Minnesota Vikings—Indiannapolis Colts: Advantage Sage Rosenfels

If the supposed battle for the starting job for the Vikings was a close call, it’s not anymore. The Vikings had a showdown with the AFC powerhouse Colts on Friday in their first preseason game of the year.

Sage began the game on a 72-yard drive that ended in Chester Taylor’s 5-yard gallop for a touchdown. Sage went 5-for-5 for 42 yards and even added a 5-yard run into it.

Sage would only play the two opening series for the Vikings, both of which ended in points. Rosenfels ended the night 10-for-13 for 91 yards, having completed 76.9 percent of his passes, and not giving up one pick.

Tarvaris Jackson, however, only completed 7 of his 15 passes for a mere 39-yards and despite three rushing attempts, finished with no yardage.

Although neither were sacked, it should be pointed out that neither player got significant time in. This game will only prove to be one small piece of the overall competition.

Jared Allen, Fred Evans, and Ray Edwards also opened their first defensive series on Peyton Manning with three sacks.

Minnesota Vikings: 2010 Draft—Franchise Quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings have yet to take a snap into the 2009 season, but it’s quite clear that many have written off success in their 2009 season based on the quarterback situation between veteran career backup Sage Rosenfels and incumbent Tarvaris Jackson.

However, the Vikings may only be a contender for a few of the following years, and will need to fill their biggest position if they ever hope to achieve the Super Bowl title that has eluded them.

Tarvaris Jackson is progressing, but unless he becomes the quarterback of the future over night, T-Jack will be testing free agency next year, as his current contract expires after 2009.

Sage Rosenfels, acquired from the Houston Texans for the Vikings 2009 fourth-round draft pick, has been given the nod from most critics concerning the current quarterback situation. The problem, though, will be once 2009 is done.

Let’s say the Vikings fall short again and get stranded in wild card or divisional round of the playoffs, and find themselves in the same spot they did after the 2008 season. What then? Chances are, with that said, Brad Childress will find himself out of a job.

After a change in coaching, what next? Try their hand at grabbing old hall of fame quarterbacks like Brett Favre again, and try to put a band-aid on an issue that’s equivalent to a broken arm?

The Vikings have needed a long-term quarterback since the Culpepper era. This much is certain. The Vikings have their best legitimate chance in 2010 draft.

Now, the Vikings aren’t going to flop with a 4-12 record. They will definitely be a contender in a competitive NFC North. Over .500 is almost a gimmie.

On that note, they will most likely be in the bottom half of the first round in the draft, most likely around the 22nd or later.

At that point in the draft, the Vikings have few options at quarterback. The 2010 draft does feature the likelyhood of three top-notch quarterbacks ready to possibly come in and start. All three of the said quarterbacks were Heisman finalists, but will likely go in the first five picks.

The three quarterbacks in question are Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt McCoy (Texas), and Tim Tebow (Florida).

Sam Bradford is the 2008 Heismen trophy winner and current senior at University of Oklahoma. Coming from a pro-style offense in Oklahoma, his stock places him squarely in position to be the top quarterback, if not the top pick, of the 2010 draft. There is no question that Bradford will be an immediate starter in the NFL.

Colt McCoy is a 2008 Heisman finalist, and currently a junior and starting quarterback at the University of Texas in a highly competitive Big 12 conference.

Colt also has the benefit of coming from a pro-style offense, but has unfortunately a blemish from his freshmen year of throwing the ball up for grabs a lot, but seemed to tame his throw in the 2008 year as a sophomore.

He should go as a top 10 pick—maybe 15—but his pro-style will make him highly coveted to middle-round teams.

That leaves us with Tim Tebow—2007 Heisman winner, 2008 Heisman finalist, team leader of two straight national championships, and incoming senior to the University of Florida.

Tebow’s currently holds many of college football’s passing and quarterback rushing records, making him an interesting duel-threat quarterback.

The problem is that in the NFL he wouldn’t fit into the schemes of pro football, and likely would be grabbed early because of his passing records and ability to play in the clutch.

However, the University of Florida is trying to incorporate pro-style plays into it’s playbook this upcoming season, which should only help Tebow’s positioning.

The Vikings could probably take a swipe at Tebow, and he’ll probably fall to that 20th pick plateau…but will be risky pick. His questionable arm strength will not keep defenses from stacking the box on Adrian Peterson.

On that note, Tebow’s dual-threat ability would make a dangerous combo with Adrian Peterson, and would prove a good combo with former teammate Percy Harvin—who he has great chemistry with.

To grab Bradford would be a miracle, but he is the best option for an immediate impact. The Vikings would have to trade multiple draft picks, a playmaker, or both to get him.

None seem like good ideas with how talented the 2010 draft is shaping to be overall. However, the Vikings will be in the best condition they’ve been in for years, which would make it the best time to trade up.

McCoy would be the happy medium for the Vikings. Drafting him wouldn’t require an arm or a leg, and they would be getting a fine quarterback in return.

McCoy’s freshmen year looks daring, but it could be nothing but a fluke if he comes out and performs well in 2009.

On top of that, McCoy is also known for having decent speed, and could be nice cross between Tebow and Bradford. The problem is that McCoy has no hardware (awards).

Of course, Sage Rosenfels could prove to be the quarterback of the future for the Vikings and lead them to a playoff berth and the franchise’s first Super Bowl.

Or Tarvaris Jackson could finally be the quarterback he was meant to be…

Then again, the Vikings better be planning, just in case…

If Sage Rosenfels Falters, so Will the Minnesota Vikings

The 2009 offseason could have been highlighted by one the biggest additions in recent history of the franchise. Instead the Vikings have let the most hot air out of their fanbase since they joined the NFL in 1961.

After failing to sign Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Vikings then let two of the bigger veterans on the squad leave to free agency in Pro Bowl center Matt Birk and Pro Bowl safety Darren Sharper.

THEN, the Vikings, just when they couldn’t let their fans down any lower, had an opportunity to sign arguably the most decorated quarterback in the history of the league…and worse still, had him in the palm of their hand and let him go.

To make things even more interesting, Tarvaris Jackson has a sprained MCL. Although Brad Childress won’t admit it, his confidence in Jackson is wavering, and Sage Rosenfels is all but securing his role as the starter.

With all that said, the Vikings are literally only Sage away from near disaster. If something happens, the Vikings can almost kiss any chance of playoff return (forget Super Bowl run) goodbye.

Then again, John David Booty remains untapped and could prove to be worth a gamble.

The roster (with the exception of the quarterback position) seems very clear at this point.

With Aundrae Allison now free to sign with any team he pleases after his recent release, the wide receiver depth is beginning to take shape.

Bernard Berrian has his role solidified, Percy Harvin is proving to be just as versatile as advertised, Sidney Rice is showing great improvement in camp, and Bobby Wade is reliable as always.

There still is a small voice that Marvin Harrison is still in contact with the Vikings front office, but like Brett Favre, we’ll believe it when we see it.

The offensive line is still a bit dry. John Sullivan is currently etched in as the starting center with Ryan Cook as the only reasonable backup. Anthony Herrera is proving solid and could be the surprise in 2009 if the running game can flourish on the right side of the line.

Phil Loadholt will be interesting. His transition to the right side may prove to be a bit of a slide, but he may prove to be worth the grab.

Steve Hutchinson should be the pro guard everyone knows him as, and Bryant McKinnie could finally break through as a Pro Bowl tackle if he can keep his garbage off the field.

 

The Big Questions still left…

Will the Vikings sign a veteran later into camp as price tags begin to fall, or will they be content with what they have?

If Childress is as desperate as he’s appeared this offseason, then all signs point to yes.

 

Will the Vikings find help for second-year safety Tyrell Johnson or baptise him under fire in 2009?

Much like the last question, if Childress wants to keep his job. Tyrell appears to be transitioning to the NFL quite smoothly, but some veteran insurance wouldn’t be a bad idea.

 

Michael Vick anyone?

Considering that T-Jack already has the same elements as Vick, it makes little sense to replace a running quarterback with another, especially one with a colorful background.

 

*Money Question* Should the Vikings cancel training camp for a day and send the whole team to Hattiesburg, Miss., and publicly beg Brett Favre on his front lawn to come back?

It’s a funny thought to imagine nearly a hundred football players on their knees begging Favre to come back and lead them. Then again, knowing Zygi Wilf’s and Childress’ egos, they wouldn’t even dream of the thought, but it still is an interesting thought.

Marvin Harrison Eyes Minnesota Vikings as Brett Favre Signing Draws Near

Brett Favre signing day seems to be coming up on us. We all know it. Favre has surgery, Favre gets a trainer from the Vikings to work with him, Favre buys a house in the Twin Cities—we all see where the road leads.

One thing that remains is the issue of when. When will Favre make the leap and become part of the team that he spent almost half of his natural life as their enemy? Not too long now, that much is certain.

The Vikings will likely make the signing public in the coming weeks, as Vikings single-game tickets for the 2009 season go on sale July 20. With that said, July 12-14 seems the likeliest time for the Vikings to bring the news out.

July 3 would have seemed ideal, with most of the media at home with their families for Independence Day, but the Vikings had to push things back with regards for ticket selling.

Then again, what if there was another reason the Vikings were pushing things back? Maybe some other big news that has been cooking for some time is ready to come forward.

It has been known through the St. Paul Pioneer Press‘ website www.twincities.com on June 25 (from Charley Walters) that Marvin Harrison has been in contact with the Vikings front office.

With that said, maybe Minnesota is trying to wrap both Favre and Harrison in one fell swoop in order to have, potentially, one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the NFL.

With Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin already sure fits, Harrison would round out the top three receivers and make Minnesota’s receiving corps scary. Adrian Peterson would have even more ability to run with defenses afraid to play up with the likes of Favre and Harrison alone on the Vikings offense.

Of course, with that said, the Vikings’ position battles for wideout would become a bit more clouded. Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade would be battling for the fourth and fifth spots on the depth chart. With Harrison’s injury-prone nature, they may see more time, but not the time they were accustomed to 2007 or 2008.

Aundrae Allison would most likely find himself out of a job, and Jaymar Johnson, the Vikings’ sixth-round pick in 2008 who spent last year on the practice squad, would be stuck waiting in line for another season on the practice squad.

The Vikings are looking for a “one-year, low-end” deal. The deal has much less risk than the Favre deal. Harrison is obviously not a top-notch, go-to guy anymore. With that said, he’d be most likely the No. 3 receiver and would probably be a possession receiver.

There’s little risk with this deal—a couple million just to see if a legend still has something left in the tank isn’t much to risk to see if he’s still “for real.” Besides, the younger receivers like Johnson, Rice, and even Wade could use the insight of one of the better receivers to ever play the game.

All the same, the Cowboys have also expressed interest in the 12-year veteran receiver. Although Tony Romo would be a great QB to catch passes from, the Vikings are going for a one-hit wonder and trying have the best all-around team.

Harrison has caught 1,102 passes for 14,580 yards and 128 touchdowns in his 12-year career.

With Brett Favre All but a Minnesota Viking, Can They Follow Him?

Very often these days, many people overlook the chemistry necessary for a team to coexist and function. Super Bowl teams make or break not in Week Seven or Eight, but in training camp where the unity of a team is formed.

The Vikings are likely headed into its biggest season of the new millennium. The team features Adrian Peterson, potentially the most dangerous running back since Eric Dickerson, and Bernard Berrian, one of the most up-and-rising receivers in the past few years. Toss in a Hall of Fame quarterback and on paper this offense has the potential to be the most explosive team in the league.

Although, the biggest battle this team will face is being able to not only play consistently against big name teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh, but to be able to follow a leader that has spent almost half of his natural life defying them. On top of that, other players have already made their opinions known on what they think of the Favre (to-be) signing.

Deep-threat receiver Bernard Berrian made his immediate interest well known. Rookie Percy Harvin endorsed Favre, being a long-time fan.

Defensive end phenom Jared Allen even said that it would be an honor to play on the same team as Favre. Purple Jesus (Adrian Peterson) himself has rolled out the welcome mat.

However, players like linebacker Chad Greenway might have a little different perspective and could create a drama-filled training camp as players take “sides.” Greenway made public his mistrust for Favre, considering his 16 years of service to the Vikings cross-border rival, the Green Bay Packers. Greenway also cited Favre’s disposition which has been wavering on-off for about four years now.

Now, suppose that Greenway isn’t the only player with these views. Suppose a divide occurs. With such a divide, could Minnesota possibly be its own worst enemy?

Although not many are considering this, it would prudent to say it isn’t going to happen in some fashion. With that said, what can we expect heading into camp?

Civil war? Chaos? Or will the Vikings come together like they’ve been known to as a “land of the misfit players” that somehow find success in purple?

Only July will tell.

Brett Favre: What Will the Off-Season look like when he is truly gone?

Around the months of March through June, the NFL offseason goes through a hiatus of sorts. It’s a natural occurrence this time of year, and usually forces us football fans to span out and watch baseball, or observe the NBA and NHL drafts.

However, the past two seasons, NFL fans have been spoiled by the Brett Favre saga.

It has kept football fans with a strong grapple on the pulse of the NFL due to Favre’s “comebacks.” Implications of him coming back have changed team’s outlooks on the season and fan’s expectations of teams.

In 2008, the Jets came in with “playoffs or bust” expectations. Ironically enough, the Vikings of 2009 are in a “Super Bowl or bust” mode. With this set as the highest risk for both parties involved (Favre and the Vikings), there is no higher reason why he would want to return again…then again, we’ve all heard this song before.

But fortunately, science has taught us that players can only play so long before they literally will have nothing left in their bodies, and break down. In that sense, unless this surgery that Favre had on his arm makes it permanently immune to pain or exhaustion, 2009 will be his last year in the NFL.

With all joking aside, Favre has been a big influence on how the NFL offseason flows. Without Favre, the offseason is lifeless from draft to camp.

With that said, what will become of the period of time from March until July?

Terrell Owens is one of the more likely candidates to fulfill this role with age and persona. He also has the whole “crying during press conferences” down. However, without an NFL career record that automatically fulfills his role for the Hall of Fame, he won’t be as lucky to sign with many teams if Buffalo doesn’t work out.

Otherwise, the Michael Vick story may produce some steam. But like Owens, Vick comes with baggage and a personality of sorts. He could easily fill the role…if someone signs him first…and THEN he proves he’s still “got it.”

There’s Pacman Jones. Although, like Vick, someone will have to hire him first. But, his personality seems to make the biggest splash. It doesn’t help that his past sends a clear image of what their getting when a team signs him. Heck, Jerry Jones wouldn’t even put up with it in Dallas and he let Owens play there for three seasons.

Favre’s situation has seen imminent moves of late. Favre had surgery last month to help with his pain from his partially torn tendon in his throwing shoulder. The Vikings then recently sent a trainer down to evaluate Favre and his progress.

Favre has also had reports of purchasing hotel accommodations for his family in the Green Bay area the weekend the Vikings play at Lambeau. It’s also been reported the Brett purchased a house in Eden Prarie, Minnesota.

On top of all that, it’s been reported through WCCO, a local Minnesota radio/television station, that the Minnesota Vikings have ordered “Favre No. 4″ jerseys.

As such, it’s been assumed and reported through anonymous sources (I personally wonder who these “sources” are) that the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre have reached an agreement of terms in contract negotiations, despite Favre’s agent “Bus” Cook denying all rumors.

The rumors have also stretched to the point that it is assumed the Vikings already has Favre under an $8-to-10 million deal for the 2009 season. However, I’m not willing to bite on any of these lines that the media hands out until I see the press conference myself.

The madness is somehow intoxicating and frustrating, but what would we be doing otherwise? Watching a baseball team in interleague play? Watching the Stanley Cup playoffs? (actually wait…scratch that)

For crying out loud, the only other highlights we get from football this time of year are comments from retired players about how our generation has plummeted. For that, I believe the NFL should send Favre a card to express their gratitude for all the attention in their quietest moments of the year.

Then again…NFLPA contract hasn’t been done yet…he could still back out… then again…yeah right…

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