*** OFFICIAL*** Minnesota Vikings offseason thread (2 Viewers)

[griff321]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

 

[griff321]

I always like to find guys that the coaches can't stop talking about in the offseason. Simpson looks like he may be able to hold off the rookies for a bit. This kinda hurts my Greg Childs mancrush, but I think he'll still find a way to make an impact.

My link

As last season wound to a close, a 3-13 disaster sucking almost every ounce of enthusiasm out of the Vikings’ locker room, head coach Leslie Frazier kept finding new reserves of optimism.

Specifically, Frazier sensed potential for an offensive resurgence in 2012, confident in the system of offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. Frazier repeatedly voiced his confidence in Musgrave and promised to get him additional ammunition.

“I know we’re going to have a quality offense once we get some other pieces in place and have a full offseason,” Frazier said the week before Christmas.

Well over the past three months, the Vikings have added to their offensive depth chart. And there may be no more important piece to the puzzle than receiver Jerome Simpson, signed just days before the draft began in April.

Yes, Matt Kalil, the team’s top draft choice, will be an invaluable addition, stabilizing the offensive line and giving quarterback Christian Ponder greater peace of mind. Yes, tight end John Carlson will help stretch opposing defenses and provide Ponder another reliable target. And yes, those two rookie receivers from Arkansas – Jarius Wright and Greg Childs – have shown flashes of potential.

But Simpson? He’s a speed threat on the outside, the top candidate to start at split end. He provides a dimension that the Vikings’ offense sorely lacked last season. He’s fast. He’s athletic. Best of all, he will be a significant deep threat.

I recently asked Musgrave about Simpson’s worth and the offensive coordinator immediately lit up.

“He’s just what the doctor ordered for the Viking offense,” Musgrave said. “He’s an explosive guy who can really adjust and adapt to the football. And it’s really fun watching him after the catch, which is a skill he demonstrated for the whole league last year when he was with Cincinnati.”

Simpson’s numbers with the Bengals in 2011: 50 catches, 725 yards, four touchdowns.

Even more impressive to Musgrave has been seeing Simpson’s speed firsthand.

“We need somebody with juice like that playing the split end,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to Jerome and our quarterback starting to jell together.”

That juice Musgrave raves about should be invaluable.

“We need to be able to count on somebody from our split end position winning consistently versus man coverage,” Musgrave said. “With the way I think we can run the football, defenses are going to try to take away the run. And we want to make them pay for that through the air.”

 

[Faust]

Percy Harvin has yet to hit Vikings' practice field

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The Minnesota Vikings are toiling through this week's OTA practices without two of the cornerstones of their offense on the field: All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson and Pro Bowl runner/receiver/returner/everything-man Percy Harvin.

We recently checked in with Peterson, who's battling his way back from a torn ACL and says he's "50-50" for training camp. Harvin is on hand for team practices this week, but isn't participating in drills due to a minor shoulder surgery to clean out bone spurs. Harvin has been limited to meetings with the team, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

It's hard to find an injury that isn't labeled as "minor" here in the offseason, but Harvin isn't expected to miss extensive time.

The Vikings, of course, are counting on Harvin's return. The 2009 offensive rookie of the year enjoyed his best season in 2011, totaling 967 yards through the air, 345 on the ground and another 520 returning kicks.

Peterson's rehab is another headache-inducing topic for a front office that furnished him with a seven-year, $96 million contract last season. (Perhaps the last RB pact of this kind for many years to come.) Until this pair returns to the fold, we won't -- and young quarterback Christian Ponder won't -- have a full picture of what Minnesota's attack will look like in 2012.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

LINK

Not that he was anything special but they need all the bodies they can get.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen has retired, according to coach Leslie Frazier.

"Surprised," Frazier said Wednesday, May 30, at the Vikings' organized team activities. "I didn't see that coming. But everybody has to make decisions that are the best for their family.

"He explained to me this is something he wanted to do and had given it a lot of thought. He came in my office last Thursday, talked about it and informed me of what he wanted to do."

Allen, 24, has been a reliable performer on a secondary depleted by injuries, starting 20 games over the past two seasons. He also suffered a concussion in the second half of each of the last two seasons.

Attempts to reach Allen on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

The Vikings drafted him in the third round in 2009 out of Georgia. He was entering the last of a four-year, $2.476 million rookie contract that included a $725,000 signing bonus. He was due $615,000 in 2012, then would have been eligible for free agency.

In 36 career games, Allen recorded 134 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass deflections.

The Vikings will need newcomers Josh Robinson (third-round pick), Chris Carr and Zack Bowman (free agency) to develop into solid backups behind Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

LINK

Not that he was anything special but they need all the bodies they can get.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen has retired, according to coach Leslie Frazier.

"Surprised," Frazier said Wednesday, May 30, at the Vikings' organized team activities. "I didn't see that coming. But everybody has to make decisions that are the best for their family.

"He explained to me this is something he wanted to do and had given it a lot of thought. He came in my office last Thursday, talked about it and informed me of what he wanted to do."

Allen, 24, has been a reliable performer on a secondary depleted by injuries, starting 20 games over the past two seasons. He also suffered a concussion in the second half of each of the last two seasons.

Attempts to reach Allen on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

The Vikings drafted him in the third round in 2009 out of Georgia. He was entering the last of a four-year, $2.476 million rookie contract that included a $725,000 signing bonus. He was due $615,000 in 2012, then would have been eligible for free agency.

In 36 career games, Allen recorded 134 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass deflections.

The Vikings will need newcomers Josh Robinson (third-round pick), Chris Carr and Zack Bowman (free agency) to develop into solid backups behind Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook

Still surprising. Don't count on much from Zach Bowman...good athlete, but poor football player.

 

[Faust]

Adrian Peterson dazzles Percy Harvin with recovery

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Based on most human standards, it'd be difficult to envision Adrian Peterson being the Minnesota Vikings' starting running back by Week 1.

Then again, Peterson isn't your standard human.

The latest evidence comes by way of Vikings teammate Percy Harvin, who found himself as the silver medalist in two hill sprints with Peterson. Keep in mind Peterson is still just six months removed from major reconstructive knee surgery.

"He's amazing. I told him the other day I don't think he's human," Harvin said, according to ESPN.com. "Two weeks ago, he beat a couple guys in a race. When I got here yesterday, I told them guys they should be embarrassed."

Peterson said last week it was "50/50" as far as him being ready by the beginning of training camp. Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman said it's "not fair" to expect Peterson to be ready for the start of the season.

But those in the building continue to marvel at Peterson's speedy progress.

"I got to run against Adrian and he's looking good," said wide receiver Jerome Simpson, who beat Peterson in the race. "It was neck-and-neck there. We're always talking a little trash back and forth to each other, but it was a great competition."

Sprints and actual football activities are two different things, but all the news continues to be good for the Vikings' franchise star.

 

[Herb]

Adrian Peterson dazzles Percy Harvin with recovery

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Based on most human standards, it'd be difficult to envision Adrian Peterson being the Minnesota Vikings' starting running back by Week 1.

Then again, Peterson isn't your standard human.

The latest evidence comes by way of Vikings teammate Percy Harvin, who found himself as the silver medalist in two hill sprints with Peterson. Keep in mind Peterson is still just six months removed from major reconstructive knee surgery.

"He's amazing. I told him the other day I don't think he's human," Harvin said, according to ESPN.com. "Two weeks ago, he beat a couple guys in a race. When I got here yesterday, I told them guys they should be embarrassed."

Peterson said last week it was "50/50" as far as him being ready by the beginning of training camp. Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman said it's "not fair" to expect Peterson to be ready for the start of the season.

But those in the building continue to marvel at Peterson's speedy progress.

"I got to run against Adrian and he's looking good," said wide receiver Jerome Simpson, who beat Peterson in the race. "It was neck-and-neck there. We're always talking a little trash back and forth to each other, but it was a great competition."

Sprints and actual football activities are two different things, but all the news continues to be good for the Vikings' franchise star.

I'm super happy that Peterson is looking great in his recovery and all, but why doesn't anyone ever talk about HGH when it comes to all the "miraculous" recoveries we've seen over the past several years? Don't you think that once the HGH testing goes into effect, whenever that may be, that we're going to suddenly see recovery times return to more normal timeframes? Not trying to sidetrack the thread, just curious...

 

[Biabreakable]

Adrian Peterson dazzles Percy Harvin with recovery

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Based on most human standards, it'd be difficult to envision Adrian Peterson being the Minnesota Vikings' starting running back by Week 1.

Then again, Peterson isn't your standard human.

The latest evidence comes by way of Vikings teammate Percy Harvin, who found himself as the silver medalist in two hill sprints with Peterson. Keep in mind Peterson is still just six months removed from major reconstructive knee surgery.

"He's amazing. I told him the other day I don't think he's human," Harvin said, according to ESPN.com. "Two weeks ago, he beat a couple guys in a race. When I got here yesterday, I told them guys they should be embarrassed."

Peterson said last week it was "50/50" as far as him being ready by the beginning of training camp. Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman said it's "not fair" to expect Peterson to be ready for the start of the season.

But those in the building continue to marvel at Peterson's speedy progress.

"I got to run against Adrian and he's looking good," said wide receiver Jerome Simpson, who beat Peterson in the race. "It was neck-and-neck there. We're always talking a little trash back and forth to each other, but it was a great competition."

Sprints and actual football activities are two different things, but all the news continues to be good for the Vikings' franchise star.

I'm super happy that Peterson is looking great in his recovery and all, but why doesn't anyone ever talk about HGH when it comes to all the "miraculous" recoveries we've seen over the past several years? Don't you think that once the HGH testing goes into effect, whenever that may be, that we're going to suddenly see recovery times return to more normal timeframes? Not trying to sidetrack the thread, just curious...

I have no idea what you are talking about Herb. Does HGH help the healing process? Perhaps it does. I do not like the insinuation that your making about AD's recovery time. We don't know how Peterson is going to recover yet. This is mostly fluff. Like they are going to say anything negative if they don't have to. As you did.

 

[Faust]

Vikings GM Rick Spielman loves Christian Ponder's promise

By Ian Rapoport

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The present and future Minnesota Vikings quarterback never played with the famous former one.

Brett Favre had finally, really, seriously thrown his last pass by the time Minnesota selected Christian Ponder 12th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, and it was actually an aging Donovan McNabb whom Ponder sat behind until he was handed the keys to the franchise on Oct. 18. But No. 4 influenced Ponder nonetheless.

The former Florida State star begins his second season hoping to become the face of a team turning it around, and he's not just focused on the field. There is a lot more to being a quarterback than finding the open guy.

"I had a conversation with somebody yesterday about Brett Favre and how great of a leader he was, because he knew every single one of those guys on the field," Ponder said Wednesday, following the Vikings' second session of OTAs. "I've taken that to heart and am trying to go out to dinner with Jerome Simpson and trying to get to know those younger guys and know my teammates. If they're going to follow me, if we're going to play close together as a team, we have to get closer off the field, as well."

As would be the case during most first dates, Ponder usually splits the bill. Most of the time. When he took new left tackle Matt Kalil out for dinner, Ponder paid. Smart move, considering Kalil might have his back for the next 10 years, if everything all works out.

"Yeah, he owes me big," Ponder joked, before explaining to NFL.com his goals for the bonding sessions. "Communication is always key at this position, and to be able to talk to those guys. ... No one's going to listen if I'm just riding his ### the whole time, and that's it. It's important to cultivate that relationship off the field and become buddies."

During these dinners, sometimes the participants talk football, sometimes they talk about nothing. Ponder is trying to take the reins of a Vikings team that stumbled to a 3-13 record last season, and the hope is that the foundation is being built in those talks.

Ponder isn't just worried about the offensive guys. For every dinner with Simpson or Kalil, there is a chit-chat session with safety Jamarca Sanford or defensive tackle Kevin Williams.

"At the position he's at, you need other guys around you to feel comfortable with you," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. "I don't think he's too young for that to happen."

On the field, there is promise.

Ponder, the 6-foot-2, 229-pound 24-year-old, completed 54.3 percent of his passes last year with 13 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He had a 70.1 passer rating over 11 games.

Those aren't awe-inspiring numbers. But the Vikings believe Ponder is on the right track, based on his age, experience and some statistical analysis done by general manager Rick Spielman. Spielman explained his methods to NFL.com during an interview in his office.

"If you look at his statistical analysis, and where (Ponder) was at the point in the season when he came in, he compared to some other (accomplished) quarterbacks," Spielman said. "Like when Eli (Manning) took over for Kurt Warner (with the New York Giants). When Jay Cutler took over for Jake Plummer (with the Denver Broncos). I went back and researched all this stuff. It was almost bizarre that Christian's (results) were very close to those guys, that are maybe top-five or six quarterbacks. I remember when Eli took over, he had one game where it was a zero quarterback rating (against the Baltimore Ravens in 2004). It just kind of gives you an indication of what to expect. ... You're trying to predict things."

Spielman's right. Ponder's passer rating was better than Manning's as a rookie, better than Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's, better than Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman's, better than San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith's. He only comes up short against Cutler (now with the Chicago Bears), but not by a huge margin.

For a closer look, NFL Network's researchers take you in deeper:

(click on the link to see the table)

Spielman has done all sorts of other "outside the box" research, including looking at intelligence scores, to compare Ponder to others. He notes that Ponder was the NFL's best quarterback in the red zone last year. To go further, Spielman explored Ponder's productivity in seven key areas, including last-minute drives, his play in third-and-6 or longer situations, and his performance while facing a seven-point deficit. Just to be sure, Spielman looked at Ponder's college stats, too.

And all signs point to a player who will be part of the solution, not the problem. In his second year, as the No. 1 quarterback, with the benefit of an offseason, everything should improve.

"It's just him knowing that it's his team now," Spielman said. "You can see the difference in him from where he was a year ago, just where he's at with the offense now. (Offensive coordinator) Bill Musgrave and (quarterbacks coach) Craig Johnson, they've done a great job. That presence about him is totally different from where he was a rookie."

Spielman said he wouldn't wonder if Ponder would have been better served to play immediately, instead of sitting behind a deteriorating McNabb. Ponder would only say that "It kind of stinks to sit back and watch everything."

There's no watching now. Ponder ran the offense on Wednesday, and aside from one OTA interception on a pass he intended to throw away, he looked sound. Perhaps the learning process will be accelerated in Year 2. The strong-armed Texan need only make smart plays to succeed, and that's his focus anyway. As Frazier said, "He's going to do a better job as far as making decisions with the football, where it should go."

Ponder has plenty of weapons, with rehabbing running back Adrian Peterson, electric receiver Percy Harvin, new wideout Jerome Simpson, and two sound tight ends in Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson. Spielman said the goal was to surround Ponder with emerging talent (Kalil included) and allow everyone to mature together.

"The thought process is to have those guys together the next three, four, five years, so they can grow," Spielman said. "The more you can keep that group together -- and we're going to be a young group -- we can continue to progress, that's kind of the thought process where we're at right now."

Ponder is appreciative, to say the least.

"I just got to get the ball in their hands at some point when they get open and they'll make some plays," Ponder said. "I think that alleviates a lot of pressure for me."

It's early. Just two practices into OTAs. But teammates have noticed a different Ponder.

"Christian has a little chip on his shoulder this year," Harvin said. "He's trying to get it together on some of the things he struggled with last year."

 

[mr roboto]

Ponder looks and talks the part. We need a long term franchise QB after all the FA vets that the vikes have relied on.

 

[Faust]

Vikings' Adrian Peterson wants to return by opener

By Brian McIntyre

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has wowed teammates with his recovery from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee, beating fully healthy wide receivers in hill sprints. Peterson is less than six months removed from an injury some estimate takes a full year to recover from, but the four-time Pro Bowler is determined to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 9, reports Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.

"With the experts, I'm sure 90 or 95 percent of the time, they're right with their estimates," Peterson said. "But there are some guys you can't put the traditional timetable on. Some guys are different. I just happen to feel I'm one of those guys."

While Peterson is ahead of schedule in his recovery, running at full speed and regaining full range of motion in the knee, he's yet in the clear. Russ Paine, a Houston-based physical therapist who has been working with Peterson, says the running back has "different protoplasm than the rest of the world", but there are still physical and mental hurdles Peterson will need to clear. He'll need to rebuild strength in the muscles that support the knee and regaining trust and full control of the joint, which may not happen in time for Peterson to play 98 days from now.

"I don't know how to answer that question," Peterson said about possibly not being ready for the season-opener. "And I struggle to even entertain it. Because that's not the way my mind is tuned in. I can't let that negativity seep in. My mindset is that I will be there. I want to be playing. Forget what everyone else says...The goal is the goal. And I'm going to accomplish it."

 

[griff321]

Former Broncos star walked in Peterson's shoes

Star running back. In his prime. Tears his ACL in his fifth NFL season. At the age of 26.

It's no wonder Adrian Peterson's knee injury hits home with former Denver Broncos star Terrell Davis, who experienced a similar setback in 1999.

Like Peterson, Davis attacked rehab. Yet he was never the same, playing just 13 games while rushing for 983 yards and two touchdowns after the injury.

So Davis cautions those who see Peterson's progress and expect him to be a Pro Bowl player again soon, offering two areas to monitor when Peterson returns.

For starters, Davis believed his knee injury made him think too much.

"Rather than being instinctive, you start to choreograph your moves," Davis said in a recent ESPN interview. "As a running back, you just can't choreograph your moves. You have to work off instincts."

Davis also points out it wasn't his injured right knee that bothered him most after he returned. It was his left knee that forced his 2002 retirement, the meniscus and cartilage deteriorating as he compensated for his injury.

"By that time, I had favored my other knee so much that [my left knee] started to wear out on me," Davis said.

 

[Faust]

Percy Harvin back on the field after surgery

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Percy Harvin's April shoulder surgery did not cost him a lot of practice time.

The fourth-year receiver was back on the field Tuesday as the Vikings started their second week of organized team activities, according to Vikings.com.

The news will come as a relief to Vikings fans who are always a little worried about their best receiver's health. Harvin played 16 games for the first time in his career in 2011, avoiding the migraines that have plagued him since college. He had career highs with 87 catches for 967 yards.

We still wonder if Harvin can take his game to another level. He carried Minnesota's offense at times last season. If he gets a little more help from Christian Ponder, there's no reason why Harvin can't put up Pro Bowl-type numbers. It appears the shoulder injury won't get in the way.

 

[Heatman]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

 

[SWC]

brohan that does not count i was talking about areas people refer to as civilization not third world regions like cincy so you are probably right i guess i could say man the driving is worse in bagdad but who cares it does not count so go tell your grandma she is a brohan and take that to the skyline chilly is a farter starter anyhow and does not taste good bank

 

[daveR]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

I saw a bumper sticker recently that I'm trying to hunt down for myself. It said, "If I passed you on the right, you're in the wrong lane!"

 

[Faust]

Vikings must get past Adrian Peterson-centered attack

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

"NFL Total Access" kicked off its 32 teams in 32 days series this week. ATL will write an accompanying post each night, focusing on one goal that each team needs to accomplish before Week 1. So far we've handled the Colts and Rams.

Vikings must move beyond Peterson-centered attack

Adrian Peterson has impressed the Minnesota Vikings with his swift recovery from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee. The franchise running back is angling for a Week 1 return and his progress is tangible. This is positive news for a team that's made Peterson their centerpiece for the past five seasons, but what if his story takes another turn?

There's no reason to doubt Peterson's comeback. He remains as dedicated and ferocious a competitor as any on the roster, but relying on Peterson to carry the ball 300-plus times in 2012 would be a mistake. The Vikings, we hope, have spent this offseason developing a plan to diversify the attack. Looking up and down the roster, we're not sure where the yardage and points will come from.

Percy Harvin is the team's top playmaker, but good luck finding a receiving threat behind him. The team loves Jerome Simpson's speed, but we're not sold on this one-two punch. Expect tight ends Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson to see a heavy dose of action.

This has to become Christian Ponder's team. Even in the rough-and-tumble NFC North, it's a quarterback's division in a signal-caller's league. Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler stand front and center in their offensive schemes -- Ponder must be up to the challenge.

Peterson's return is critical, we're not downplaying his role in this offense. He is a difference-maker and an unusual talent, but if the Vikings don't develop weapons around him, the floor could fall out. This team is in a tough spot in a division that will eat them up if they slip early. They must be ready to surprise.

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

32 in 32: Minnesota Vikings

06:50 – Vikings QB Christian Ponder talks about the new-look Vikings and their expectations for 2012. Our experts discuss if Ponder can meet his lofty expectations.

 

[Herb]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

But the MN drivers are not rude and disrespectful, just lane handicapped. What everyone is saying is that in MN people completely ignore the "fast lane" rule of driving. The left lane is just another lane like the right, hence you get painfully slow drivers that stay in the left lane. MN is THE WORST for this. I have no idea why. Rude and disrespectful is everywhere, I live in CA- it's terrible. MN has the market cornered on lane ignorance.

 

[SWC]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

But the MN drivers are not rude and disrespectful, just lane handicapped. What everyone is saying is that in MN people completely ignore the "fast lane" rule of driving. The left lane is just another lane like the right, hence you get painfully slow drivers that stay in the left lane. MN is THE WORST for this. I have no idea why. Rude and disrespectful is everywhere, I live in CA- it's terrible. MN has the market cornered on lane ignorance.

i think it is because they are all to busy talking about where the walleye are biting and about how jesse the body ventura is a great fisherman and would catch a lot of walleye and then body slam one of them probably take that to the bank brohans

 

[griff321]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

But the MN drivers are not rude and disrespectful, just lane handicapped. What everyone is saying is that in MN people completely ignore the "fast lane" rule of driving. The left lane is just another lane like the right, hence you get painfully slow drivers that stay in the left lane. MN is THE WORST for this. I have no idea why. Rude and disrespectful is everywhere, I live in CA- it's terrible. MN has the market cornered on lane ignorance.

i think it is because they are all to busy talking about where the walleye are biting and about how jesse the body ventura is a great fisherman and would catch a lot of walleye and then body slam one of them probably take that to the bank brohans

Dude, everybody knows that jesse doesn't have #### on my walleye skills. I put a slaughtering to the eyes. Damn idiot Wisconsinites better just stick to easy fish like bass. You can take that to the bank BROLIO.

 

[Faust]

Toby Gerhart could carry early load for Vikings

By Marc Sessler

Writer

We talked on Wednesday about the Minnesota Vikings having to plan for life -- at least temporarily -- without Adrian Peterson. The All-Pro running back has made it crystal clear he plans to return for the team's opener, but burning him out early could be this team's biggest mistake.

Some of you didn't agree with our assessment of the Vikings, but coach Leslie Frazier and his staff have used this offseason to take a close look at backup Toby Gerhart. Frazier hinted the third-year back might be leaned on heavily out of the gate.

"(Gerhart's) still a developing guy," Frazier told The Star Tribune. "And there are some things we're going to find out in these OTAs. Before we send him home and come back to training camp, we'll give him a prescribed weight. But we wanted to take a look at him at where he is right now and just see how it would affect his quickness. Because there's a very good chance he's going to have to really carry the load early on."

In the five games Peterson missed over the past two seasons, Gerhart averaged 21 touches, per Rotoworld. In the four games AP missed last season, Gerhart carried the ball an average of 18 times per game for 73 yards. He's bulked up this offseason, according to The Star Tribune, but we don't have a read on how he'd fare over an extended period.

All of this points to a change in Minnesota. Even if Peterson returns for the opener, the offense now belongs to Christian Ponder, for better or worse. In a division stocked with some of today's best signal-callers, Ponder remains a mystery. The Vikings must find out if they've settled the quarterback position sooner than later. As great a back as Peterson is, the days of handing the ball to him 300 times a season are likely a thing of the past.

 

[SWC]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

But the MN drivers are not rude and disrespectful, just lane handicapped. What everyone is saying is that in MN people completely ignore the "fast lane" rule of driving. The left lane is just another lane like the right, hence you get painfully slow drivers that stay in the left lane. MN is THE WORST for this. I have no idea why. Rude and disrespectful is everywhere, I live in CA- it's terrible. MN has the market cornered on lane ignorance.

i think it is because they are all to busy talking about where the walleye are biting and about how jesse the body ventura is a great fisherman and would catch a lot of walleye and then body slam one of them probably take that to the bank brohans

Dude, everybody knows that jesse doesn't have #### on my walleye skills. I put a slaughtering to the eyes. Damn idiot Wisconsinites better just stick to easy fish like bass. You can take that to the bank BROLIO.

i do not even know what a brolio is so take that to the bank but back to the point i am in favor of turning your fare state into one giant bass fishin lake so yeah sure doncha know i like bass around these parts they call me the bassin assasin because i can catch a lot of nice sized bass on berkely power grubs it is sort of a speacialty of mine so what you said is not an insult to me except maybe the brolio part because i do not know what that is so take it to the bank and have some ludafisk with your walleyes on the way to the bank brohan from the leftistan

 

[Gopher State]

Simpson's speed is making Ponder, Vikings smile

6:00 PM, Jun 7, 2012

St Cloud Times

EDEN PRAIRIE — Jerome Simpson jogged off the sun-soaked field and playfully performed a pirouette before greeting a group of reporters waiting to ask him about his gravity-defying catch during practice an hour or so earlier.

Simpson was clearly in a good mood. His presence this year in Minnesota is making the Vikings smile, too.

“Anybody who witnessed that play today, you’re going to get jacked up,” head coach Leslie Frazier said. “That was an incredible play and one of the reasons we get excited about him. We’re hoping to see that on Sunday afternoons, plays like that. That would really help our team, help our quarterback’s confidence, and we need that.”

June is perhaps the NFL’s most insignificant month. One head-turning play in one offseason practice is hardly a harbinger of autumn success. But if the Vikings picked one promising moment from drills so far this spring, that sign of improvement from last year’s 3-13 mess they’re searching for, it would probably be Simpson’s catch in Wednesday’s practice.

With Chris Cook covering him closely and a step in front of him along the sideline, Simpson jumped over the 6-foot-2 cornerback to corral a pass from Christian Ponder. Simpson had his elbows all the way in front of Cook’s left shoulder when he caught the ball, before pulling it back toward his body and holding it up to keep it from touching the grass as he twisted and tumbled forward for a roughly 40-yard reception.

That Simpson simply hung on was encouraging enough for the Vikings.

Despite one of the league’s least-potent passing offenses, the Vikings last season tied with the Oakland Raiders for the fewest dropped balls in the NFL with 20, according to sports researcher STATS LLC. All eight of Simpson’s career drops came last year, the ninth-most in the league in that category.

But he made this one look easy.

“Christian just threw a great ball, and I just did what I’m supposed to do — catch it,” Simpson said.

The Vikings were so excited they posted a short video clip of the completion on their website.

(Page 2 of 2)

“It was crazy,” Ponder said. “He plucked it right off the guy’s head. That shows me that I can trust him. I can throw it down field, and he’s going to go make a play.”

Whether the Vikings can trust Simpson off the field is a question yet to be answered.

The second-round 2008 draft pick out of Coastal Carolina played sparingly his first three years in the NFL but had a breakout season in 2011 for Cincinnati, playing in all 16 games while catching 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns, including a now-famous head-over-heels flip into the end zone during a game last December. Simpson vaulted over an Arizona Cardinals linebacker just in front of the goal line and landed on his feet, etching a permanent place on the sport’s all-time highlight clips.

The Bengals might not have let such an athletic, young player become a free agent had he not been in trouble. Simpson faces a three-game suspension under the league’s substance abuse policy stemming from his conviction earlier this spring on a felony drug charge. Law enforcement authorities said they tracked a shipment of 2½ pounds of marijuana to his Kentucky home last year and found another pound of the drug inside.

This is the subject that prompts the smile to disappear from the soft-spoken Simpson’s face. He said “it’s kind of frustrating” to think he’ll be barred from the first three games of the season with his new team.

“I won’t be out there with my guys playing the game I love, but it’s the technicality of my situation,” Simpson said.

That makes practice time this spring more important, as he develops a rhythm with Ponder and picks up the intricacies of the offense. So far, the potential impact of Simpson’s speed has been apparent.

Percy Harvin gives the Vikings one proven wide receiver, but his skill set is different. The lack of a game-changing, defense-stretching deep threat has been glaring for the Vikings since they traded Randy Moss in 2005.

“Once you get that one ‘go’ ball by them or ‘post’ or whatever … they’ve got to start backing and respecting you then,” Simpson said. “So I just want to put that fear into them that I might run by them.”

That’s the skill that has the Vikings smiling.

“It creates a whole other dimension,” Ponder said.

 

[griff321]

OTA rundown: Simpson's big play, Harvin's absence, Gerhart's bulk

The Vikings are in their second week of Organized Team Activities at Winter Park. Today’s workout was open to the media. Here are a handful of noteworthy tidbits from the session.

Highlight reel play

Without question, receiver Jerome Simpson delivered the most impressive play of Wednesday’s OTA during 11-on-11 scrimmage time. With Simpson matched one-on-one with cornerback Chris Cook, quarterback Christian Ponder lofted a pretty bomb up the right sideline. Cook appeared to have perfect coverage. Yet at the last instant, Simpson, jumped over the top of the 6-foot-2, 212-pound defensive back and pulled the ball in over Cook’s head. The play was greeted with impressed howls from players on both sides of the ball. (Here's the video)

Even head coach Leslie Frazier felt his eyes bug out.

“Anybody that witnessed that play today, you’ve got to get jacked up,” Frazier said. “That was an incredible play and one of the reasons we get excited about him. We’re hoping to see that on Sunday afternoons, plays like that.”

Notable absences

Arguably, the Vikings’ four best players were absent from Wednesday’s workout. Jared Allen, who also missed all of last week’s OTA, was not in attendance. Neither was Adrian Peterson, who is back in Houston this week continuing his knee rehab.

Chad Greenway attended Tuesday’s practice but called Frazier Wednesday morning with news that he had to tend to what the head coach labeled as “a serious matter” in his family.

Finally, receiver Percy Harvin, who attended last week’s OTAs and practiced Tuesday, was a no-show. That, Frazier said, had nothing to do with Harvin’s shoulder, which he had minor arthroscopic surgery on in late-April.

“Nothing that I’m aware of regarding his shoulder,” Frazier said. “Just, it’s a voluntary camp.”

Childs play

Rookie receiver Greg Childs remains out of action dealing with a lingering calf strain that he suffered during rookie mini-camp last month. Childs has attended OTAs but not participated the last two weeks. While in college, Childs’ 2010 season was cut short due to a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, an injury that limited his effectiveness as a senior as well. The Vikings believe that, at full strength, Childs can be a difference maker, possessing an impressive combination of size and speed. But so far, they’ve had very limited opportunity to evaluate Childs up close.

“It’s unfortunate he can’t get some of these reps now,” Frazier said. “But he’ll get caught up.”

The weighting game

Running back Toby Gerhart says he has maintained his playing weight of approximately 230 pounds during this offseason. But Gerhart sure looks bigger in his upper body and said he has made an effort to add more lean mass.

“Just trying to get the guns going a little bit this year,” Gerhart joked after Wednesday’s practice.

With Peterson’s health still an uncertainty, it’s a distinct possibility Gerhart will be the Vikings’ opening day starter on Sept. 9. In the four games Peterson missed due to injury in 2011, Gerhart averaged 18 carries and 73 rushing yards per contest.

As for Gerhart’s increased bulk, the Vikings are doing a bit of offseason experimenting to determine how he can be most effective.

“He’s still a developing guy,” Frazier said. “And there are some things we’re going to find out in these OTAs. Before we send him home and come back to training camp, we’ll give him a prescribed weight. But we wanted to take a look at him at where he is right now and just see how it would affect his quickness. Because there’s a very good chance he’s going to have to really carry the load early on.”

 

[Faust]

Jerome Simpson will sit out Vikings' first three games

By Gregg Rosenthal NFL.com

Around The League editor

The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jerome Simpson with the knowledge that he was likely to be suspended to start the NFL season. On Monday, the team officially learned the long-expected news.

The league suspended Simpson three games and fined him an additional game check for violating the NFL's policy and program for substances of abuse, according to a news release. He recently received a 15-day jail sentence and three years' probation in connection to a felony drug charge after his girlfriend signed for a large package of marijuana at his house.

Simpson is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.

Our own Brian McIntyre reported that Simpson will lose $188,235 in base salary and $178,125 in per-game active roster bonuses for a total of $366,360, citing a knowledgeable source.

Simpson, who has pulled off a number of highlight-reel grabs in OTAs this offseason, looks headed for a starting job opposite Percy Harvin.

Simpson might just be the most overhyped player this OTA season, with many expecting a huge step forward from the annually underachieving former Cincinnati Bengals receiver. Simpson excels in non-padded practices. He'll have to wait until Week 4 of the regular season to prove he has truly turned a corner.

 

[datonn]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

But the MN drivers are not rude and disrespectful, just lane handicapped. What everyone is saying is that in MN people completely ignore the "fast lane" rule of driving. The left lane is just another lane like the right, hence you get painfully slow drivers that stay in the left lane. MN is THE WORST for this. I have no idea why. Rude and disrespectful is everywhere, I live in CA- it's terrible. MN has the market cornered on lane ignorance.

What I think a lot of it is, IMHO Herb, is a bit of the passive-aggressive "Minnesota Nice" on full display. People here aren't lane-ignorant. People are over in the left lane (a lot of older folks, in my experience) thinking: "I'm driving 59 in a 55! If that's not fast enough for you, then too bad. Get over yourself, put down your cell phone, turn down your music so it doesn't rattle my windows from 100-yards away, and slow the #### down!" But Minnesotans aren't like a lot of the jack-offs in the Northeast who need any excuse they can find to reaffirm their manhood (physically, not related to maturity), nor are they like folks from the Deep South or Appalachia...who will use the opportunity to re-enact "Deliverance." Nope...they're simply yelling obscenities and giving you the finger...only in a socially-acceptable, passive aggressive manner within Minnesota Nice Country.

HTH.

 

[Heatman]

I'll say it again, driving around Cincinnati is like a slalom course. Until you come up to two cars driving right next to each other at 55.

 

[Herb]

maybe we can put kalil on the bridge from the twin cities to wisco and he can block you twinkies from coming over here and driving around at 30 under in the fast lane jeez between you guys and the fibs going 30 over everywhere its like why even drive take that to the bank power grub brohans from a state that woudl be better as a giant bass fishin hole

Bro, that's got to be a Minnesota thing, and I don't even understand why. No matter where I am in the country, if I see some jackhole driving slow in the fast lane and they don't even try to merge right, chances are pretty good the vehicle has mn plates. I've lived here my entire life and still don't get it.

Minnesota is not even close to being the worst in this area. I've lived in the Cincinnati tri-state area for 17 years and it is horrible here. The most rude dis-repectful drivers I have ever seen. I grew up in Minnesota and frequently visit my family, never have trouble there. Not much trouble when I lived in Reno either. Here... horrible.

But the MN drivers are not rude and disrespectful, just lane handicapped. What everyone is saying is that in MN people completely ignore the "fast lane" rule of driving. The left lane is just another lane like the right, hence you get painfully slow drivers that stay in the left lane. MN is THE WORST for this. I have no idea why. Rude and disrespectful is everywhere, I live in CA- it's terrible. MN has the market cornered on lane ignorance.

What I think a lot of it is, IMHO Herb, is a bit of the passive-aggressive "Minnesota Nice" on full display. People here aren't lane-ignorant. People are over in the left lane (a lot of older folks, in my experience) thinking: "I'm driving 59 in a 55! If that's not fast enough for you, then too bad. Get over yourself, put down your cell phone, turn down your music so it doesn't rattle my windows from 100-yards away, and slow the #### down!" But Minnesotans aren't like a lot of the jack-offs in the Northeast who need any excuse they can find to reaffirm their manhood (physically, not related to maturity), nor are they like folks from the Deep South or Appalachia...who will use the opportunity to re-enact "Deliverance." Nope...they're simply yelling obscenities and giving you the finger...only in a socially-acceptable, passive aggressive manner within Minnesota Nice Country.

HTH.

That's a nice theory, but here's a story for you. A friend and I were driving from Rochester to Mpls a number of years ago. I was going about 57mph in the right lane, as were all the other cars around. I got into the left lane to pass a car going 54, and my friend says something like "why the hell don't people just drive in the left lane? I don't get it. Everyone is in the right lane, no one is in the left. If you just drive in the left lane you don't have to change lanes to pass. Stupid." And he meant it. To him it was perfectly justifiable to drive in the left lane at 2mph over the limit. And we were both about 19 yrs old- when we would have been driving 75 everywhere we went had we lived somewhere else.

Are the cops in MN just bigger pricks and pull people over more readily? I remember a friend's father getting pulled over for going 58 in a 55 near Rochester, and the Mower county cops were like the gestapo in the early-mid 90s-- way over the top all the time. Undercover cops at keg parties, pulling people over for no reason, jail time for underage drinking (no joke), etc.

 

[Heatman]

Meh anyway, enough hijacking. It sounds like the coaches actually think the WRs are going to be decent. Actually if Simpson pans out after his suspension and one of the others become decent it might not be so bad.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Prayers go out to the Greenway family...there isn't a more down to earth player in the league.

Several South Dakota farmers are banding together to help bale hay for Alan Greenway. Greenway, who is the father of Vikings Pro Bowl linebacker Chad Greenway, is battling cancer and is getting hospice care, according to a family friend. He says as the weather cooperates, farmers will be working through the night to get through about 300 acres. Chad has been absent from Vikings' voluntary organized team activities the past three weeks. He was scheduled to attend HyVee/Sanford Legends events this week but Legends officials aren't expecting him to show while he deals with the family matter. Vikings' head coach Leslie Frazier told Minneapolis media this week he doesn't know if Greenway will be back for mandatory minicamp next week.

 

[Sabertooth]

Prayers go out to the Greenway family...there isn't a more down to earth player in the league.

Several South Dakota farmers are banding together to help bale hay for Alan Greenway. Greenway, who is the father of Vikings Pro Bowl linebacker Chad Greenway, is battling cancer and is getting hospice care, according to a family friend. He says as the weather cooperates, farmers will be working through the night to get through about 300 acres. Chad has been absent from Vikings' voluntary organized team activities the past three weeks. He was scheduled to attend HyVee/Sanford Legends events this week but Legends officials aren't expecting him to show while he deals with the family matter. Vikings' head coach Leslie Frazier told Minneapolis media this week he doesn't know if Greenway will be back for mandatory minicamp next week.

Tough to deal with that. T&P to the Greenways

 

[Faust]

Percy Harvin hints at contract problems with Vikings

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has been a willing participant at the team's mandatory minicamp, but training camp could be a different story.

Tom Pelissero

@TomPelissero

Percy Harvin repeatedly says he's not happy. Won't say it's the contract but says it "definitely" needs to be resolved before training camp.

Harvin didn't go into depth on the subject Tuesday. On his way back from shoulder surgery, the 24-year-old receiver is under contract with the team for another two seasons, scheduled to make $915,000 in 2012 and $1.55 million in 2014. That's low for a player who produces the way Harvin has over his first three seasons.Coach Leslie Frazier believes Harvin's "issues" with his current deal can be solved by training camp.

"Well, I really feel like when he and I sit down and talk about whatever is on his heart or his mind we'll get through it," Frazier told reporters during his Tuesday news conference.

With the return of running back Adrian Peterson still in question, Harvin figures to be leaned on heavily. The thought of second-year quarterback Christian Ponder taking the field without A.P. or Harvin generates an unpleasant picture for a team without much firepower outside of their these two top performers.

 

[Herb]

Percy Harvin hints at contract problems with Vikings

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has been a willing participant at the team's mandatory minicamp, but training camp could be a different story.

Tom Pelissero

@TomPelissero

Percy Harvin repeatedly says he's not happy. Won't say it's the contract but says it "definitely" needs to be resolved before training camp.

Harvin didn't go into depth on the subject Tuesday. On his way back from shoulder surgery, the 24-year-old receiver is under contract with the team for another two seasons, scheduled to make $915,000 in 2012 and $1.55 million in 2014. That's low for a player who produces the way Harvin has over his first three seasons.Coach Leslie Frazier believes Harvin's "issues" with his current deal can be solved by training camp.

"Well, I really feel like when he and I sit down and talk about whatever is on his heart or his mind we'll get through it," Frazier told reporters during his Tuesday news conference.

With the return of running back Adrian Peterson still in question, Harvin figures to be leaned on heavily. The thought of second-year quarterback Christian Ponder taking the field without A.P. or Harvin generates an unpleasant picture for a team without much firepower outside of their these two top performers.

And now he wants out of MN

 

[griff321]

I think I'm going to be sick.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I doubt they trade him, but with the way he ended the year and with his contract, he won't be much higher in value on the trade market. He is my favorite player to watch so I hope they do something to keep him happy.

 

[Herb]

I doubt they trade him, but with the way he ended the year and with his contract, he won't be much higher in value on the trade market. He is my favorite player to watch so I hope they do something to keep him happy.

No way they trade him. He's simply too important to the Vikings plans going forward, IMO.He's being elusive about what the problems are, making it seem like it's about more than his contract. He came out of the game on a lot of snaps last year, Jenkins and Simpson both make more than him, he takes a beating receiving, running and returning, and oh yeah, he's a WR (the look-at-me diva position) with a history of personal volitility. There could be a number of potential issues here...

 

[Biabreakable]

Reading peoples speculation about what Harvin may be unhappy about.

I guess Harvin was only in on 55% of offensive plays for the Vikings in 2011. I am hoping that one of the things he wants to address is this and that he wants to be involved on more plays. Given how dynamic he is I think he should be in on more than that as well. Hopefully this is one of the things bothering him and the coaching staff can appease him by promising he will be involved in more plays. He could be going the opposite direction and be complaining about being involved in too many plays, such as Santonio Holmes was complaining, but I think it is more likely Harvin is asking for more chances to prove his talent and be more involved in the offense.

Harvin may not be happy about something that the Vikings installed during recent OTAs. I wonder if Harvin wants to return kicks still while the Vikings may have indicated that his role would be reduced if Wright or one of the other return capable players the Vikings acquired recently.

Harvin may see too much of an emphasis on 2TE formations which he may see as costing him playing time.

I am thinking this may be mostly about Harvin wanting a pay raise. I am hopeful that the Vikings can offer Harvin enough to change his mind.

 

[nittanylion]

He wants this Ponder nonsense to end, and Joe Webb to be installed as QB.

Just kidding, but my fingers ARE crossed...

...and kidding aside, this has to be sickening for Vikings fans. Hoping things work out for the best, fellas. As much as the Redskins have been an absolute mess over the last decade, I've noticed that not much seems to come easy for you guys, either. Good luck!

 

[Faust]

Percy Harvin hit incentives on 2013 Vikings salary

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has requested a trade, citing "multiple" problems he has with the organization. One of those issues is believed to be his rookie contract, which has two seasons remaining before he's eligible for unrestricted free agency.

As the 22nd overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Harvin signed a five-year contract that had a core value of $11.05 million, with performance and playing-time incentives increasing the maximum value of the contract to $14.25 million.

The fourth-year receiver has already earned $8.905 million of that deal and, with NFL Players Association's base salary database showing base salaries of $915,000 in 2012 and $1.55 million in 2013, he will exceed the base value of the deal (Harvin also has $27,500 workout bonuses available in each of the next two seasons).

In fact, Harvin's 2013 base salary will be even larger than what NFLPA records currently indicate.

According to a source with knowledge of Harvin's contract, the former Florida standout was originally scheduled to earn $1.175 million in base salary in 2013. That figure increased by $350,000 when Harvin caught more than 55 passes as a rookie (he finished with 60 receptions) and another $25,000 when Harvin was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Each season Harvin has with 70 or more receptions triggers a $500,000 increase in his 2013 base salary. With two 70-plus catch seasons (2010, 2011) on his resume, Harvin's base salary will increase to at least $2.55 million in the final season of his rookie contract.

Harvin has an additional $793,750 in base salary escalation available, based on his playing time, receiving production and Pro Bowl selection status this season.

Should Harvin maximize the remaining escalation available, he'll have a base salary of $3,343,750 in 2013, that would bring his earnings (base salary plus workout bonuses) over these next two seasons to $4,313,750. That's still a bargain for the Vikings, who have been reluctant to pay Harvin given their concerns over his ability to remain healthy. If Harvin reports on time and produces at a high level, the team may be inclined to rework his contract next offseason.

It may be also worth noting, the Vikings will have the hammer of the franchise tag on Harvin in 2014. With the salary cap expected to remain flat through the 2015 season, the wide receiver franchise tag for the 2014 season is unofficially projected to be worth $10.062 million.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Looks like my Sundays will be free again this year.

 

[mr roboto]

Why would they trade him? I guess a holdout would be the only reason.

 

[Herb]

Looks like my Sundays will be free again this year.

Cue AE rant about fair weather fandom...

 

[Donnybrook]

I'm disappointed in the way Harvin is handling the situation. The fact that he wants a new contract with 2 years left on his current deal reminds me of Javon Walker. I hope this doesn't derail his career. I think his agent is giving him some bad advice.

Speilman is saying that the Vikings have no interest in trading Harvin but if a bad team was willing to offer a first or more for Harvin I think he should consider it. I just get the feeling that Harvin style of play and attitude makes him a ticking time bomb.

 

[Jobber]

I'm disappointed in the way Harvin is handling the situation. The fact that he wants a new contract with 2 years left on his current deal reminds me of Javon Walker. I hope this doesn't derail his career. I think his agent is giving him some bad advice. Speilman is saying that the Vikings have no interest in trading Harvin but if a bad team was willing to offer a first or more for Harvin I think he should consider it. I just get the feeling that Harvin style of play and attitude makes him a ticking time bomb.

I agree completely. Harvin skipped a mandatory practice today. Time to grant him his wish, and hopefully get something decent out of the deal.

 

[Herb]

I'm disappointed in the way Harvin is handling the situation. The fact that he wants a new contract with 2 years left on his current deal reminds me of Javon Walker. I hope this doesn't derail his career. I think his agent is giving him some bad advice.

Speilman is saying that the Vikings have no interest in trading Harvin but if a bad team was willing to offer a first or more for Harvin I think he should consider it. I just get the feeling that Harvin style of play and attitude makes him a ticking time bomb.

I agree completely. Harvin skipped a mandatory practice today. Time to grant him his wish, and hopefully get something decent out of the deal.

It's not the contractSeems like this is about how he's used in the offense. I'm not going to pretend to know more about football than Frazier or Musgrave, but don't you want one of your two best playmakers on the field more than 56% (or whatever it was) of offensive plays? I like the way they utilize him in so many different looks in order to get him the ball and I get that a small guy who plays with reckless abandon may need to be given breathers against his will. But perhaps there are ways to curtail the punishment he takes while still making him more involved in the offense. For instance: throw the ball to Rudolph, Carlson and Simpson while keeping Harvin on the field...

 

[Heatman]

I'm disappointed in the way Harvin is handling the situation. The fact that he wants a new contract with 2 years left on his current deal reminds me of Javon Walker. I hope this doesn't derail his career. I think his agent is giving him some bad advice.

Speilman is saying that the Vikings have no interest in trading Harvin but if a bad team was willing to offer a first or more for Harvin I think he should consider it. I just get the feeling that Harvin style of play and attitude makes him a ticking time bomb.

I agree completely. Harvin skipped a mandatory practice today. Time to grant him his wish, and hopefully get something decent out of the deal.

It's not the contractSeems like this is about how he's used in the offense. I'm not going to pretend to know more about football than Frazier or Musgrave, but don't you want one of your two best playmakers on the field more than 56% (or whatever it was) of offensive plays? I like the way they utilize him in so many different looks in order to get him the ball and I get that a small guy who plays with reckless abandon may need to be given breathers against his will. But perhaps there are ways to curtail the punishment he takes while still making him more involved in the offense. For instance: throw the ball to Rudolph, Carlson and Simpson while keeping Harvin on the field...

I agree and this is why Frazier should be gone. last year it was more of the "Childress" BS redzone offense. No Harvin OR Peterson most of the time in the redzone. This request from Harvin tells me it's going to be more of the same this year. Why can't these owners figure out they need good coaching to win, no matter what the talent level of the team is.

 

[SWC]

this is sweet revenge for sticking with a jerky like harvin who was trained to by the biggest jerky ever randy moss and brett john edwards part ii filanderer favre and canning chilly the family man because he would not get pushed around by the likes of those desparados from down under so once again like the old swcer says when you stick with chumps and can the good guys you get what you deserve in the end and watch when you do not trade him you just know he is going to have a bunch of waa waa headaches so he can not play and just make it miserable for everyone meanwhile chilly will be somewhere working hard for his family and doing it the right way well all minnesota can do is wish they have him back take that to the bank bass fishin brohans

 

[The Kuhn]

Didn't Harvin have some sort of rib injury for a good chunk of the season last year? It's not like he's been a healthy scratch and that they've had loads of talent at WR jumping in front of him on the depth chart.

As much as I'm not a fan of Musgrave, Harvin can be a difference-maker, but not when he's < 100%; he needs to put a solid healthy season together and then try for the contract (although Mike Wallace shows even that isn't guaranteed based on production).

 

[Biabreakable]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Percy Harvin's absence from minicamp lasted all of one practice. It remains to be seen if the issues that caused it really are in the past.

After a conversation with coach Leslie Frazier, Harvin joined his Minnesota Vikings teammates for the final practice of their mandatory minicamp on Thursday, participating in individual drills and even playing a few snaps during team (11-on-11) periods.

"It's a new day today, and the fact that he was engaged and working to help us win, that's where my focus is," Frazier said. "Just glad that he was participating in what we were doing, and you move forward. You move forward."

Harvin left the field with a Vikings official at his side, smiling, and didn't speak with reporters.

Shortly after, he posted a message on his Twitter page that said he's "really clueless on the crazy reports" sparked by his own statements to the media and hinting that he intends to report on time to training camp in Mankato after all.

"(H)ad great (practice) today," Harvin wrote. "(T)o all my real fans and real (V)ikes fans see u at Mankato. (S)alute."

The saga began after Tuesday's morning walkthrough when Harvin told reporters he's unhappy with several issues and "definitely" won't report to training camp on July 26 unless they're resolved. By the next morning, Harvin had requested a trade.

Both Harvin and the team have kept the reasons for his unhappiness under wraps. Harvin has two years left on his rookie deal and a base salary of only $915,000 for 2012, but an NFL source said on Thursday money isn't the primary issue.

"In Percy's case -- and it's not just Percy, but with Adrian, with a lot of our guys -- I'm going to talk with them about a lot of different things between now and Mankato," Frazier said. "So, it won't be out of the norm, other than the fact that he was absent (Wednesday afternoon). But that should be behind us. We're moving forward."

Like most others in the organization, quarterback Christian Ponder said he was on caught off-guard by Harvin's words on Tuesday but isn't concerned the talented receiver will be a no-show for camp.

"I haven't really thought about it," Ponder said. "I just assume that he'll be here. It's not my job to handle it. The front office will handle it, and they're going to do a great job. We know that Percy's a heck of a player and we like being around him and he's been out here practicing like nothing's wrong. That's what we like to see."

Ponder said the two have even spoken about getting together to throw sometime in the new couple of weeks in Florida, where both spend time in the offseason.

The shoulder Harvin had repaired surgically in April didn't appear to be an issue as he went through drills on Thursday, although Frazier said he had defenders on a strict no-contact order.

"It was good that he had the energy and wanted to get out there, just to see how he felt," Frazier said. "We wanted to make sure that there was nobody contacting him during that period or he didn't fall, and everything went well.

"Now he leaves, going home, feeling confident that things are moving in the right direction, that we feel confident things are moving in the right direction. So, that was really good to see."

Asked if their relationship is still strong, Frazier said, "We still have a good relationship. There will always be things you have to work through. I think that'll always be the case with players and coaches. There's a line there always. But I think we have a good relationship."

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Percy_Harvin_returns_to_Vikings_practice_That_should_be_behind_us062112I hope Frazier and Harvin talked about how they took care of Adrian and they will take care of him too if he keeps his big trap shut. No reason to air this out in the press when Fraziers door is always open.