Minnesota Vikings

Christian Ponder Could Be Odd Man Out for Vikings

Andrew Fisher — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:12:59 +0000

On the surface, it’s certainly unfair to him after only one season, but people are starting to question if Christian Ponder is the future Quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. Even more unfair to Ponder, is that the majority of this, has nothing to do with his on-field performance. These questions are being stirred because of the fact that the Vikings hold the 3rd pick in the draft, and a chance to land Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III.

Last week, the rumors that Minnesota would entertain drafting Luck or Griffin, got some credibility, as Vikings GM Rick Spielman acknowledged it would be under consideration. To that I say, why wouldn’t it be? Sure it’s not what Christian Ponder wants to hear, but beyond that, the Vikings are stupid to not weigh all their options.

There is no question that Ponder showed potential in his first season. The team seemed to respond to him after he took over for Donovan McNabb mid-season. He looked like a rookie Quarterback should, left you smiling at times, and shaking your head at others. It seems clear that given an opportunity over time, that Ponder could be a good NFL Quarterback.

The question then becomes, is good, good enough? Say what you want about Ponder, he is not in the same a class as Andrew Luck or RG3. Maybe over time, he gets to their class, but in the eyes of talent evaluators everywhere, Luck and RG3 are on the next level.

Many Vikings fans want to draft Justin Blackmon, which would give Ponder a clear number one option for years to come. This is definitely a realistic option, and should be under equal consideration. However, the most important position in the NFL is quarterback. Elite QB’s don’t just come around every year. The Vikings have a chance that presents itself to a franchise, maybe once every fifteen years.

At the end of the day, the NFL is a business. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are highly marketable, franchise players. Taking either one, would certainly not be a step back for Minnesota on the field, and it’s a step up, off the field. Nothing is set in stone in Minnesota, and during a rebuild, all options have to be considered. Christian Ponder could hear his name called again this year on Draft day, only this time, it may be because he’s been traded.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

Minnesota Vikings Possible 2012 NFL Free Agent Pickups: Dwayne Bowe

Andrew Fisher — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:46:45 +0000

Dwayne Bowe is arguably the best free agent wide receiver available in 2012, potentially. The Chiefs want him back, but also have to try to make a deal for cornerback Brandon Carr. One or the other will get the franchise tag from KC. Word on the street is that Carr may be more of a priority than Bowe, so this could leave the door open for a team like the Vikings, to make an offer.

Clearly the Vikings are in rebuild mode, but they’re not a team that’s very far from contending to make the playoffs either. Bringing in Dwayne Bowe, automatically puts them in an spot to contend. The pieces are there on offense, with Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, and Kyle Rudolph. With one more weapon, the Vikings can be a force to be reckoned with.

The catch of course, is can you afford to bring in a guy with the talent of Dwayne Bowe? His contract that just ran out, was for 5 years/$ 9 million, which figures to seem tiny when Bowe inks his new deal. Just what price, will be determined primarily by what kind of deals guys like DeSean Jackson, Wes Welker, and Vincent Jackson get.

To give an example, former Viking Sidney Rice signed a 5 year/$41 million dollar deal with Seattle last year. I don’t think there’s any question that Bowe is better than Rice, so who knows what his ceiling will be.

He certainly wishes his free agent year came after the 2010 season, when he scored 15 touchdowns, compared to only 5 in 2011. This definitely gives any interested teams, a little leverage.

At the end of the day, Dwayne Bowe is a guy that instantly takes an offense to the next level. He’s in the prime of his career and is a legitimate number one guy. Regardless of the direction the Vikings decide to take this off-season, Bowe has to be a name that’s at least on the drawing board.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

Thanks to Spotrac.com, NFL.com

Hell Will Remain Warm; Randy Moss Not Returning to Vikings

Andrew Fisher — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:38:16 +0000

Not that it was ever a possibility, but just in case, Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman made it clear Thursday, that Minnesota will not pursue free agent Randy Moss.

Well that’s certainly a relief. I figured it was only a matter of time before number 84 was back in Minnesota, oh wait, no I didn’t. I honestly can’t even believe this is a headline. Did someone drive by the Metrodome and see a sign out front, “Help Wanted: Looking for Has Been, Character Issue, Quitter, Wide Receiver.” Someone alert the press, Moss is heading back to Minnesota!

I suppose this issue had to be addressed at some point. I’m just glad it’s out of the way. For now, I will just sit back and hope the war of words between Cris Carter and Randy Moss continues. Good luck with that Randy...

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Will Adrian Peterson Ever Be the Same? History Says No

Andrew Fisher — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:52:40 +0000

It’s certainly a fair question, will Adrian Peterson ever be the same? Coming off a double tear in his knee, what realistic expectations should Vikings fans have for him in 2012? AP is determined to get back to full strength by week 1, and he actually thinks he will be better than before. Better? I think that’s a little far-fetched, but there is evidence that supports AP, and then there’s other evidence that says, not so much.

If anybody can get better, it’s Peterson, however in 2012, I expect his numbers to decrease. First off, there is no way he can be 100% by week 1. I think he will play, but he’ll only be 8 months out from surgery. Sports medicine is better than ever, but the human body can only recuperate so fast. Even if Peterson plays, he’s not going to get his normal amount of carries, and that alone will hold his numbers down. You’d have to think that the first 3-4 games, he will be on a carry count.

So what does history say about all of this? There have been numerous running backs with ACL tears over the years, and most of them got back on the field. Let’s take a look at numbers from some notable running backs in the years before, and after major knee surgery:

Edgerrin James – Rushing Yards in 2000: 1709 | Rushing Yards in 2002: 989

Jamal Lewis - Rushing Yards in 2000: 1364 | Rushing Yards in 2002: 1327

LaMont Jordan – Rushing Yards in 2005: 1025 | Rushing Yards in 2007: 549

Ronnie Brown - Rushing Yards in 2006: 1008 | Rushing Yards in 2008: 946

Deuce McAllister - Rushing Yards in 2006: 1057 | Rushing Yards in 2008: 418

Cadillac Williams - Rushing Yards in 2006: 798 | Rushing Yards in 2008 : 233

As you can see, some guys get close, but it’s very rare to get back to your prior numbers, let alone beat them. AP’s statement that he will be better, post-injury, is very admirable, but not realistic. If he is able to pull it off, I chalk it up to him being extremely mentally and physically tough, and to a tremendous competitive fire.

I want him to be the same, and what a story it would be if he did get better, I just don’t see it happening. History shows that it’s very challenging to come back from ACL surgery, let alone ACL and MCL surgery. At this time, if I’m placing a bet on whether Peterson’s numbers increase in 2012, I bet against it. I think the smart money is that he takes a step back, because you bet with your brain, not your heart.

If any running back can change history, its Adrian Peterson. Even with the injury, I still consider him the best running back in the NFL. He’s the best until someone shows me different, and with a great season in 2012, AP would really solidify himself as one of the all-time greats.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

Thanks to Footballdocs.com

Percy Harvin Cannot Be Vikings No.1 Wideout in 2012

Andrew Fisher — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:32:33 +0000

Roles within the Vikings will certainly be reassigned in 2012. A rebuilding process is a great time for veteran guys to really establish their roles with the team. Now while Percy Harvin is not a veteran, he will be going into his fourth season in Minnesota, a season where he needs to move back to the slot and become the most talented utility player in the league.

If you just look at the numbers, they show that he had his best year in 2011, when he primarily was lined up on the outside. Harvin caught 87 balls, for 967 yards, and 6 TD’s, for a very solid season. However, I feel these numbers are inflated, due to the lack of other talented wide receivers around him.

The reality is that Harvin just doesn’t fit the mold for a No. 1 or 2 wide out. He’s best served to line up in the slot, move around, and use his speed to create match up problems. Let’s not forget the fact that Percy is also a very solid return man, and fewer reps at wide out will help him stay fresh for Special teams.

It’s not that I don’t think Harvin is talented enough to line up on the outside every down. My point is that you have to maximize a players’ strengths, and Harvin fits best into a utility role with the Vikings. This is a guy who ran for 345 yards and 2 TD’s, while he was the best receiver on the roster in 2011.

No offense to Percy, but he shouldn’t be the best receiver on anyone’s roster. Harvin has to be what he is, a dynamic, game changing, X factor, that can blow a game open with one touch of the ball. He is that guy, he’s not the guy that you throw to 15 times a game, and that’s okay.

I hope this doesn’t come across as ripping on Percy Harvin. I’m just calling things as I see them, and with an objective viewpoint, you have to see he’s not No. 1 wide out material. Unquestionably, Harvin is one of the most fun players to watch in the league when he gets the ball. If the Vikings do what they should, and bring in at least 2 new quality receivers to help him out, there should be no problem redefining Percy Harvin’s role in 2012. He’s got the potential to be the best in the league at what he does, making plays.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

Thanks to NFL.com

NFL Hall of Fame Snub of Cris Carter is Ridiculous

Andrew Fisher — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:49:21 +0000

This certainly wasn’t the piece I thought I’d be writing about Cris Carter in February. Last month I wrote that I didn’t think there was anyway they’d hold him out this year, and I was dead wrong. Carter along with Tim Brown and Bill Parcells, took the cake for biggest Hall of Fame snubs in 2012.

At this point, I just don’t see why CC is being denied. It almost seems as if the voters just don’t like him, and are going making him wait. There’s no way that Carter doesn’t get in at some point, but he’s got to be very upset, after it finally seemed like this was his year.

Former Viking teammate Chris Doleman got his nod this year, and you have to wonder if the voters didn’t want to induct two Vikings in the same year? I don’t know if that’s something looked at or not, but voters are goofy, and they will hold out players for any reason. Some are speculating that Parcells was held out due to his ‘not so good’ relationship with the media, because they do ultimately have the final say on who gets to Canton.

Curtis Martin was this year’s ‘headliner’ and while he was a very good player, I just never saw him as being in the same league as Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders. I suppose you can make an argument that Martin is a top 5 back all-time, but you can definitely can make an argument against it. With Cris Carter, I think it’s tougher to argue that he’s not a top 5 receiver. Either way, Martin and Carter are in the same league, and if Martin’s in, why not CC?

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Vikings Chris Doleman Elected to 2012 NFL Hall of Fame

Andrew Fisher — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:56:28 +0000

After being a finalist a year ago, former Vikings Defensive End Chris Doleman, has finally taken his rightful place in Canton, OH. He joins fellow inductees; Curtis Martin, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and Jack Butler, as the NFL Hall of Fame class of 2012.

Chris Doleman is fourth on the all-time career sack list with 150.5, trailing only, Kevin Greene (160), Reggie White (198), and Bruce Smith (200). He spent 10 seasons in Minnesota, and is second on the franchise single season sack list, recording 21 in 1989. Doleman was an 8 time Pro Bowler and a 2 time first team All-Pro, playing for the Falcons, 49ers, and Vikings. There is no doubt after you take a look at his numbers, that he belongs in the Hall.

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Thanks to pro-football-reference.com

$1 Million Dollars to Change Jersey Number; Adrian Peterson Says No

Andrew Fisher — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:46:10 +0000

So apparently Adrian Peterson has been thinking of changing his jersey number from 28 to 23, but a “little” problem came up, and the switch is off. After learning of the hefty price tag of $1,000,000 to switch, Peterson changed his mind. At this point it’s not exactly clear who is responsible for the ruling, the jersey producer or the NFL, it may be a combination of both. Regardless, whoever it is, would force Peterson to buy all the remaining #28 jerseys, which apparently cost a cool mil. AP didn’t quite agree with the price tag and took to Twitter with some great tweets to share his feelings on the ruling:

Pay a mill to change number or keep the mill n continue to wear 28?! That's a easy one... Hell 28 it is!!! Lol

February 1, 2012 11:54 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@AdrianPeterson

Adrian Peterson

#1 I'm in the top jersey sales! # 2 I see maybe 10,000 from those sales#3 I get paid under 1million a year#4 but I oder to change MY number

February 1, 2012 11:49 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@AdrianPeterson

Adrian Peterson

I have to pay a Million Bucks! Somebody's winning in that situation & ITs not me! So clearly with that said I won't be changing my number

February 1, 2012 11:51 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@AdrianPeterson

Adrian Peterson

Props to AP for calling them out on this one. I certainly agree that there should be a fee for switching numbers, but asking for a ridiculous amount just seems petty. Does the NFL not realize they would probably sell more AP jerseys next year with the new number?

How did things work out for Lebron James who switched to #6 last season? Oh, he just lead the league in sales, no big deal. Now obviously James also switched teams, which I’m sure had something to do with the sales, but there is no way an AP #23 jersey would sell less than the current #28.

Personally, I like the #28 for AP and I’m glad that he’s not switching, but from a business standpoint, I’ll have to disagree.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

Minnesota Vikings Possible 2012 NFL Free Agent Pickups: CB Tracy Porter

Andrew Fisher — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:01:15 +0000

Tracy Porter is another guy available for teams looking to bolster their secondary in 2012, the Minnesota Vikings happen to be one of those teams.

Porter is coming off of his fourth NFL season, and 2011 was a decent one for him, recording 52 tackles and 1 interception. Since he started getting regular playing time in 2009, Porter has always hovered right around these numbers. He’s certainly not a guy who jumps off the page at you, but he has shown potential in his young career to maybe become a Pro Bowler.

Porter’s previous contract was for 4 years/ $4,200,000, so he’s not that expensive of a pickup. His new contract should be for a much more sizable amount of money, but it shouldn’t get too crazy. Porter’s most notable claim to fame came in Super Bowl 44, when he picked off Peyton Manning late to seal the win for the Saints. He could definitely use this for some leverage when signing a new deal.

At this time it’s not clear if Porter wants out of New Orleans, or if they want him back. All I know is that he’s a good free agent cornerback, something the Vikings need badly.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish

Thanks to NFL.com, Spotrac.com

Update: Vikings RB Toby Gerhart MCL Rehab

Andrew Fisher — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:33:08 +0000

Well if you’re a Vikings fan, you’re looking for any good news you can get these days. Believe it or not I found some, CBS Sports is reporting that Toby Gerhart’s torn MCL will not require surgery. It appears as if rest and rehab will be enough to heal the injury.

One would have to think that with an entire off-season and by not going under the knife, that Gerhart will be at 100% Week One for the Vikings. I would even bet that he could have make it back in 4-6 weeks if this happened in the middle of the regular season. There is no such thing as a good knee ligament tear, but I would call this one, not so bad after all.

The Vikings will be counting on Gerhart more than ever in 2012. With Adrian Peterson coming of an ACL and MCL tear, there is no way he will get his normal amount of carries in the first few games in 2012. These carries will go to Gerhart and he better make the most of them. This will be Gerhart’s 3rd season in Minnesota and he needs to prove his worth. Running backs are a dime a dozen and there are plenty of other guy’s capable of backing up Peterson.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish