards.

 

[Insein]

The Minnesota offensive line is worse than believed. For the time it was on redzone, McNabb was running around trying to buy as much time as he could. It looked like the old days in philly with Torrence Small and Charles Johnson. The only problem is McNabb is now 34 and not 22. So he doesn't have the ellusiveness or speed he once did.

This could get ugly but I think we'll see some normalization over the next few weeks. Expect numbers in the 200yds 1td, 1int range. That is to say, if you're not in a 2QB league with a starter on a bye, you're not playing him.

 

[comfortably numb]

McNabb has really no reason to put forth a solid effort in Minnesota. It's a 1-year contract so Ponder can ease into the spot. Why would any QB near retirement give enough of a load to really care about learning the playbook, practicing, etc?

This makes no sense whatsoever.

Basically, why would any QB at age 34 bother because he is close to retirement?

You realize Peyton Manning this past July signed a 5 year 90 million dollar extension?

Manning was 35 at the time.

Not saying Mcnabb is Manning, or many 35 year old QB's get big contracts, but unless you know Mcnabb went into the season knowing he doesn't want to play in 2012 he has million$ of reasons to put forth a solid effort.

Offenses are complex. Terminology is different. Timing with receivers is critical. It requires dedication and a great deal of time to learn this stuff. You also need motivation. McNabb's motivation is a 1-year guaranteed contract that assures he'll step aside after a .500 season (at best) in favor of a high first round QB pick, at which time he'll realize, like everyone else has, that he's a backup QB in this league anymore and will either have to retire, or learn an entirely new offense as a QB2 for some team.You're telling me that you believe anyone would give 100% in this circumstance? No way. Exibit A: 7/15, 39 yards.

I don't know if he is actually motivated at the moment, but you are saying he has no reason to be motivated.I disagree, if he has a probowl season, he will make millions.

ETA:

Matt Hasslebeck parlayed a HUGE playoff win last year into a starting gig and 3 year deal worth $20M with $6M guaranteed. He will be 36 in 2 weeks.

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

The Chargers defense is very, very good...

Harvin is basically a running back playing receiver, and it shows with the routes they let him run. Berrian is a one year wonder at best. Jenkins is a cast off from the Falcons, and may very well be their best receiver. That's saying something. Give McNabb a break here, the jury is still out. He's working with scraps at WR, but I expect him to find his groove in the next couple weeks. He's got a pretty deep ball, and once he finds a receiver he trusts, it will open things up.

 

[BallparkFrank]

What's the word on Kyle Rudolph for someone that hasn't been paying attention?

 

[Sweet Love]

This past weekend, 13 QBs threw for at least 300 yards. Of those QBs, only one was new to his team (Kolb). I think when the offences begin to gel, you will see better games from guys like Hass and McNab...not sure whether your team will be able to wait it out, but I think better things are going to come for McNabb and guys like Hass too.

 

[solorca]

This past weekend, 13 QBs threw for at least 300 yards. Of those QBs, only one was new to his team (Kolb). I think when the offences begin to gel, you will see better games from guys like Hass and McNab...not sure whether your team will be able to wait it out, but I think better things are going to come for McNabb and guys like Hass too.

Cam Newton was new to his team.

 

[delusional]

Horrid play calling

Bad offenslive line

McNabb isnt what he was but he isnt THAT bad.