***OFFICIAL*** 2013 MINNESOTA VIKINGS SEASON THREAD (3 Viewers)

[brianj74]

As a Vikings fan, glad they lost versus to the Ravens. Makes no sense to win a meaningless game, at this stage.

For the remainder of the season, things are looking up.

AP will (hopefully) miss a game or two, and the Vikes play the remainder against teams fighting for their playoff life.

Looks like the recipe for a top-ish draft pick.

 

[mr roboto]

How many games have they lost where they had the lead in the 4th?

 

[sports_fan]

How many games have they lost where they had the lead in the 4th?

Bears (week 2)

Browns (3)

Cowboys (9)

Ravens (14)

 

[jason12vb]

How many games have they lost where they had the lead in the 4th?

Bears (week 2)

Browns (3)

Cowboys (9)

Ravens (14)

IIRC - They lead in all 4 of those games with less than 2 minutes to play.

Another good Sunday result...competitive game, exciting finish, loss. I'd rather see them win meaningless games...I think winning/losing is a habit, but higher draft slot is a nice consolation prize.

ETA - make it 4.5 games...the Packers scored the final 16 points to send it to OT.

 

[Jobber]

I didn't watch but the last few minutes of the game. How did Cassel look?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I didn't watch but the last few minutes of the game. How did Cassel look?

Decent. But pretty much like an effective backup pressed into service.

 

[Donnybrook]

Current draft order: 1. Texans; 2. Rams via Redskins; 3. Falcons; 4. Vikings; 5. Raiders.

The Redskins play the Falcons this Sunday. Vikings will have the #3 pick if they lose to the Eagles.

 

[Jobber]

Current draft order: 1. Texans; 2. Rams via Redskins; 3. Falcons; 4. Vikings; 5. Raiders.

The Redskins play the Falcons this Sunday. Vikings will have the #3 pick if they lose to the Eagles.

Who on that list is hunting for a QB?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The current draft order is actually:

1. Houston Texans
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Atlanta Falcons-
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Oakland Raiders

Cleveland could easily trade ahead of the Vikes.

 

[Donnybrook]

Current draft order: 1. Texans; 2. Rams via Redskins; 3. Falcons; 4. Vikings; 5. Raiders.

The Redskins play the Falcons this Sunday. Vikings will have the #3 pick if they lose to the Eagles.

Who on that list is hunting for a QB?

You have to think:

Houston: Bridgewater

Rams: Barr or Clowney

Vikings: ??? (I am hoping for the BPA but expect a reach for a QB)

 

[Donnybrook]

The current draft order is actually:

1. Houston Texans
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Atlanta Falcons-
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Oakland Raiders

Cleveland could easily trade ahead of the Vikes.

Your link must have been updated recently. Raiders are now at 5.

 

[sports_fan]

Current draft order: 1. Texans; 2. Rams via Redskins; 3. Falcons; 4. Vikings; 5. Raiders.

The Redskins play the Falcons this Sunday. Vikings will have the #3 pick if they lose to the Eagles.

Who on that list is hunting for a QB?

Everyone except the Falcons.

 

[Donnybrook]

IMO, there is not a QB prospect other than Bridgewater currently worth of a top 5 pick. I don't expect a repeat of 2011 with teams reaching for the likes of Gabbert, Locker and Ponder. Early last year, draftniks had 3-4 QBs in their top 10. How many actually went in the top 10? Zero.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The current draft order is actually:

1. Houston Texans
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Atlanta Falcons-
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Oakland Raiders

Cleveland could easily trade ahead of the Vikes.

Your link must have been updated recently. Raiders are now at 5.

Weird.

Any of those three after the Vikes could trade up.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

IMO, there is not a QB prospect other than Bridgewater currently worth of a top 5 pick. I don't expect a repeat of 2011 with teams reaching for the likes of Gabbert, Locker and Ponder. Early last year, draftniks had 3-4 QBs in their top 10. How many actually went in the top 10? Zero.

I agree...however, I think teams see the importance of that franchise QB and if you identify the guy that you like the best (other than the top prospect), teams feel that they have to take him because he might be gone by the next round. I think that is what happened with the Vikings. Of all the players outside of the studs, they liked Ponder the best, so they took him to make sure they got him. The nice thing is that with the rookie salary scale that is in place now, it doesn't kill you to do so...other than the three years they have wasted with Ponder...but financially they aren't strapped. Which is why I think they will take the QB they like the best even if it would be considered a reach to do so.

Also, that game this weekend was the most fun I have had watching a game in a LONG time - even though they didn't win...actually it worked out better that they didn't. At least I was entertained.

 

[jestertj]

How far can we trade down and still get Johnny Football? That's all I want to know since we obviously won't be picking #1 overall...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm not sure you can at all. With Oakland, Jax, and Cleveland all in line for a QB and Manziel being the #2 or #3 QB on the board, I'm guessing one of those two teams would take him.

 

[mr roboto]

Seriously, if we could trade down for Maziel, or farther for Carr or Hundley, sign me up.

 

[Donnybrook]

I like Tajh Boyd or Blake Bortles near the top of the second round. Use our 1st rounder on a defensive stud. Hopefully the new coach has a new defensive scheme. Tampa 2 defenses are getting detroyed. Time to move on.

 

[Beo]

I like Tajh Boyd or Blake Bortles near the top of the second round. Use our 1st rounder on a defensive stud. Hopefully the new coach has a new defensive scheme. Tampa 2 defenses are getting detroyed. Time to move on.

I like Bortles alot but I think if he declares he is a top 15 pick after scouting combine process. Would love to snag him in the 2nd though. What I honestly think the Vikings are going to do the more I think about things is re-sign Josh Freeman as their starter. I think after he put up such a putrid performance against the Giants they figured if they would just sit him and evaluate and work with him in practice so they could get him to sign a multi-year contract for cheap and no other team would be bidding against them with visions of that Giants game in their head. Unless he is just complete hot garbage in practice this is the only reason I can think of for how he has been used since he got here. So for right now my official prediction for the draft is that we get the #3 pick and take either Clowney, Barr, or Mack and that we go into next year with Freeman as the QB.

 

[simsarge]

I like Tajh Boyd or Blake Bortles near the top of the second round. Use our 1st rounder on a defensive stud. Hopefully the new coach has a new defensive scheme. Tampa 2 defenses are getting detroyed. Time to move on.

I like Bortles alot but I think if he declares he is a top 15 pick after scouting combine process. Would love to snag him in the 2nd though. What I honestly think the Vikings are going to do the more I think about things is re-sign Josh Freeman as their starter. I think after he put up such a putrid performance against the Giants they figured if they would just sit him and evaluate and work with him in practice so they could get him to sign a multi-year contract for cheap and no other team would be bidding against them with visions of that Giants game in their head. Unless he is just complete hot garbage in practice this is the only reason I can think of for how he has been used since he got here. So for right now my official prediction for the draft is that we get the #3 pick and take either Clowney, Barr, or Mack and that we go into next year with Freeman as the QB.

Naw. Unless they start him between now and the end of the year and he pulls a Matt Flynn, I gotta think that they cut him and Ponder ($1M cap hit, right?) and keep Cassel ($3M) to start off while the Rookie to be named later learns the ropes. I can't see a new head coach taking a chance on letting the next Wilson/Kaepernick/Foles fall into enemy hands.

 

[snogger]

I like Tajh Boyd or Blake Bortles near the top of the second round. Use our 1st rounder on a defensive stud. Hopefully the new coach has a new defensive scheme. Tampa 2 defenses are getting detroyed. Time to move on.

I like Bortles alot but I think if he declares he is a top 15 pick after scouting combine process. Would love to snag him in the 2nd though. What I honestly think the Vikings are going to do the more I think about things is re-sign Josh Freeman as their starter. I think after he put up such a putrid performance against the Giants they figured if they would just sit him and evaluate and work with him in practice so they could get him to sign a multi-year contract for cheap and no other team would be bidding against them with visions of that Giants game in their head. Unless he is just complete hot garbage in practice this is the only reason I can think of for how he has been used since he got here. So for right now my official prediction for the draft is that we get the #3 pick and take either Clowney, Barr, or Mack and that we go into next year with Freeman as the QB.

I don't see Freeman staying.. You don't deactivate someone for over a month if you have any thoughts he would be a starting QB next season..

If they do resign him, Speilman will be taken on a tour of the Metrodome 30 minutes before the implosion and accidentally left behind

 

[simsarge]

I like Tajh Boyd or Blake Bortles near the top of the second round. Use our 1st rounder on a defensive stud. Hopefully the new coach has a new defensive scheme. Tampa 2 defenses are getting detroyed. Time to move on.

I like Bortles alot but I think if he declares he is a top 15 pick after scouting combine process. Would love to snag him in the 2nd though. What I honestly think the Vikings are going to do the more I think about things is re-sign Josh Freeman as their starter. I think after he put up such a putrid performance against the Giants they figured if they would just sit him and evaluate and work with him in practice so they could get him to sign a multi-year contract for cheap and no other team would be bidding against them with visions of that Giants game in their head. Unless he is just complete hot garbage in practice this is the only reason I can think of for how he has been used since he got here. So for right now my official prediction for the draft is that we get the #3 pick and take either Clowney, Barr, or Mack and that we go into next year with Freeman as the QB.

I don't see Freeman staying.. You don't deactivate someone for over a month if you have any thoughts he would be a starting QB next season..

If they do resign him, Speilman will be taken on a tour of the Metrodome 30 minutes before the implosion and accidentally left behind

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Freeman has as much of a chance to start for the Vikes as Bethel-Thompson does.

 

[Beo]

Freeman has as much of a chance to start for the Vikes as Bethel-Thompson does.

There is a reason he hasnt even sniffed the field since his debacle in New York. He gets a bunch of bad press and released from Tampa and then has 1 total turd of a game on film for other GM's to see means he is going to be real cheap in the offseason for the Vikings to sign to a multi-year deal. This is just my little conspiracy theory on what the cheap Wilfs and Spielman have in mind with the Freeman signing. I mean there has to be some plan besides paying some gimp 3 million to stand on the sidelines right? right?

 

[Beo]

Ok moving on to the next coach. My preference is David Shaw or Kevin Sumlin but what about a Shanahan/Kubiak combo as coach and offensive coordinator?

 

[snogger]

Freeman has as much of a chance to start for the Vikes as Bethel-Thompson does.

There is a reason he hasnt even sniffed the field since his debacle in New York. He gets a bunch of bad press and released from Tampa and then has 1 total turd of a game on film for other GM's to see means he is going to be real cheap in the offseason for the Vikings to sign to a multi-year deal. This is just my little conspiracy theory on what the cheap Wilfs and Spielman have in mind with the Freeman signing. I mean there has to be some plan besides paying some gimp 3 million to stand on the sidelines right? right?

Spielman once again attempting to show he is better than all other gm's when it comes to judging QB talent and failing miserably ala reaching for Ponder. Freeman and the GM's of other teams are at how gullible Spielman is.

 

[jestertj]

Ok moving on to the next coach. My preference is David Shaw or Kevin Sumlin but what about a Shanahan/Kubiak combo as coach and offensive coordinator?

I think they both just signed extenstions. I know that doesn't mean they cannot leave, but it's probably less likely.

 

[jestertj]

If Cutler somehow becomes available, I'd be all for going after him.

 

[Beo]

Ok moving on to the next coach. My preference is David Shaw or Kevin Sumlin but what about a Shanahan/Kubiak combo as coach and offensive coordinator?

I think they both just signed extenstions. I know that doesn't mean they cannot leave, but it's probably less likely.

I know Sumlin agreed to an extension with Texas A&M but hasnt signed it yet knowing he is going to get some NFL offers. Not sure about Shaw.

 

[Herb]

Ok moving on to the next coach. My preference is David Shaw or Kevin Sumlin but what about a Shanahan/Kubiak combo as coach and offensive coordinator?

Would love to see Shaw come to this team. Agree with you on Kubiak as OC. Please no Shanahan though. Would be very pleased to see one of the Ryans end up as DC (or maybe even HC if Rex gets canned). Unfortunately as bad as this defense is now, it seems like personnel-wise running a 3-4 would be even worse. There would need to be a serious infusion of LB talent, among the other obvious needs.

Realistically I have no idea, nor have I heard any discussion of, who the serious candidates might be.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

So, do they offer a 3rd rounder to Washington in the offseason for RGIII??

 

[jhexel]

So, do they offer a 3rd rounder to Washington in the offseason for RGIII Kirk Cousins??

Fixed for you.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

So, do they offer a 3rd rounder to Washington in the offseason for RGIII Kirk Cousins??

Fixed for you.

Kind of my point...which one would be "easier" to get? Both would be upgrades...

 

[DLR]

RGIII is bff with Snyder so he ain't going anywhere.

 

[mr roboto]

Speculation, but Rapoport thinks Frazier, Ponder, Freeman will be gone. Cassel starter with highly drafted QB behind him. HC hired from up and coming assistants, not retreads.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000297917/article/leslie-frazier-christian-ponder-unlikely-to-return

The end appears to be near for Leslie Frazier and the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that the prospects of Frazier returning in 2014 are said to be "grim," according to team sources and sources familiar with ownership's thinking.

Frazier is well-liked by ownership, but it's unlikely to be enough to dissuade the 3-9-1 Vikings from going in another direction after the season. Rapoport has been told Minnesota will target a young coach -- likely a current NFL assistant -- with "star power."

That's bad news for veteran coaches looking for a big chair. Former Bears coach Lovie Smith should get a call, according to Rapoport, but the team is less likely to target a current NFL head coach or college coach.

Rapoport reports Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will be back next year, according to sources familiar with the thinking of the team's brass.

The Vikings' quarterback situation provides further intrigue. According to Rapoport, the "current thinking" is that Matt Cassel will likely go into training camp as the presumed starter while a highly drafted rookie is groomed to take the reins.

Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman are not in the team's future plans, according to Rapoport, though a potential new coach could decide to keep Ponder. If not, the Vikings will shop the quarterback for a late-round pick in May.

 

[snogger]

Speculation, but Rapoport thinks Frazier, Ponder, Freeman will be gone. Cassel starter with highly drafted QB behind him. HC hired from up and coming assistants, not retreads.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000297917/article/leslie-frazier-christian-ponder-unlikely-to-return

The end appears to be near for Leslie Frazier and the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that the prospects of Frazier returning in 2014 are said to be "grim," according to team sources and sources familiar with ownership's thinking.

Frazier is well-liked by ownership, but it's unlikely to be enough to dissuade the 3-9-1 Vikings from going in another direction after the season. Rapoport has been told Minnesota will target a young coach -- likely a current NFL assistant -- with "star power."

That's bad news for veteran coaches looking for a big chair. Former Bears coach Lovie Smith should get a call, according to Rapoport, but the team is less likely to target a current NFL head coach or college coach.

Rapoport reports Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will be back next year, according to sources familiar with the thinking of the team's brass.

The Vikings' quarterback situation provides further intrigue. According to Rapoport, the "current thinking" is that Matt Cassel will likely go into training camp as the presumed starter while a highly drafted rookie is groomed to take the reins.

Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman are not in the team's future plans, according to Rapoport, though a potential new coach could decide to keep Ponder. If not, the Vikings will shop the quarterback for a late-round pick in May.

Cassell is a poor mans Alex Smith.. But I think he'd be a great short term fix while whomever they draft has time to learn the game and not be thrown to the wolves right from the start.

Wish WIlf's would sever ties with Speilman also, but if you are going to start over with a whole new coaching staff, probably best to have sense of stability somewhere in the organization, even if it is Speilman.

To get the fans again, they have to remove Ponder and Fraizer from the equation.

 

[Donnybrook]

I am starting to wonder about the cost of decision to draft Ponder in the 2011. The next year the Vikings go 6-10 and rewarded with the chance to coach the senior bow in 2012. Leslie Frazier and the staff coached the North side. IIRC, the North team QBs that year were Russel Wilson, Kirk Cousins and Nick Foles. All them look better than Ponder and were drafted in 3rd or 4th round.

 

[snogger]

ugh.. The way things have gone lately I can see the WIlf's looking at this win and think.. Hey, considering he had no ADP or Gerhart and they still destroyed the Eagles, maybe Frazier, with only 1 year left on his contract isn't such a bad idea for next year afterall

 

[Donnybrook]

What do the Vikings do with Jared Allen now? After the last several weeks, I was ready to let him ride into the sunset. Today was his best game of the year. Do they try to re-sign him?

 

[Donnybrook]

Speculation, but Rapoport thinks Frazier, Ponder, Freeman will be gone. Cassel starter with highly drafted QB behind him. HC hired from up and coming assistants, not retreads.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000297917/article/leslie-frazier-christian-ponder-unlikely-to-return

The end appears to be near for Leslie Frazier and the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that the prospects of Frazier returning in 2014 are said to be "grim," according to team sources and sources familiar with ownership's thinking.

Frazier is well-liked by ownership, but it's unlikely to be enough to dissuade the 3-9-1 Vikings from going in another direction after the season. Rapoport has been told Minnesota will target a young coach -- likely a current NFL assistant -- with "star power."

That's bad news for veteran coaches looking for a big chair. Former Bears coach Lovie Smith should get a call, according to Rapoport, but the team is less likely to target a current NFL head coach or college coach.

Rapoport reports Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will be back next year, according to sources familiar with the thinking of the team's brass.

The Vikings' quarterback situation provides further intrigue. According to Rapoport, the "current thinking" is that Matt Cassel will likely go into training camp as the presumed starter while a highly drafted rookie is groomed to take the reins.

Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman are not in the team's future plans, according to Rapoport, though a potential new coach could decide to keep Ponder. If not, the Vikings will shop the quarterback for a late-round pick in May.

I am OK with Cassel and slightly less than highly drafted prospect. I am not sold yet on Carr or Manziel and the Vikings are moving down the draft board after today.

 

[sports_fan]

Woah, lets tone down this Cassel as our starter for next season talk. He had a nice game and I know it's refreshing to see a modest level of competency at the position after the year we've had but this was the Eagles. THE EAGLES! They have a bottom 5 pass D. Everyone looks good against them. He's still skittish under pressure and can't throw deep. He's not a good starting QB. We need to improve at the position pronto before AD starts his decline. A mediocre year with Cassel at the helm is not the way to get it done. Either bring in a top young talent and get him up to speed as quickly as possible and/or go after the best FA available.

 

[snogger]

Woah, lets tone down this Cassel as our starter for next season talk. He had a nice game and I know it's refreshing to see a modest level of competency at the position after the year we've had but this was the Eagles. THE EAGLES! They have a bottom 5 pass D. Everyone looks good against them. He's still skittish under pressure and can't throw deep. He's not a good starting QB. We need to improve at the position pronto before AD starts his decline. A mediocre year with Cassel at the helm is not the way to get it done. Either bring in a top young talent and get him up to speed as quickly as possible and/or go after the best FA available.

I don't think anyone wants Cassel as the whole season starter. We are saying he is a great fit to start the season while the rookie learns. Say maybe the first 4 games.. if Cassel looks decent and they are winning then stay the course and let the rookie learn more. If he is crap then bring in the rookie for the final 12 games.

 

[sports_fan]

Woah, lets tone down this Cassel as our starter for next season talk. He had a nice game and I know it's refreshing to see a modest level of competency at the position after the year we've had but this was the Eagles. THE EAGLES! They have a bottom 5 pass D. Everyone looks good against them. He's still skittish under pressure and can't throw deep. He's not a good starting QB. We need to improve at the position pronto before AD starts his decline. A mediocre year with Cassel at the helm is not the way to get it done. Either bring in a top young talent and get him up to speed as quickly as possible and/or go after the best FA available.

I don't think anyone wants Cassel as the whole season starter. We are saying he is a great fit to start the season while the rookie learns. Say maybe the first 4 games.. if Cassel looks decent and they are winning then stay the course and let the rookie learn more. If he is crap then bring in the rookie for the final 12 games.

That's better

 

[Donnybrook]

A rumor I haven't heard in this Ben Goeslling article: http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/3323/if-frazier-goes-down-hell-go-down-fighting?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

CBS Sports said the Vikings already have approached Penn State coach Bill O'Brien.

 

[simsarge]

Maybe Fraizer's not the real problem?

Interesting article from way back in May

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1647249-minnesota-vikings-did-the-vikings-make-a-mistake-hiring-bill-musgrave

(Sorry about the length of the link. I haven't figured out how to shorten these since the changeover)

 

[encaitar]

Frasier has his own problems and I have mixed feelings on whether he should be given another chance or not. I hate the idea of a carousel of coaches, because sometimes it takes time for a coach to develop, just as a player would, and I see things about Frasier that gives me some hope. Though I fully understand why a new head coach would be brought in, given the flaws Frasier has shown.

However, if Musgrave is brought back next year I will cry. He's terrible. I've had enough of the announcers making fun of his limited playbook IN EVERY #######' GAME. We know. He sucks. So please, stop talking about it on tv and laughing under your breath. It's bad enough that I have to watch it happen I don't need you to continually point it out as well.

 

[snogger]

The more Mock Drafts I see, the more I see them predicting Derek Carr a little as I haven't seen him play enough to fully get excited about.

The latest mock I saw had Blake Bortles going to Cleveland with their 2nd 1st round pick (25th)..

Still think that if Speilman is still Gm, he'll consider dropping down a few spots and take Bortles.. Just a hunch, but he reached fro Ponder and failed, so could see him take the latest hype and go for it..

He is another player I know nothing about so can't tell you if that would be a good move or not..

But there are SO many holes to fill right now ( OL, DL, CB) that maybe picking up an extra 2nd rounder and possibly a late round pick might be worth it.

 

[snogger]

Frasier has his own problems and I have mixed feelings on whether he should be given another chance or not. I hate the idea of a carousel of coaches, because sometimes it takes time for a coach to develop, just as a player would, and I see things about Frasier that gives me some hope. Though I fully understand why a new head coach would be brought in, given the flaws Frasier has shown.

However, if Musgrave is brought back next year I will cry. He's terrible. I've had enough of the announcers making fun of his limited playbook IN EVERY #######' GAME. We know. He sucks. So please, stop talking about it on tv and laughing under your breath. It's bad enough that I have to watch it happen I don't need you to continually point it out as well.

My biggest gripe about Frazier is no emotions at all on the sideline..

When Gerhart's play was called a fumble, and then "confirmed" and everyone else was ticked off Frazier just ho'd hummed onto the next play..

Sometimes a full out is needed from your coach, and if that wasn't one of the times I don't know what is.

 

[Jobber]

Frasier has his own problems and I have mixed feelings on whether he should be given another chance or not. I hate the idea of a carousel of coaches, because sometimes it takes time for a coach to develop, just as a player would, and I see things about Frasier that gives me some hope. Though I fully understand why a new head coach would be brought in, given the flaws Frasier has shown.

However, if Musgrave is brought back next year I will cry. He's terrible. I've had enough of the announcers making fun of his limited playbook IN EVERY #######' GAME. We know. He sucks. So please, stop talking about it on tv and laughing under your breath. It's bad enough that I have to watch it happen I don't need you to continually point it out as well.

My biggest gripe about Frazier is no emotions at all on the sideline..

When Gerhart's play was called a fumble, and then "confirmed" and everyone else was ticked off Frazier just ho'd hummed onto the next play..

Sometimes a full out is needed from your coach, and if that wasn't one of the times I don't know what is.

Yep. Hell in baseball, managers routinely get thrown out of games on purpose just to fire up their players. This guy looks like he wants to go take a fuggin nap.