***OFFICIAL*** 2013 MINNESOTA VIKINGS SEASON THREAD (1 Viewer)

[Maelstrom]

Like I said, he's either won big or lost big. Ellison and Sherels are nice role players but they aren't key pieces.

It seems the Vikings roster is boom or bust.

Rhodes looks like a keeper but Cook sucks.

Any safety that's played with Smith has been talent deficient.

Greenway is a player but the other LBs aren't. (We'll see about Cole).

The guards a terrible while the tackles and center are pretty goo to great.

Boom or bust it seems to me.

Vikings roster is the epitome of being in the middle of rebuilding. Of course it is boom or bust. They went for it in 2009. After that, the talent that is left from that team has been aging (to name a few, Allen, KWill, Greenway, even AP although you can't really tell). In the meantime, they have been bringing in a lot of fresh new talent, but talent that isn't quite ready to take over from the prime-time players. You don't rebuild a team overnight, and no matter what they say, the Vikings have been rebuilding.

My prediction is that they start getting really good in maybe 2015 but more likely 2016 when the new stadium opens. I like the path they are on, personnel-wise.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'll admit. Good points.

If he hires a good coach and finds a QB my opinion of him could be changed. He has made some good moves and drafted decently.

 

[Maelstrom]

I'll admit. Good points.

If he hires a good coach and finds a QB my opinion of him could be changed. He has made some good moves and drafted decently.

And I will say that this should likely be his last chance - if he can't find a coach/QB combo that wins in the next 3-5 years, his job should definitely be in jeopardy. It's always possible they don't win and it isn't due to his work, sometimes things don't work out despite best intentions, but at that point AP will be declining and they'd be starting over again most likely, might as well start with a clean slate from the top.

 

[snogger]

Kind of scary looking at the draft order and the QB needs of those teams above us.. the more Mocks I see, the more I see Bridgewater, Manzeil and Bortles gone before our pick.

If that scenario plays out, then I hope Speilman trades down and gets some more picks before he takes Carr..

This team is more then a QB away, so even though I am very about Carr after watching the USC Game, if that is the best prospect for us at our draft spot, then I'd rather get some draft picks to fill other needs and take him later, then reach for him at 8th.

 

[Maelstrom]

Kind of scary looking at the draft order and the QB needs of those teams above us.. the more Mocks I see, the more I see Bridgewater, Manzeil and Bortles gone before our pick.

If that scenario plays out, then I hope Speilman trades down and gets some more picks before he takes Carr..

This team is more then a QB away, so even though I am very about Carr after watching the USC Game, if that is the best prospect for us at our draft spot, then I'd rather get some draft picks to fill other needs and take him later, then reach for him at 8th.

I'd also like to see a trade down from 8 if they go QB, but I think Manziel might still be around. I really don't want Carr, especially after seeing the last game he was in. I'm starting to be ok with even not taking a QB if no one worth the pick is there, go DF (not high on Nix, but that is a big possibility) and pick up a QB like Murray or McCarron in the 2nd or 3rd round. (I prefer McCarron if they go this route personally.)

 

[snogger]

Kind of scary looking at the draft order and the QB needs of those teams above us.. the more Mocks I see, the more I see Bridgewater, Manzeil and Bortles gone before our pick.

If that scenario plays out, then I hope Speilman trades down and gets some more picks before he takes Carr..

This team is more then a QB away, so even though I am very about Carr after watching the USC Game, if that is the best prospect for us at our draft spot, then I'd rather get some draft picks to fill other needs and take him later, then reach for him at 8th.

I'd also like to see a trade down from 8 if they go QB, but I think Manziel might still be around. I really don't want Carr, especially after seeing the last game he was in. I'm starting to be ok with even not taking a QB if no one worth the pick is there, go DF (not high on Nix, but that is a big possibility) and pick up a QB like Murray or McCarron in the 2nd or 3rd round. (I prefer McCarron if they go this route personally.)

IMO Manziel falling to us would be GREAT!!

I know many are unsure about his immaturity, but I think he grew up quite a bit after earlier in the year..

I picture Manziel, ADP and Patterson...

 

[BigJim®]

That link doesn't work for me but I can't imagine how it can rank him as a top 10 GM.

He's failed to get talent on defense outside of the front four, has failed to get a QB, and has failed at finding talent later in the draft from which to develop depth.

His home runs have been deep shots but his batting average is in the low .200's.

Selective much? On defense, how about Harrison Smith, for one? His late round draft picks and FA pickups have been key contributors for the Vikings. The drafts as a whole have been rated very highly by people outside the organization. Talent is not the problem on the Vikings, it's taking advantage of that. Case in point, CP not being utilized early on this season. You can't fix everything in one or two seasons. QB is probably his biggest failing, but not from a lack of trying. He brought people in, it isn't his fault that the coaches haven't been able to do anything with the people he brought in. The ownership has laid the blame on the coaching staff by firing them, and retaining Spielman says something as well. He has not been the problem.

He Over reached for Ponder.. At this point I don't think magic man Manning could have helped Ponder.. he Never was Starting QB material in the minds of 99% of the GM's..Speilman alone is responsible for the over reach, not the coaches for not improving a horrible decision.

His reach for Ponder was a warranted reach at the time. Go back and read up on Ponder, he had a GREAT pre-draft season, and rose from mid-2nd projections early in the season to mid-1st in mocks and predictions just before the draft. Vikings reached, but not as bad as people would have you believe given the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. Basically, they needed a QB, they decided that all of the QBs they wanted would be gone before their next pick, and Ponder was the top of their list. Sure, in retrospect, that wasn't the best choice, but that is the reality of the draft. There is always a better choice when you look back 3-4 years. It was consider a controversial pick at the time, but there were just as many people praising the move as those trashing it.

I remember posting 3 years ago that Spielman's own quotes after the pick were an uninspiring "hey, we have to take a swing sooner or later" and not "he was our pick of the litter." Color it however you like with 20/20, GMs shouldn't get the benefit of the doubt just because some folks somewhere thought it was a good pick (and I remember more naysayers than proponents of the pick). It's the GM's job to be right on picking a leader on the field. Ponder wasn't the most prepared, had a fragile psyche, and had no intangibles to speak of. Things a GM should not be caught with his pants down over for 3 full years. And that's the sin in my book. It goes much deeper than having a poor eye for talent. It's the entirety of the approach Spielman takes at QB. No competition, risking 3 year stretches on basically speculative hope.

I'd be more hopeful if Spielman had any record whatsoever of hand picking QB talent, either in Minnesota or prior to that in Miami. He just doesn't. So, we get 4 QBs into the coming draft, and then what? Reach for a guy because we have to 'gamble' again? Worse, do they put every single egg in that basket, hamstring the next coach to 3 years of puppet-mastering? Bring in cast off journeymen at QB2 to assure no real competition? In other words, have we learned anything at all after the Tarvaris/Ponder debacles?

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

 

[Maelstrom]

Kind of scary looking at the draft order and the QB needs of those teams above us.. the more Mocks I see, the more I see Bridgewater, Manzeil and Bortles gone before our pick.

If that scenario plays out, then I hope Speilman trades down and gets some more picks before he takes Carr..

This team is more then a QB away, so even though I am very about Carr after watching the USC Game, if that is the best prospect for us at our draft spot, then I'd rather get some draft picks to fill other needs and take him later, then reach for him at 8th.

I'd also like to see a trade down from 8 if they go QB, but I think Manziel might still be around. I really don't want Carr, especially after seeing the last game he was in. I'm starting to be ok with even not taking a QB if no one worth the pick is there, go DF (not high on Nix, but that is a big possibility) and pick up a QB like Murray or McCarron in the 2nd or 3rd round. (I prefer McCarron if they go this route personally.)

IMO Manziel falling to us would be GREAT!!

I know many are unsure about his immaturity, but I think he grew up quite a bit after earlier in the year..

I picture Manziel, ADP and Patterson...

I know, I keep telling naysayers...Hey, people said Patterson wouldn't be able to run his YAC like he did in college, and they were wrong. While not quite the same at the QB position, but I like Manziel's elusiveness and that he still looks to pass even when things break down (unlike Ponder).

 

[Maelstrom]

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

So starting 7 different QBs in the last 3 years is not fostering competition? It was pretty clear in Spielman's presser today that starting decisions were on Frazier and the coaches, that he did NOT step in and force anyone's hand there, and that was one of the things that cost Frazier his job. In the end, you can assume all you want about the ego of Spielman but it was the coaches decision to stick with Ponder. That was typical of Frazier as well, as much as I liked him at times, he was very frustrating about making changes that would result in veterans or starters being benched for newer players.

 

[snogger]

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

So starting 7 different QBs in the last 3 years is not fostering competition? It was pretty clear in Spielman's presser today that starting decisions were on Frazier and the coaches, that he did NOT step in and force anyone's hand there, and that was one of the things that cost Frazier his job. In the end, you can assume all you want about the ego of Spielman but it was the coaches decision to stick with Ponder. That was typical of Frazier as well, as much as I liked him at times, he was very frustrating about making changes that would result in veterans or starters being benched for newer players.

It's a he said, he said now..

Fraizer yesterday said that the starting QB decision wasn't made by coaches alone, but by a combination of Coaches, GM and owner.

 

[BigJim®]

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

So starting 7 different QBs in the last 3 years is not fostering competition? It was pretty clear in Spielman's presser today that starting decisions were on Frazier and the coaches, that he did NOT step in and force anyone's hand there, and that was one of the things that cost Frazier his job. In the end, you can assume all you want about the ego of Spielman but it was the coaches decision to stick with Ponder. That was typical of Frazier as well, as much as I liked him at times, he was very frustrating about making changes that would result in veterans or starters being benched for newer players.

I want to make sure I understand your point. Are you suggesting the 7 QBs who started for the Vikes over the past 3 years were actually here to compete for QB of the future? That can't be what you're saying.

ETA: And BTW, it's totally unfathomable that Spielman had no say in who started. Even Frazier acknowledged those were team decisions.

 

[mr roboto]

If Johnny Football is there, they take him. Too high for Carr IMO. What about Hundley?

 

[snogger]

From an article on Star & Tribunes site:

Possible candidates for the Vikings head coaching job:

Greg Roman, 49ers offensive coordinator: Will be a hot candidate after juggling San Francisco’s various offenses in its successful run under Jim Harbaugh.

Ken Whisenhunt, Chargers offensive coordinator: Former Arizona Cardinals head coach helped San Diego get into the playoffs.

James Franklin, Vanderbilt: A successful college prospect who will get some interest from the NFL. Was a Packers assistant in 2005.

Jay Gruden, Bengals offensive coordinator: Forget his brother Jon, who would want too much power. Jay runs a heck of an offense.

Mike Zimmer, Bengals defensive coordinator: The Vikings aren’t likely to go with a defensive-oriented coach, but Zimmer is a hard-nosed guy who will get a chance soon.

Adam Gase, Broncos offensive coordinator: Sure, he benefited from having Peyton Manning, but the 35-year old Gase might be a star on the rise.

Jack Del Rio, Broncos defensive coordinator: Former Vikings linebacker was Jacksonville’s head coach for eight seasons.

Lovie Smith, ex-Chicago coach: Smith sat out a year after being fired in Chicago, but he had an 81-63 record there and knows the NFL well.

David Shaw, Stanford coach: Says he has no interest in the NFL, which means “I have a lot of interest in the NFL.”

Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator: Struggled as Denver’s head coach in the Tebow Era, but still considered a polished apple from the Belichick tree.

GO!

 

[mr roboto]

Please no Lovie or McDaniels. I don't know much about some of those guys.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Yes - Whisenhunt, Del Rio, Lovie, Zimmer

No way - Jay Gruden, McDaniels

Don't know on the others.

 

[Maelstrom]

Please no Lovie or McDaniels. I don't know much about some of those guys.

Lovie is being speculated to the Dolphins job already.

Yes - Whisenhunt, Del Rio, Lovie, Zimmer

No way - Jay Gruden, McDaniels

Don't know on the others.

Seeing a couple of rumors that Jay Gruden is high on the list for the Vikings. Be forewarned.

 

[Maelstrom]

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

So starting 7 different QBs in the last 3 years is not fostering competition? It was pretty clear in Spielman's presser today that starting decisions were on Frazier and the coaches, that he did NOT step in and force anyone's hand there, and that was one of the things that cost Frazier his job. In the end, you can assume all you want about the ego of Spielman but it was the coaches decision to stick with Ponder. That was typical of Frazier as well, as much as I liked him at times, he was very frustrating about making changes that would result in veterans or starters being benched for newer players.

I want to make sure I understand your point. Are you suggesting the 7 QBs who started for the Vikes over the past 3 years were actually here to compete for QB of the future? That can't be what you're saying.ETA: And BTW, it's totally unfathomable that Spielman had no say in who started. Even Frazier acknowledged those were team decisions.

I'm saying that while some of those QBs started due to injury, there were plenty of QBs either in camp, practice or actually in game that were all competing for the job. I look at things like the Freeman move as a positive, even if he never played (well), because they were looking for someone better than what they had.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

This seems like a D-Bag move if this is true

@MichaelDavSmith: On Nov. 1 Vikings were 1-6 and Rick Spielman said Leslie Frazier would definitely be back. Frazier went 4-4-1 after that and got fired.

 

[BigJim®]

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

So starting 7 different QBs in the last 3 years is not fostering competition? It was pretty clear in Spielman's presser today that starting decisions were on Frazier and the coaches, that he did NOT step in and force anyone's hand there, and that was one of the things that cost Frazier his job. In the end, you can assume all you want about the ego of Spielman but it was the coaches decision to stick with Ponder. That was typical of Frazier as well, as much as I liked him at times, he was very frustrating about making changes that would result in veterans or starters being benched for newer players.

I want to make sure I understand your point. Are you suggesting the 7 QBs who started for the Vikes over the past 3 years were actually here to compete for QB of the future? That can't be what you're saying.ETA: And BTW, it's totally unfathomable that Spielman had no say in who started. Even Frazier acknowledged those were team decisions.

I'm saying that while some of those QBs started due to injury, there were plenty of QBs either in camp, practice or actually in game that were all competing for the job. I look at things like the Freeman move as a positive, even if he never played (well), because they were looking for someone better than what they had.

Agree to disagree. Those QBs were here for one and only one reason; to assure no competition for Ponder. You have to know that's true. Heck, even when signing the best of the lot (Cassel) the team went overboard explaining Cassel understood he was not here to compete, and would not have been signed if he wanted to compete. Can't see how the truth could be any clearer than that.

 

[Maelstrom]

As mentioned before, I just wish our front office fostered competition at the QB position, and didn't act so emotionally about prior decisions. I look to Seattle as a good comparison. First move Carrol made after taking over was trading away serious draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst. Did Carroll get emotionally over-invested into that move? No. He cut the cord, brought in Flynn as a big name (at the time) FA, drafted a rookie, promised ability to compete to the mainstay (Tarvaris). He allowed actual competition, said too bad so sad to the losers, and wound up with a Pro Bowl QB. That is how you succeed in this business. Let's face it, if Spielman were in Seattle, they'd probably be looking forward to year 4 of the Charlie Whitehurst expirament, because Spielman couldn't tolerate being wrong after making a trade like that.Touchy feely emotional GMs are as ill-equpped for that job as Ponder was as QB.

So starting 7 different QBs in the last 3 years is not fostering competition? It was pretty clear in Spielman's presser today that starting decisions were on Frazier and the coaches, that he did NOT step in and force anyone's hand there, and that was one of the things that cost Frazier his job. In the end, you can assume all you want about the ego of Spielman but it was the coaches decision to stick with Ponder. That was typical of Frazier as well, as much as I liked him at times, he was very frustrating about making changes that would result in veterans or starters being benched for newer players.

I want to make sure I understand your point. Are you suggesting the 7 QBs who started for the Vikes over the past 3 years were actually here to compete for QB of the future? That can't be what you're saying.ETA: And BTW, it's totally unfathomable that Spielman had no say in who started. Even Frazier acknowledged those were team decisions.

I'm saying that while some of those QBs started due to injury, there were plenty of QBs either in camp, practice or actually in game that were all competing for the job. I look at things like the Freeman move as a positive, even if he never played (well), because they were looking for someone better than what they had.

Agree to disagree. Those QBs were here for one and only one reason; to assure no competition for Ponder. You have to know that's true. Heck, even when signing the best of the lot (Cassel) the team went overboard explaining Cassel understood he was not here to compete, and would not have been signed if he wanted to compete. Can't see how the truth could be any clearer than that.

Sure, no problem disagreeing on this. I know what they said publicly, but behind the scenes I believe they were competing throughout. One of Frazier's big flaws was his loyalty to his guys, you saw it over and over again, but most publicly with Ponder. (Yes, I know Frazier wasn't there to draft Ponder, but he was still "his" guy.)

 

[BigJim®]

Agree to disagree. Those QBs were here for one and only one reason; to assure no competition for Ponder. You have to know that's true. Heck, even when signing the best of the lot (Cassel) the team went overboard explaining Cassel understood he was not here to compete, and would not have been signed if he wanted to compete. Can't see how the truth could be any clearer than that.

Sure, no problem disagreeing on this. I know what they said publicly, but behind the scenes I believe they were competing throughout. One of Frazier's big flaws was his loyalty to his guys, you saw it over and over again, but most publicly with Ponder. (Yes, I know Frazier wasn't there to draft Ponder, but he was still "his" guy.)

Could be. However, as frontal as the Vikes were publically on the "we're not allowing competition... you are not here to compete" it has to limit a team's ability to get viable competition - even if that is the behind the scenes plan. I'd sort of hoped they'd go after Carson Palmer last off-season, but there's no way a guy like Palmer would last 5 minutes into a job interview informing him he will not compete. I just hope the Vikes have learned from these mistakes. Bring in at least 1 good FA pre-draft with promises he'll compete, draft a guy who welcomes competition, and then allow competition. Nobody gets a job handed on a silver platter. Don't shy away from drafting another QB you like next year - even if things look good with who you have. Just fill the whole darn cupboard with competitive types. Don't waste roster space with "non-competes", don't languish in failure, and don't feel bad telling guys they got beat out.Man, Barreiro hitting many nails on the head today.

 

[flapgreen]

We would welcome Frazier as D coordinator to Bears.

 

[Funkley]

So Patterson finishes with 9 td's. Imagine him with coaches that have a clue how to get him the ball before week 10.

 

[jestertj]

We need Hundley to declare to deepen the QB pool...

 

[Vike Me]

We would welcome Frazier as D coordinator to Bears.

Enjoy the antique Cover 2 for another 4 years

 

[mr roboto]

We would welcome Frazier as D coordinator to Bears.

Enjoy the antique Cover 2 for another 4 years

 

[Maelstrom]

Agree to disagree. Those QBs were here for one and only one reason; to assure no competition for Ponder. You have to know that's true. Heck, even when signing the best of the lot (Cassel) the team went overboard explaining Cassel understood he was not here to compete, and would not have been signed if he wanted to compete. Can't see how the truth could be any clearer than that.

Sure, no problem disagreeing on this. I know what they said publicly, but behind the scenes I believe they were competing throughout. One of Frazier's big flaws was his loyalty to his guys, you saw it over and over again, but most publicly with Ponder. (Yes, I know Frazier wasn't there to draft Ponder, but he was still "his" guy.)

Could be. However, as frontal as the Vikes were publically on the "we're not allowing competition... you are not here to compete" it has to limit a team's ability to get viable competition - even if that is the behind the scenes plan. I'd sort of hoped they'd go after Carson Palmer last off-season, but there's no way a guy like Palmer would last 5 minutes into a job interview informing him he will not compete. I just hope the Vikes have learned from these mistakes. Bring in at least 1 good FA pre-draft with promises he'll compete, draft a guy who welcomes competition, and then allow competition. Nobody gets a job handed on a silver platter. Don't shy away from drafting another QB you like next year - even if things look good with who you have. Just fill the whole darn cupboard with competitive types. Don't waste roster space with "non-competes", don't languish in failure, and don't feel bad telling guys they got beat out.Man, Barreiro hitting many nails on the head today.

I agree that the public statements of support for Ponder definitely could have hampered who would even come in to interview. There was a lot of hope that Ponder was going to take a big step forward this year, obviously didn't happen.

FWIW, Spielman fully admits he hasn't "gotten it right" when it comes to finding a QB, and puts that on his own shoulders.

Just came across this article:

http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/3900/vikings-go-all-in-with-rick-spielman

It raises some interesting points about Spielman, starting with that while he has been involved in "acquiring" all but 3 guys on the team (he was VP of Player Personnel before becoming GM), he didn't have full control except for the last 2. Also, he hasn't been able to hire "his guy" as a coach, he wasn't the GM when Frazier was hired. Would have been a really quick fire to get rid of him after only 2 full years in charge.

 

[Donnybrook]

According to Adam Schefter, Vikings and Browns have submitted permission slips to interview Cardinals DC Todd Bowles for their HC jobs.

 

[RustyFA4]

I think Speilman is very good. He was one of three that picked Ponder. He brought in Freeman and Frasier sealed his fate by not playing him. He has managed 5 first rounders in the last two years. He will have 3 3rd rounders this year. I hope we can acquire a qb.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Ok, do they draft a QB or do they try and trade to get Cousins, Mallett or some other current backup that could be a decent starter? They are kind of in "no man's land" in this draft where they will either be reaching for someone again or they wait until the 2nd or 3rd round to get someone.

Thoughts?

 

[RustyFA4]

Cutler?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Cutler?

That would be interesting but can't really see Chicago letting him walk.

 

[skol asylum]

Regarding Del Rio...hasn't the Broncos defense pretty much sucked? I have no idea who the Vikes should go after, but none of these names being thrown around excite me much. Please at the very least hire a guy that will show at least a little emotion and engagement on the sideline.

 

[Funkley]

I think it will come down to the scouting they do on Manziel and their opinion of him. Maybe that's why Bevell's name has surfaced as a candidate. He's done an amazing job of putting Wilson in the perfect system for his skills.

 

[Biabreakable]

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2013/12/31/5260720/jim-souhan-writes-the-worst-column-on-the-vikings-beat-in-years#207036243

 

[jestertj]

How are we supposed to really get a feel for the college QBs? I watched parts of the Fiesta Bowl because I haven't seen any of Bortles. I saw him throw screens to WRs and run the ball off of read option plays. I have no idea how he does standing in the pocket facing pressure. I at least saw Manziel throw some from som semblance of a pocket, but I don't remember seeing him under center.

 

[BigJim®]

FWIW, Spielman fully admits he hasn't "gotten it right" when it comes to finding a QB, and puts that on his own shoulders.

Just came across this article:

http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/3900/vikings-go-all-in-with-rick-spielman

It raises some interesting points about Spielman, starting with that while he has been involved in "acquiring" all but 3 guys on the team (he was VP of Player Personnel before becoming GM), he didn't have full control except for the last 2. Also, he hasn't been able to hire "his guy" as a coach, he wasn't the GM when Frazier was hired. Would have been a really quick fire to get rid of him after only 2 full years in charge.

To be clear, I think Spielman has done an excellent job at most of his player acquisitions. Really QB sticks out like a proverbial sore thumb. Unfortunately, it is the one position a GM has to be good at, or have people under him who are good at advising. I'm not totally buying the whole "didn't have full control until he became GM" angle. Does anyone, anywhere, think capologist Rob Brzezinski had a say in which QB to draft? Or that the king of deference, Leslie Frazier, trumped Spielman's position in the war room to force the drafting of Ponder?Personally, I think Frazier was a puppet for Spielman his entire tenure. He was the company guy, speaking the company position. He tried to get on record with that his last night on the job, when he admitted weekly QB decisions were decided in committee. I don't give Frazier a pass on that either. That is 100% on Frazier, as ultimately the decision should have been his to make and he chose a deferring path of carrying water for Spielman. His mistake, and he suffered the same consequence a defiant coach would have. But let's be honest, Frazier had 3 horrible options to work with at QB due to an overarching organizational decision re: refusal to bring in compatition for Ponder, which I don't believe was Frazier's doing ar all. This whole circus of Frazier pointing at Spielman, and Spielman pointing at Frazier, is ridiculous. No matter how you slice it Spielman was responsible for our QB depth chart heading into both 2012 and 2013, and his conduct forced playing Ponder come hell or high water.

 

[BigJim®]

I think it will come down to the scouting they do on Manziel and their opinion of him. Maybe that's why Bevell's name has surfaced as a candidate. He's done an amazing job of putting Wilson in the perfect system for his skills.

I hope to god Bevell is not the pick. I'm not a fan of coaches who only succeed working with unquestionable talent (i.e. the Musgraves/Matt Ryan or Childress/McNabb type). If current front office deemed Bevell not to be up to the task as OC, they should not then decide he is the best candidate to be a head coach.ETA: And this would be particularly curious if the team previously decided that Bevell was not up to the task of developing an imminent rookie (became Ponder) due to his inability to develop Tarvaris. For my money, the inability to develop Tarvaris is more telling than his ability to succeed with Wilson.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

chipscoggins ‏@chipscoggins

14m
Can confirm @TomPelissero news that Vikings LB Erin Henderson arrested again for DWI in Chanhassen on New Year's Day.

Some people are slow learners!!

 

[snogger]

chipscoggins ‏@chipscoggins

14m
Can confirm @TomPelissero news that Vikings LB Erin Henderson arrested again for DWI in Chanhassen on New Year's Day.

Some people are slow learners!!

Time to cut him.. Not really losing anything on the field any ways as Cole filled in for him and did a much better job.

 

[Jobber]

Of ALL nights of the year to drive after you've been drinking...New Years Eve? Really?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Of ALL nights of the year to drive after you've been drinking...New Years Eve? Really?

I think it just shows that he has a serious problem.

 

[mr roboto]

Assuming Bortles, Teddy and Johnny are gone at 8, what would you like to see them do? Draft Carr or Hundley? Trade down?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Assuming Bortles, Teddy and Johnny are gone at 8, what would you like to see them do? Draft Carr or Hundley? Trade down?

Louis Nix or CJ Mosley would be in the mix. Audie is a nice player but Mosley would make a big difference.

Besides. Wouldn't it be cool to have TWO CJ Mosley's on the team?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Assuming Bortles, Teddy and Johnny are gone at 8, what would you like to see them do? Draft Carr or Hundley? Trade down?

Louis Nix or CJ Mosley would be in the mix. Audie is a nice player but Mosley would make a big difference.

Besides. Wouldn't it be cool to have TWO CJ Mosley's on the team?

I would like Nix. Also, looking at all the other teams in the first round behind them there won't be too many teams looking at QB so they could pick up one of those guys in the 2nd round - or trade back into the first round to get one.

I would like Hundley over Carr.

 

[Beo]

If Bortles, Bridgewater, and Manziel are gone by number 8 I would like to see us draft CB Darqueze Dennard from Michigan St. Dennard and Rhodes make for a nice young combo at CB and along with Harrison Smith at S gives us a really nice secondary to start building our Defense back up.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I'll be happy when I see Spielman get his walking papers, along with Musgrave and whoever is the Defensive Coordinator. You know who I really like? The special teams coach. I saw him about wanna kill someone yesterday in an offsides call on that field goal attempt.

Preifer (ST coach) is who I want as well. He has that fire that I like and loved the way he dealt with Kluwe last season. John Harbaugh has shown that you don't have to be an Offensive or Defensive Coordinator to lead a team.

I'm guessing Priefer doesn't get the job after Kluwe's article that came out today...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Kluwe is so tiresome.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Kluwe is so tiresome.

I have no doubt that some of that (if not all) happened, but he would have much more credibility if he would have gotten a job after the Vikings cut him.

 

[Herb]

Kluwe is so tiresome.

I have no doubt that some of that (if not all) happened, but he would have much more credibility if he would have gotten a job after the Vikings cut him.

Maybe. I doubt anyone honestly believes he lost his gig just because he's outspoken. And he did get a job. He just got cut again.

My biggest takeaway here is that if Priefer is the jagoff Kluwe makes him out to be I don't want him anywhere near this team, let alone in charge of it.

Still rooting hard for Whisenhunt or Zimmer.