It seems I'm all about writing posts on players who aren't Vikings this month, so I'll stick with theme for at least another day.
Here's a good piece by Andy Benoit on the Donovan McNabb situation.
He thinks the Eagles have blown it, while I think the Vikings are being a bit thick in (apparently) showing no interest in trading for him.
I'll keep pining for McNabb, though, even when I know he's going to end up in somewhere besides Minnesota.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
This could work out, right?
I mean, the Oakland Raiders are the kind of franchise that would trade for Donovan McNabb without a guarantee that McNabb signs an extension with them, right?
And there's no way McNabb would sign an extension with the Raiders anyway when they seem so far away from contention, right?
So this still could turn out well for the Vikings even if they don't get McNabb this year.
Here is how it will work.
1. McNabb is traded to the Raiders, but refuses to sign an extension and becomes a free agent after the 2010 season.
2. Brett Favre comes back in 2010 and plays brilliantly, leads the Vikings to the Super Bowl and then retires.
3. In the 2011 offseason, the Super Bowl champs sign McNabb to a four-year deal, solidifying their quarterback position.
4. And all the while they keep their high draft picks in 2010 and 2011 to build for the future (and maybe find an eventual successor for McNabb) and help keep the team ultra-competitive while McNabb is around.
I'm dreaming here. But it's okay to dream.
And there's no way McNabb would sign an extension with the Raiders anyway when they seem so far away from contention, right?
So this still could turn out well for the Vikings even if they don't get McNabb this year.
Here is how it will work.
1. McNabb is traded to the Raiders, but refuses to sign an extension and becomes a free agent after the 2010 season.
2. Brett Favre comes back in 2010 and plays brilliantly, leads the Vikings to the Super Bowl and then retires.
3. In the 2011 offseason, the Super Bowl champs sign McNabb to a four-year deal, solidifying their quarterback position.
4. And all the while they keep their high draft picks in 2010 and 2011 to build for the future (and maybe find an eventual successor for McNabb) and help keep the team ultra-competitive while McNabb is around.
I'm dreaming here. But it's okay to dream.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Eagles thinking long-term, Vikings, not-so-much
The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the best-run – perhaps THE best run – NFL franchises since 1999.
One of the reasons they've been so successful is they don't let sentiment get in the way of business decisions. They know the NFL is a game for the young. So no matter how decorated the Eagles player (Hugh Douglas, Tre Thomas, Duce Staley, Brian Dawkins), the Eagles don't let past performance get in the way of moving on with the youth movement.
So while many football fans might not understand the Eagles alleged interest in trading Donovan McNabb, the rumors are consistent with how the Eagles have operated since 1999. McNabb will be 34 in November and is in the last year of his contract. Meanwhile backup Kevin Kolb will turn 26 in August.
The Eagles have done the math. It appears they think Kolb can play and realize Kolb has a decade of football ahead of him, while McNabb probably has four years of football ahead of him. And with that math staring them down, the Eagles are looking to trade McNabb now while they can still get some value for him and use that value (perhaps even a first round draft pick) to help them build the team's roster for the future.
As for the Vikings, it looks they haven't done the math, or at least are ignoring the math out of loyalty to Brett Favre.
This isn't surprising. Favre was sensational last year and was by all reports well-liked by his new teammates. If Favre has decided to come back, but just isn't telling anyone so he can improve the optics of wanting to skip training camp, the Vikings are happy to play along if it keeps him fresh and results in another year like Favre had in 2009.
But if this is the Vikings plan, I don't think it's the right thing to do for the Vikings team, or Vikings fans, long-term.
We all know Favre turns 41 in October and if he comes back it's for one year only. McNabb is getting up there in age as well, but as mentioned earlier, he's still probably got four years of very good play left in him.
So what's better for the long-term success of the Vikings? One year of Favre or four years of McNabb? Don't know about you, but I'll take four years over one.
If the Eagles are willing to explore trading McNabb for a top 42 pick in this year's draft, the Vikings should be pursuing this opportunity with gusto. McNabb represents more potential years of quality play at quarterback than Favre and, thus, more opportunities to contend for a Super Bowl.
If the Vikings don't pursue McNabb now and let someone else get him because Favre was coming back in 2010, they'll regret it later. And they'll regret it because McNabb will be playing quarterback for somebody else while this guy is playing quarterback for us.
One of the reasons they've been so successful is they don't let sentiment get in the way of business decisions. They know the NFL is a game for the young. So no matter how decorated the Eagles player (Hugh Douglas, Tre Thomas, Duce Staley, Brian Dawkins), the Eagles don't let past performance get in the way of moving on with the youth movement.
So while many football fans might not understand the Eagles alleged interest in trading Donovan McNabb, the rumors are consistent with how the Eagles have operated since 1999. McNabb will be 34 in November and is in the last year of his contract. Meanwhile backup Kevin Kolb will turn 26 in August.
The Eagles have done the math. It appears they think Kolb can play and realize Kolb has a decade of football ahead of him, while McNabb probably has four years of football ahead of him. And with that math staring them down, the Eagles are looking to trade McNabb now while they can still get some value for him and use that value (perhaps even a first round draft pick) to help them build the team's roster for the future.
As for the Vikings, it looks they haven't done the math, or at least are ignoring the math out of loyalty to Brett Favre.
This isn't surprising. Favre was sensational last year and was by all reports well-liked by his new teammates. If Favre has decided to come back, but just isn't telling anyone so he can improve the optics of wanting to skip training camp, the Vikings are happy to play along if it keeps him fresh and results in another year like Favre had in 2009.
But if this is the Vikings plan, I don't think it's the right thing to do for the Vikings team, or Vikings fans, long-term.
We all know Favre turns 41 in October and if he comes back it's for one year only. McNabb is getting up there in age as well, but as mentioned earlier, he's still probably got four years of very good play left in him.
So what's better for the long-term success of the Vikings? One year of Favre or four years of McNabb? Don't know about you, but I'll take four years over one.
If the Eagles are willing to explore trading McNabb for a top 42 pick in this year's draft, the Vikings should be pursuing this opportunity with gusto. McNabb represents more potential years of quality play at quarterback than Favre and, thus, more opportunities to contend for a Super Bowl.
If the Vikings don't pursue McNabb now and let someone else get him because Favre was coming back in 2010, they'll regret it later. And they'll regret it because McNabb will be playing quarterback for somebody else while this guy is playing quarterback for us.
Monday, March 22, 2010
One last thought about that Tomlinson guy
I just returned to my home in the Northwest Territories on Sunday after two weeks vacationing in San Diego, and because there's not much else going on with the Vikings, I figured I'd make one last short post about the Vikings failed pursuit of LaDainian Tomlinson.
My two weeks in San Diego (which, by the way, is a great place, although not as warm as I expected it would be in March. Next year the family will be going to Cuba) happened to coincide with Tomlinson being courted by the Vikings and the New York Jets.
The Jets got Tomlinson, but during the whole negotiating period, I didn't read much angst about Tomlinson leaving the Chargers. I didn't hear anybody in San Diego talking about it. I didn't see many people wearing Tomlinson paraphernalia. There was nothing, really, that signalled anybody in San Diego cared that Tomlinson wasn't going to be a Charger anymore.
Considering Tomlinson was the Chargers most recognizable, bankable star for about a decade, when the fans of the city he played in don't even bother to shrug their shoulders as he signs with another team, I think that says a lot about how much Tomlinson has left in his tank. We should be thanking the Jets for saving the Vikings a valuable roster spot.
However, I hope this isn't how it ends for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. But it probably will.
My two weeks in San Diego (which, by the way, is a great place, although not as warm as I expected it would be in March. Next year the family will be going to Cuba) happened to coincide with Tomlinson being courted by the Vikings and the New York Jets.
The Jets got Tomlinson, but during the whole negotiating period, I didn't read much angst about Tomlinson leaving the Chargers. I didn't hear anybody in San Diego talking about it. I didn't see many people wearing Tomlinson paraphernalia. There was nothing, really, that signalled anybody in San Diego cared that Tomlinson wasn't going to be a Charger anymore.
Considering Tomlinson was the Chargers most recognizable, bankable star for about a decade, when the fans of the city he played in don't even bother to shrug their shoulders as he signs with another team, I think that says a lot about how much Tomlinson has left in his tank. We should be thanking the Jets for saving the Vikings a valuable roster spot.
However, I hope this isn't how it ends for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. But it probably will.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
They have him
LaDainian Tomlinson has signed with the Jets, and as ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes – so what?
As my previous post indicated, Tomlinson's numbers the past two seasons scream "Stay Away!" in bold letters.
Of course, that still leaves the question unanswered as to who will get those 8.8 touches per game that Chester Taylor averaged over the past two seasons. But I think six months from now, we'll view Tomlinson's signing with the Jets as a blessing for the Vikings, just like T.J. Houshmandzadeh's signing with Seattle was a blessing.
It's going to give a younger, better player with fresh legs a chance to emerge and become a significant contributor – whether that's someone already on the Vikes roster (Albert Young or Ian Johnson) or someone they are going to draft.
As my previous post indicated, Tomlinson's numbers the past two seasons scream "Stay Away!" in bold letters.
Of course, that still leaves the question unanswered as to who will get those 8.8 touches per game that Chester Taylor averaged over the past two seasons. But I think six months from now, we'll view Tomlinson's signing with the Jets as a blessing for the Vikings, just like T.J. Houshmandzadeh's signing with Seattle was a blessing.
It's going to give a younger, better player with fresh legs a chance to emerge and become a significant contributor – whether that's someone already on the Vikes roster (Albert Young or Ian Johnson) or someone they are going to draft.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
They can have him
One of the things I crave during football's long offseason is real activity from the Vikings.
I don't mean OTAs. I don't mean stories speculating about how much a Viking player is going to improve. And I don't mean a player publicly setting unrealistic goals for himself.
What I'm looking for is news where the Vikings have acquired a player or drafted a player or added a new coach to the staff. I want tangible results that make me feel the Vikings are getting better.
That craving is what makes me check website after website during the free agency period to get the latest information on any player the Vikings are pursuing – even if that player probably won't make the Vikings better in 2010.
Which brings us to the Vikings pursuit of LaDainian Tomlinson, who at this point in his career probably doesn't bring anything other than name recognition to anyone he plays for.
Traditional rushing statistics show Tomlinson's total rushing yards, yards per carry average, and total number of runs of 20 yards or more have gone steadily downward since 2007.
Non-traditional stats, like those used by Football Outsiders also aren't encouraging when it comes to Tomlinson.
Of the 50 NFL running backs with at least 100 carries in 2009, FO ranked Tomlinson 42nd.
FO's receiving stats also show some depressing data considering Tomlinson would likely be a third-down back for the Vikes, taking playing time away from Adrian Peterson – a player who isn't considered a strong receiver or pass blocker at this stage in his career.
However, the website ranks Peterson 9th among 51 running backs with at least 25 passes thrown their way in 2009. I'd say that's pretty good. As for Tomlinson's ranking as a receiver – not so good. He's ranked last. So I hope Tomlinson's pass blocking is outstanding.
I know it doesn't sound right to say that Albert Young or Ian Johnson have more to offer the Vikings in 2010 than Tomlinson, but based on Tomlinson's performance the past two seasons, that is what I believe.
I look forward to him signing with the New York Jets.
The Vikings defensive line
The Vikings have re-signed reserve defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy.
I once read a comment on a football website talking about being wary of the large defensive tackle who suddenly gives effort (usually in a contract year.)
That seems to fit Kennedy, who got himself in shape last year for probably the first time in his career and ended up having a pretty good year with limited snaps.
Still, I think this is a good signing by the Vikings. It isn't for big money and if Kennedy doesn't play well, the Vikings can give his snaps to somebody else with minimal effect on their payroll down the road.
Of more importance for the Vikings defensive success in 2010 are the rumors that Ray Edwards is going to get signed to an offer sheet by an NFL team other than the Vikings.
I've been a fan of Edwards for two seasons now and losing him would not please me.
On the other hand, if the extra first round pick the Vikings gained from another team signing away Edwards allowed them to make a trade for a quarterback who could be the team's long-term starter, that would take the sting out of it for me.
I just don't think that long-term starter is available in the upcoming draft.
I don't mean OTAs. I don't mean stories speculating about how much a Viking player is going to improve. And I don't mean a player publicly setting unrealistic goals for himself.
What I'm looking for is news where the Vikings have acquired a player or drafted a player or added a new coach to the staff. I want tangible results that make me feel the Vikings are getting better.
That craving is what makes me check website after website during the free agency period to get the latest information on any player the Vikings are pursuing – even if that player probably won't make the Vikings better in 2010.
Which brings us to the Vikings pursuit of LaDainian Tomlinson, who at this point in his career probably doesn't bring anything other than name recognition to anyone he plays for.
Traditional rushing statistics show Tomlinson's total rushing yards, yards per carry average, and total number of runs of 20 yards or more have gone steadily downward since 2007.
Non-traditional stats, like those used by Football Outsiders also aren't encouraging when it comes to Tomlinson.
Of the 50 NFL running backs with at least 100 carries in 2009, FO ranked Tomlinson 42nd.
FO's receiving stats also show some depressing data considering Tomlinson would likely be a third-down back for the Vikes, taking playing time away from Adrian Peterson – a player who isn't considered a strong receiver or pass blocker at this stage in his career.
However, the website ranks Peterson 9th among 51 running backs with at least 25 passes thrown their way in 2009. I'd say that's pretty good. As for Tomlinson's ranking as a receiver – not so good. He's ranked last. So I hope Tomlinson's pass blocking is outstanding.
I know it doesn't sound right to say that Albert Young or Ian Johnson have more to offer the Vikings in 2010 than Tomlinson, but based on Tomlinson's performance the past two seasons, that is what I believe.
I look forward to him signing with the New York Jets.
The Vikings defensive line
The Vikings have re-signed reserve defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy.
I once read a comment on a football website talking about being wary of the large defensive tackle who suddenly gives effort (usually in a contract year.)
That seems to fit Kennedy, who got himself in shape last year for probably the first time in his career and ended up having a pretty good year with limited snaps.
Still, I think this is a good signing by the Vikings. It isn't for big money and if Kennedy doesn't play well, the Vikings can give his snaps to somebody else with minimal effect on their payroll down the road.
Of more importance for the Vikings defensive success in 2010 are the rumors that Ray Edwards is going to get signed to an offer sheet by an NFL team other than the Vikings.
I've been a fan of Edwards for two seasons now and losing him would not please me.
On the other hand, if the extra first round pick the Vikings gained from another team signing away Edwards allowed them to make a trade for a quarterback who could be the team's long-term starter, that would take the sting out of it for me.
I just don't think that long-term starter is available in the upcoming draft.
Monday, March 08, 2010
The glass is half full people
I prefer to look at the Vikings inactivity in the first week of free agency these ways:
1. They were hamstrung by the new rules of engagement for playoff teams in a no salary cap year.
2. Their biggest concern (who’s the long term solution at QB?) can’t be solved by signing anyone from the 2010 unrestricted free agent class.
3. The crop is so weak in every other area, there’s no point in spending big bucks on these turkeys anyway.
And here’s another thing – I have (gasp) confidence in the Vikings player personnel boss Rick Spielman. He has done a nice job accumulating talent over the past three offseasons. And if kicker Rhys Lloyd is the only player he thinks is worth signing at this point, I’m okay with that.
The Vikings are being smart. I’m confident they know what their needs are and that their confident those needs won’t be filled signing Dunta Robinson’s or Nate Burleson’s.
Other free agency thoughts
* I agreed with the Vikings tendering the restricted free agents they did (even Ryan Cook). But I do worry a bit about losing Ray Edwards in 2011.
I know nobody in his situation is getting long-term deals right now from any team. But Edwards is pissed about this contract stuff and I wonder if he’ll hold it against the Vikings next year – assuming there’s football and all – when the time comes to sign his next contract? Part of being successful in the long-term in the NFL is holding onto your good, young players. Ray Edwards is a young player who has developed into a good player. I’d be disappointed if the Vikings lost him.
* I think some Viking fans are overstating what the loss of Chester Taylor means to the team. Until Adrian Peterson’s fumbling issues returned late last season, Taylor was becoming increasingly irrelevant to the Vikings offensive success. And perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here, but I think Albert Young can handle the third down back duties. However, the Vikings brass might not be sold on that.
* Lots of people like what the Detroit Lions have done so far. I can’t argue that they haven't improved their team, but despite all the signings and trades, much of their success in 2010 depends on Matt Stafford improving. And if you read the Detroit section of this Football Outsiders piece, Stafford’s got quite a bit of improving to do.
* I keep reading about Julius Peppers and his laziness on the football field. I understand that’s an issue, but the Chicago Bears still got themselves one of the best pass rushing defensive ends in the NFL. If Peppers takes 50 percent of his plays off next year, this still should be a good deal for them.
As Viking fans saw in 2008 with Jared Allen, an elite defensive end can do wonders for a defence. Warts and all, Peppers is still a player that opposing teams need to gameplan for and his presence could make many of his defensive teammates look better in 2010. I could live with Peppers abusing Bryant McKinnie or Phil Loadholt when he only played against the Vikings once every couple of years. But now the Vikings face him twice a year.
I don’t like it.
1. They were hamstrung by the new rules of engagement for playoff teams in a no salary cap year.
2. Their biggest concern (who’s the long term solution at QB?) can’t be solved by signing anyone from the 2010 unrestricted free agent class.
3. The crop is so weak in every other area, there’s no point in spending big bucks on these turkeys anyway.
And here’s another thing – I have (gasp) confidence in the Vikings player personnel boss Rick Spielman. He has done a nice job accumulating talent over the past three offseasons. And if kicker Rhys Lloyd is the only player he thinks is worth signing at this point, I’m okay with that.
The Vikings are being smart. I’m confident they know what their needs are and that their confident those needs won’t be filled signing Dunta Robinson’s or Nate Burleson’s.
Other free agency thoughts
* I agreed with the Vikings tendering the restricted free agents they did (even Ryan Cook). But I do worry a bit about losing Ray Edwards in 2011.
I know nobody in his situation is getting long-term deals right now from any team. But Edwards is pissed about this contract stuff and I wonder if he’ll hold it against the Vikings next year – assuming there’s football and all – when the time comes to sign his next contract? Part of being successful in the long-term in the NFL is holding onto your good, young players. Ray Edwards is a young player who has developed into a good player. I’d be disappointed if the Vikings lost him.
* I think some Viking fans are overstating what the loss of Chester Taylor means to the team. Until Adrian Peterson’s fumbling issues returned late last season, Taylor was becoming increasingly irrelevant to the Vikings offensive success. And perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here, but I think Albert Young can handle the third down back duties. However, the Vikings brass might not be sold on that.
* Lots of people like what the Detroit Lions have done so far. I can’t argue that they haven't improved their team, but despite all the signings and trades, much of their success in 2010 depends on Matt Stafford improving. And if you read the Detroit section of this Football Outsiders piece, Stafford’s got quite a bit of improving to do.
* I keep reading about Julius Peppers and his laziness on the football field. I understand that’s an issue, but the Chicago Bears still got themselves one of the best pass rushing defensive ends in the NFL. If Peppers takes 50 percent of his plays off next year, this still should be a good deal for them.
As Viking fans saw in 2008 with Jared Allen, an elite defensive end can do wonders for a defence. Warts and all, Peppers is still a player that opposing teams need to gameplan for and his presence could make many of his defensive teammates look better in 2010. I could live with Peppers abusing Bryant McKinnie or Phil Loadholt when he only played against the Vikings once every couple of years. But now the Vikings face him twice a year.
I don’t like it.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
All's quiet (sort of) on the Vikings front
One of the things that happens when you go 12-4 and come thisclose to playing in the Super Bowl is that other teams covet your players. And that is sort of happening to the Vikings right now with Chester Taylor, Artis Hicks and maybe Benny Sapp.
The Vikings haven't lost any key guys yet (although many Vikings fans would consider Taylor a key guy) but the team's depth is taking a hit.
I plan on writing a longer post this weekend with some thoughts on what the Vikings have done, what they haven't done, plus what some of their NFC North rivals have done, but I'm en route to San Diego for a two-week family vacation and Saturday is pretty much shot. Look for something on Sunday.
Anyway, yesterday I was in Yellowknife and by Saturday afternoon I'll be in San Diego – although I understand it's supposed to rain there today.
Hard to believe.
The Vikings haven't lost any key guys yet (although many Vikings fans would consider Taylor a key guy) but the team's depth is taking a hit.
I plan on writing a longer post this weekend with some thoughts on what the Vikings have done, what they haven't done, plus what some of their NFC North rivals have done, but I'm en route to San Diego for a two-week family vacation and Saturday is pretty much shot. Look for something on Sunday.
Anyway, yesterday I was in Yellowknife and by Saturday afternoon I'll be in San Diego – although I understand it's supposed to rain there today.
Hard to believe.
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