Even When Brett Favre Isn’t a Factor, He Is

As we now have entered the third week of the regular season, the NFL has begun revolving; deciding early fates of teams with playoff hopes and dreams. Those dreams have bits and pieces that are decided by one or two players. These players have games decided by single plays in single moments…and sometimes by single yards.

One thing is for sure, the Vikings have a key facet that just won’t ever be recognized for anything less than an attention-getter.

Even after Adrian Peterson’s monster game in week one against the Cleveland Browns rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns, one of them for 64 yards, Brett Favre was the talk of the town.

He was probably the only QB in the league that threw for 110 yards and one touchdown that got as much publicity.

Then after a sloppy first half in Detroit, the Vikings came back to defeat the Lions that are still living in the shadow of the 0-16 season of 2008. Many attribute Favre’s 23-for-27, 155 yard, two touchdown game to a game where the Vikings came back to win.

Once again, a Viking other than the Hall of Famer had a career game. Linebacker Chad Greenway recovered a fumble and intercepted two of Lions quarterback Matt Stafford’s passes that potentially saved the game for Minnesota. He would then get named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.

Yes, Favre had a favorable performance, but being 30th in the NFL for yards usually doesn’t give you front page status. Once again, he did break the consecutive start record held by former Viking Jim Marshall, but seriously.

It makes me wonder if the Vikings knew that he would make the headlines every week based on what he did or didn’t do. I seriously wonder if the Vikings realize that every week until the 2010 offseason, Brett Favre will be the talk of football whenever Minnesota is mentioned.

Even Purple Jesus himself, Adrian Peterson, can’t get any respect as Favre is accredited to Peterson’s success of opening the run-game. What does Favre NOT do?

I know I’m all for a Super Bowl in Minnesota, but correct me if I sound a bit concerned and think this is getting a bit ridiculous.

Brett currently has 265 yards, 3 TDs, no picks and an impressive 110.2 passer rating after two weeks in purple.

 

Brandon is a writer for www.nfltouchdown.com as the Minnesota Vikings Voice. This article can be found here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Minnesota Vikings: Cut Veteran Wide Receiver Bobby Wade, Sign Greg Lewis

In a move many considered shocking, the Vikings released veteran wide receiver Bobby Wade despite reorganizing his contract last week, taking a $1.5 million cut to his contract for this year according to his agent, Jerome Stanley.

“You’re defined by your behavior and what you do and not what you say,” Stanley said. “I’ll let you connect the dots.” By the sounds of it, it was a bad falling out between the two parties.

Asked if he were referring to Vikings coach Brad Childress, Stanley said, “Wherever the decision came from. And we already know where it came from, so there it is.”

The team will fill his spot by reuniting Vikings coach Childress with former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Greg Lewis, who agreed to a one-year contract today. Lewis, 29, is at Winter Park and expected to practice.

Undrafted in 2003 out of Illinois, Lewis endeared himself to Childress, then the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, as well as other players and coaches with his work ethic and professionalism.

In six NFL seasons, Lewis has 23 starts, but he has 127 catches for 1,699 yards with seven touchdowns. During the offseason, the Eagles traded him to the New England Patriots for a seventh-round pick. But Lewis was one of the Patriots’ last cuts, released to make room for rookie defensive back Bret Lockett.

Sidney Rice will most-likely take up Wade’s role as the No. 3 receiver.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Dear Packer Fans, Are You Done Whining So We Can Play Football Now?

After seeing the scenario unfold in August of 2008, Brett would head over to training camp and make a public display there. Out of frustration and just being pestered, Green Bay sent Favre to the New York Jets. Green Bay’s fan base was torn by the latest development, but many would find this acceptable as he would only be remembered for what he did for the Packers.

Now we sit in August 2009 and Brett is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings. What changed? He said that nothing could take away his years in Green Bay (much like a first love). Yet, it seems many Green Bay fans are hung up on this and now are trying to justify how Brett is in the wrong.

One thing we can tell after five near-retirement attempts is that Brett loves football. That can’t be refuted in the slightest.

It also helps to point out is that once you retire, you are DONE. You can’t come back when you please, yet Brett hasn’t taken a year off in-between and technically he never filed for retirement after the 2008 season with the NFLPA. With that said, he had every right to return to football where he pleased.

So he chose to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers’ long-time hated rival. Now, it seems ironic that Favre feeling left out when Rodgers was named QB, the Pack’s fan base feels as though Brett has broken a cardinal sin.

To this I have three things to say:

1. Green Bay fans are showing their true colors. Yes, the guy was a legend to the franchise, but this is FOOTBALL, not a storybook. If you wanted a happy ending, you should’ve stopped watching the Packers after the 1997 season.
2. Just the same for what the Packers did choosing Rodgers as its quarterback, Brett has become that for the Vikings. He’s a football player, not a messiah. To see him dressed in purple shouldn’t force you to burn all your Packer memorabilia and Favre jerseys. All that’s proving is that you’re whining about what you don’t have anymore. Suck it up.
3. Okay, assuming Brett isn’t lying (I know, that’s a stretch), but assume he isn’t. What’s wrong with coming back for the love of the game and one last shot at glory? What’s wrong with going out like Elway or Bettis? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Regardless of who he’s with, he’s playing for something big. He wants to be successful. Can anyone blame him for going out on his terms?

Understand that Brett wanted common respect for 16 great years of turning Green Bay into a household name. He wanted to be released a year ago and the Pack felt that he was a threat to them so they shipped him off to New York. After a disastrous end in 2008, what did Brett do that was so wrong? He wants to play football and legitimately, the Vikings are a contender. Favre improves the team, enough said.

This article was written on behalf of many Viking writers of B/R. Please comment below with your take on the situation… unless you’re a Packer fan that has come to whine, then please leave those comments in the trash by the curb, thank you.

Brett Favre Debuts; Tarvaris Jackson Keeps Job; Vikings Beat Chiefs

On a day that both Minnesota sports teams defeated a Kansas City sports team with the Twins defeating the Royals 5-4 in 10 innings and the Vikings denying the Chiefs victory in the final seconds 17-13; the game of least relevance seemed to be the one that drew the most attention.

Brett Favre did the unthinkable as he walked out of the tunnel at the Metrodome in purple as a Minnesota Viking. Never has a Vikings preseason game been so packed and so loud prior to kickoff. However, Favre’s debut wasn’t exactly eye-popping.

Brett would only play two series and go 1-for-4 for four yards and took a few shots, but overall drew the largest standing ovation ever for a Vikings quarterback in recent memory.

Despite a lackluster day, Brett made a lot of decisions that made him look like a veteran star quarterback. On top of that, his lone completed pass to Percy Harvin showed the true arm-strength of Favre and catching ability of young Harvin in double coverage.

Two-Cents on Favre’s Start

If anyone was expecting 80 yard passes out of the gates, they were sadly mistaken. Favre is as nervous as the next guy playing for the team he had as a sworn enemy for 16 seasons. Lets not forget, he did just sign Tuesday.

Not to mention, who said this guy wasn’t going to make good chemistry with the team? Word has it that’s going with defensive end phenom Jared Allen hunting.

Percy Harvin only caught two passes for 9 yards, but nothing can be determined of his versatile value as the Vikings never did unveil Harvin passing or running the ball, however he did line up in the backfield on a couple plays.

The true gem of Friday’s game against the Chiefs however was the unexpected play of Tarvaris Jackson. Word on the street is that T-Jack’s job was suspect with the Vikings having four quarterbacks on the current roster. Childress has expressed the thought of keeping four and after Friday, he just might.

Jackson threw 12-for-15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns including a 64 yard strike to Darius Reynaud. A lot of rumors said that Jackson needed at least a 150 yard passing performence, at least one or two touchdown passes, and no foul ups (sacks or interceptions) which he easily was able to accomplish.

Jackson said of his performence, “Whenever you play well, you always feel good.Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, it felt good. It was a long week for me. It just shows that if you just stay focused, you’ll be fine.”

Jackson’s other strike included a 13 yard throw to tight end Visanthe Shaincoe on a jump ball.

A battle that seems to be drawing interest is surrounding third year running back Albert Young and the undrafted rookie free agent out of Boise State University, Ian Johnson. Both gathered good playing time and although Young got 17 yards to Johnson’s 9, the rookie also proved to be a receiving threat out of the backfield with two catches for 24 yards.

The Vikings will obviously have quite a fix with their crowd of four at quarterback and running back.

Notes:

Jared Allen (ankle), Sage Rosenfels (ankle sprain), and Bernard Berrian (hamstring) sat out of the game to rest fatigue-related injuries.

Tarvaris Jackson’s Top Five Landing Spots

With Brett Favre’s signing, one thing is certain, the Vikings have too many chickens in the coop. Someone’s gotta go and word is that Tarvaris Jackson is the one on his way out.

With Sage just acquired and John David Booty with untapped potential, Tarvaris’s chances are up and his likely place in 2009 won’t be in purple.

The word is that Minnesota will entertain offers until the weekend until they consider releasing him, but will probably want something for him. A late-round 2010 draft pick seems like a likely payment for the fourth-year quarterback.

The Vikings will want to keep him out of the division, but you can’t always get what you want. Here’s a look at the top five teams that could give T-Jack a second chance as a backup or Wildcat quarterback.

Begin Slideshow

Minnesota Vikings: Five Vikings On The Bubble in 2009

Both of these struggling quarterbacks are fighting for their NFL careers. Both have proven that they have the tools, but have also proven they lack the know-how to lead an offense with consistency.

Tarvaris Jackson is the incumbent of the position, but due to inconsistent and questionable play-calling that he may not be in a position to stay in consideration for much longer.

With now three seasons under his belt, he’s gotten more then enough playing experience to be able to prove himself. With that aside, he has shown improvement, but is his ceiling coming soon, or has he already met it?

His completion percentage is a solid 58% in those three seasons with 20 touchdowns. However, his 137.7 yards a game is nothing short of disappointing. His discomfort in the pocket is highly documented along with his 41 sacks in his career which has led him to his 18 interceptions and his 13 fumbles (7 fumbles lost).

Sage however isn’t just playing for a starting job. After his eight years of being a backup in the NFL (four in Miami, three in Houston) Sage hasn’t been able to prove himself as viable quarterback since being drafted as the fourth-round pick by Redskins in 2001.

Rosenfels has shown shades of brilliance, yet he still is blemished by games of selfish play-calling that is considered overly-aggressive in games that rightfully should be “babied” until the end. (i.e. 2007 season, Houston vs Baltimore with 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions. Lost 38-36 despite having the lead for 80% of the game).

This year may prove to be Rosenfels last unless he can prove his legitimacy as a quarterback in the NFL as a starter.

His statistics are decent at best with 62.5% completion percentage throughout his career, and averaging 187.1 yards a game in 2007 and 238.5 in 2008. However his 22 interceptions between the two seasons overshadows his 21 touchdowns and 65% completion percentage.

With both QB’s fighting for their careers, it’s likely that one of them will fall and may never again have a chance to start in the NFL. Then again, stranger things have happened.

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.

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.

Brett Favre Signing Near, Marvin Harrison Eyeing the Minnesota Vikings

The Brett Favre signing day seems to be coming upon 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 bring 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 cores in the NFL.

With Berrian and 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 Brett Favre and Marvin 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 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.

Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010