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…

If Brett Favre Signs, Sage Rosenfels/Tarvaris Jackson Will Say Goodbye

As the Brett Favre saga continues, we come to the fork in the road of “what if”s that can finally be taken with a sense of seriousness, especially regarding the quarterback situation for the Minnesota Vikings. It’s no longer a matter of “if,” but of “when.”

With Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels set to do battle, a lone old gunslinger enters the scene having the chance to immediately make a change and take control.

When Favre arrives, though, the Minnesota Vikings will have four quarterbacks in the three-way dance. That said, someone will probably be traded or cut to make room for the 19-year veteran.

The question now boils down to whom. Many have singled out second-year quarterback and current owner of the purple’s number four, John David Booty.

Cutting Booty simply because he’s at the bottom of the depth chart, however, may not be a good idea. He’s young, but he’s also unproven. Minnesota has made a habit of throwing away prime talent, not realizing their players’ potential; they’ve seen more than one departing player wearing a Super Bowl ring a few years later. Former USC backup quarterback Matt Cassel is exhibit A for the idea of keeping Booty until his true value is known.

More importantly, Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosefels have established their value. Jackson has proven risky while Rosenfels looks sharper, but lacks the firepower that Minnesota needs at this point—which is why Booty will likely not be jettisoned. Add in the fact that Sean Glennon, the rookie free agent signee from Virginia Tech, was just released and the picture gets a little clearer.

Either Jackson or Rosenfels looks to be the odd man out. With Jackson set to become a free agent after 2009, Rosenfels would appear the likely candidate to stay. On the other hand, it may be hard to overlook the fact that both the team and head coach Brad Childress both like Jackson.

Considering the 2010 draft is talent-rich, the Vikings look poised to gain a possible fourth- or fifth-round pick that could be well deserved.

Either way, Jackson may be the one on the way out regardless simply because Minnesota has seen everything they need to see in him. On the other hand, keeping Sage would mean trying to appease his desire to start which obviously would be denied if Favre did sign.

With that in order, Sage would probably be sent as to not have an angry backup quarterback behind Favre. Add in the fact that Favre will most likely not be returning for a 20th season and the Vikings will most likely be grabbing a franchise name in a QB-rich draft in 2010.

Then again, they could also keep all four, but that seems unlikely and unnecessary.

Minnesota Vikings: The Five Biggest Games of the 2009 Schedule

The schedule of an NFL team can speak volumes of how great they truly are. Then again, it can also prove how weak and pathetic they are. In 2008, the Minnesota Vikings had one of the toughest schedules in the NFL and finished with a strong 10-6 record.

All the same, a weak record to an NFL team can mean an easier road to destiny. In 2009, the Minnesota Vikings have among the easiest schedules in the NFL. With only six teams (seven games) of their seventeen game schedule had winning records in 2008.

With that said, Minnesota could see an easier road, yet may see some of the biggest teams in the NFL all the same.

Minnesota Vikings: Boise State Rookies Living the Dream

It’s not often that a college football player gets a chance to play in the pros (just under four percent from division one schools), and it’s even less often for players to have a shot at the pros and be playing next to a college teammate, and friend.

Running back Ian Johnson and wide out Vinny Perretta have such an opportunity this coming season, with the Minnesota Vikings. Both signed as rookie free agents after not getting drafted in the 2009 NFL draft out of Boise State, and are battling to simply make the roster and become pro football players for the Vikings.

Ian Johnson is known around the country as “the kid that ran the statue of liberty play that beat Oklahoma” in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, after which, he immediately proposed to his girlfriend, who was a Boise State cheerleader, to which she answered “yes” in front of a national audience.

Ian was best known as a football player for his contributions during the 2006-2007 season for his 1,714 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore at Boise State. After that, however, his performance tanked, as he dropped to 1,041 yards rushing in 2007, and 766 in 2008. His touchdown totals also dropped to 16 in 2007 and 13 in 2008.

Rivals.com scouted Ian Johnson as a running back with great “immediate speed,” although it was quick to point out the fact that he ran “too high at the line of scrimmage,” and that since his 2006 miracle season, he hasn’t quite been the same runner in the open field.

The son of former San Diego Charger Ralph Perretta, Vinny made a name for himself at Boise State as a slot possession receiver for the Broncos.  In his four seasons in Boise, Vinny had 72 receptions for 991 yards and four touchdowns. His break speed at the line is truly coveted in the NFL, much like it is for Vinny’s ideal receiver, Wes Welker.

Although Vinny, unlike Ian, wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, Vinny still believes he can compete in camp for a his chance to make it onto a very crowded Vikings receiving core. With the likes of Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, and Bobby Wade a sure fit, the fifth and possibly sixth spot become a high target for the five remaining receivers on the roster heading into camp. The only veteran of that group is the third year receiver, Aundrae Allison.

As for Ian Johnson, he faces an easier fight to be one of the team’s running backs. He enters into a four-way fight for the third string role behind Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson, with the incumbent third stringer, second year running back, Albert Young.

It isn’t every day that college ball players get the opportunity to simply fight for a job in the pros. Although the odds and bets are against them, their dream is still alive, and whether or not they make it, is all dependent on what will they have to be successful in the NFL.

When asked about their prior meeting with Adrian Peterson (2007 Fiesta Bowl, when Adrian was a member of the Oklahoma Sooners), Vinny and Ian simply laughed, saying they would do best to not bring it up when introducing themselves, but surely would hold onto it as leverage, if the opportunity presented itself.

Minnesota Vikings: Nominees for the Biggest Offseason Villian of 2009

The offseason in Minnesota has been unusually quiet for once. Yet, the noise can’t seem to get any louder. After an offseason in 2008 where the Vikings front office splurged on the likes of Jared Allen, Madieu Williams and Bernard Berrian, 2009 free agency seems strangely quiet as trainging camp approaches.

With that silence, fans are understandably irritated that the purple have no moves or even worse, saying they’d pursue a big name QB and acquiring… Sage Rosenfels?

Now, with just under two months until training camp breaks, the Brett Favre saga, Michael Vick rumors and the Williamses case has been the talk of Minnesota nation through the first week of Organized Team Activites.

So, who is responsible for disturbing the offseason natural order? Let’s take a look at our candidates for the Minnesota Vikings 2009 Offseason Villain of the Year…

Kenechi Udeze: The 2009 Minnesota Vikings Story Left Unnoticed

With the first set of OTA’s finished up, the Brett Favre talk is still the buzz around town. The press on Thursday, as it has for the past month and a half has been placing a shadow over Winter Park in the shape of a number four and have made it perfectly clear what they want to hear.

As Favre now sits in Mississippi shooting cortisone into his throwing arm and in an effort to release a tendon to cease pain in his arm, five-year Viking veteran Kenechi Udeze is at Organized Team Activities and practicing on the field for the first time in over a year.

Kenechi had originally been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on February 11, 2008 right after the 2007 season was officially in the books.

It was a big worry that Kenechi’s life was in jeopardy. To the pleasant surprise of the Vikings and Kenechi, the disease was an acute form and would only require a matching bone marrow transplant to make a full recovery. Fortunately, Kenechi’s brother, Thomas Barnes, was a matching donor and was very willing to to help his brother, Kenechi.

On July 1, 2008, the bone marrow transplant was successfully transmitted to Kenechi and he was out of the hospital by July 24, 2008. The Vikings also at that time placed Kenechi on the injury reserve list and offered to pay the defensive end’s salary even though they had no requirement to pay him while he was unable to play.

On November 9, 2008, Kenechi returned to the Metrodome as the Vikings honorary captain against the Green Bay Packers which the Vikings won 28-27. It was at this game that Kenechi announced that after he tied up his educational ties at USC, that the defensive end would be back on the gridiron in 2009.

The November 10th Pioneer Press reported an interviewwith Kenechi in which he stated “You know what? I’ll be back next year. The one thing that’s slowing me down are my feet. They’re slow to a lot of the treatment.

“But everything is going to be just fine. I don’t see myself not being a part of this team next year. I’m really glad to be back a part of it, and I was blessed enough to get out the hospital and start my road to recovery.” 

Udeze was unavailable to reporters after this past Thursday’s workout, but Childress praised the defensive end’s determination and courage in making his comeback.

“It’s inspiring when you talk about a guy that 365 days ago was in the middle of intensive chemotherapy fighting for his life,” Childress said. “Put that into perspective. That was before he could even be considered for a bone marrow transplant. To be playing professional football back on the field kind of defies description.”

Kenechi’s career began at the University of Southern California where he was a three-year starter for the Trojans. He was remembered most for helping his team to a 2004 Rose Bowl victory as a junior. It was after that season that Kenechi entered himself into the 2004 NFL Draft.

He finished with 135 tackles (51 of them for a loss), 28 sacks (a school record), 14 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, five pass deflections, and two blocked kicks. He also was a 2003 Ted Hendricks Award finalist. The Ted Hendricks award is awarded to the top defensive end in the country.

The Vikings selected Udeze in the first round as the 20th pick overall. In his rookie year, Kenechi started 15 games while recording 36 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and one pass deflected.

However, in his second year, Udeze only played three games before tearing cartilage in his left knee which forced him off the field for the remainder of the 2005 season.

Upon his return in 2006, Kenechi resumed his starting role starting in 15 games, recording 29 tackles, but no sacks. In 2007 however, he regained his leg strength and once again started 15 games with 47 tackles, five sacks and one interception.

I myself find it interesting that a man like this could be overshadowed by the immaturity of the media and Brett Favre. When a true story of adversity comes along, no one pays attention to the guy who fought for more then just a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, but fought for his very life.

If I had the opportunity, I would love to ask him about his experience with this whole ordeal.

1. “Kenechi, what was your initial reaction when you discovered you had lymphoblastic leukemia? What was your reaction when you discovered it was acute and receding?”
2. “What was your initail reaction when your brother offered to do the bone marrow transplant?”
3. “What was your reaction to being able to make a full recovery and return to the Vikings?”
4. “Was there anyone in particular that stood by you through this whole ordeal? Who/What was your biggest inspiration?”
5. “With Jared Allen now a member of the Vikings, where do you see yourself on this team?”
6. “I don’t mean to ask this overused question, but what do you think of the Brett Favre situation?”
7. “If you return as a starter, do you think you would have the ability to play in 16 games a season like you did twice before being diagnosed?”
8. “Any comments on the Vikings coaching staff supporting you financially through this endeavor?”
9. “Do you have any goals for the ’09 season?”
10. “How are you feeling now in your return to football?”

By being on the field, Kenechi has accomplished a great feat in itself by becoming only the second athlete to ever return to professional sports after being diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia.

Childress said that the ceiling for Udeze is however high he wants to take it. It is presumable that he will challenge left end, Ray Edwards for the starting job or at least make an effort to back up both Jared Allen and Edwards.

Minnesota Vikings 2009-2010 Season: Expect The Unexpected

We can only make our best educated guess how an NFL team will do during any season. You have to factor in break-out seasons, injuries, and basically factor the un-factorable.

The Minnesota Vikings are no different, as their history has taught them. They’ve been counted out at times and showed up the past nine weeks of the season to sneak into the playoffs. And yet when favored, they seem to trip at Week 16 just in time to fall on their face in Week 17, almost as though God is torturing the team and its fans.

What should we expect in the 2009-2010? That’s easy. The unexpected.

In 1998, everyone thought that Randy Moss would be a distraction and that the Minnesota Vikings were simply trying to find a playoff birth rather than a bid to be the NFC champions. Lo and behold, the Vikings would become the third NFL team since the season expanded to sixteen games to go 15-1. Even fewer expected backup quarterback Randall Cunningham to come in, lead the team, and become Pro Bowler himself.

In 2007, the Vikings grabbed an injury-plagued running back out of Oklahoma, Adrian Peterson, to be the future behind slated starting running back Chester Taylor. No one could have foreseen his unexpected boom when slated in on Chester’s down plays. Soon enough, Adrian Peterson broke the single game rushing record of 295 yards set by Jamal Lewis with 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers.

Who expected that?

In the 2009 draft, Minnesota selected Percy Harvin. From the Vikings’ drafting history, they are known for making conservative picks, grabbing a lineman or offensive player that is significantly overrated. Harvin was recognized as a high pick regardless of his character issues.

If Brett Favre were to sign with the Vikings, it wouldn’t be so much unexpected as it would just make results with the Vikings unexpected. Favre’s 22-touchdown, 22-interception 2008 season proved he still the power behind the ball, but lacked the accuracy that once made him a phenom

But what difference is there between that and Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels?

 

What you CAN Factor

In 2009, the Vikings start the season with five of their opening eight games on the road. Fortunately, the first three are against teams that finished well below .500 in 200: the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Rams.

With that in mind, Minnesota will want to try and be above .500 by Week Five, which is completely feasible. Peterson could have his best game of the season in one of those opening games against teams that had such horrid run defenses in 2008: Cleveland (28th), Detroit (32nd), St. Louis (29th), and Green Bay (26th). Although the Packers made significant improvements in the offseason with the likes of B.J. Raji.

But in those opening eight weeks before their bye week, the Vikings also face the best defense in the league in the Super Bowl champion Steelers in Pittsburgh and arguably the second-best defense against Baltimore at the dome.These games, however, should be a fantastic classic game of low-scoring offenses and grind-it-out football that the “Black and Blue” division grew famous for.

The schedule works in reverse for the second half of the year as the Vikings play at home five of the remaining eight with their three road games in Carolina, Arizona, and Chicago (which may prove to decide the NFC North). The schedule in the second half will work to Minnesota’s advantage if it can keep winning at home and be successful against weaker teams away from home earlier in the season.

 

What you CAN’T Factor

The one tangible that can’t be measured right now isn’t on the roster…yet…or perhaps ever…in Brett Favre. His ability and leadership can command this offense similarly to how Gus Frerotte commanded it for much of 2008 (except with Favre, just think more touchdowns).

The play with Favre would put Bernard Berrian on tap to easily break the 1,000-receiving-yard mark on the season with roughly 10 touchdowns. Peterson should see less guys in the box. And as a result and his running game should prove even more deadly.

Most of all, with Favre, you can expect the Vikings to have the ability to rally late in games, a trait they’ve been missing since Randy Moss was jettisoned to Oakland and Culpepper to Miami.

Although it’s arguable until he proves himself, Percy Harvin could prove to be the guy that puts the offense in true perspective. We can’t jump and assume he’ll come out striking like Randy Moss did in ’98, but we can assume his impact will be disrespected until proven.

 

Key Obstacles

The NFC North ain’t what she was in 2008. Detroit has fangs, Chicago’s got Cutler, and the Packers have a reorganized defense that scares the bejesus out of a running back coach. With that said, the Vikings biggest obstacle in 2009 is the NFC North.

Detroit doesn’t appear to be a big name, but the way they fought back on Minnesota and nearly caught a win against them (12-10 and 20-16 Vikings wins) only makes me more nervous that Minnesota did little to nothing to counteract Detroit’s major changes this offseason.

Chicago is not much more than it was in 2008—besides Cutler. With Cutler, the Bears will have a great passer with an improved offensive line, but without receivers to really pass to, the acquisition of Cutler almost seems futile.

Okay, everyone in Minnesota knows it. Although Jared Allen pretty much killed Aaron Rodgers in Week 10 last year, Minnesota escaped that game with luck that Mason Crosby missed that final kick. One doesn’t leave a game hanging on chance.

On that note, Minnesota really needs to bring their “A” game to Green Bay if they don’t want to get caught in a season sweep. With Rodgers proving to the NFC North that he was the quarterback to look out for, Minnesota should focus their attention on their secondary and make sure that they don’t get burned deep.

One last note is that Minnesota’s lack of depth may prove to be their undoing come the back half of the season. John Sullivan is slated to start at center, but with just rookie free-agent signees behind him, only Artis Hicks or Ryan Cook could back him up. The same could be said for Tyrell Johnson. Although he proved his ability in ’09, there is little depth behind him if he goes down.

 

Bottom Line…

Long story short, the Vikings can expect a 12-4 season if they beat the teams that they should, only completing Brad Childress’ ongoing pattern of improving by two games each season since being signed on as the Minnesota Vikings head coach in 2006. Peterson should have near 2,000 yards barring any carries he and Taylor have to share with the kid, Percy Harvin.

The Vikings should expect a run deep into the playoffs (divisional or better). With Favre, I will openly admit that this team—with its balance—should be in Miami next February with. Then again, if we “expect” them to be playoff team, they may turn out to be 4-12.

And if you think the schedule “doesn’t figure” into what to expect from Minnesota, then I request you know this. In the past two seasons beyond Week 10, the Vikings have only lost five of 16 games. Ever since number 28 arrived. Coincidence?

Childress Not “Entertaining” the Thought of Favre Signing With Vikings

It would seem that business was as usual in Minnesota after the Vikings finished practice Thursday. All except that when Brett Favre came up in media talks, Childress didn’t use the old “no comment” line.

The Associated Press reported today that Childress said that “Brett Favre was worth the conversation,” but the Vikings coach insists that until the quarterback calls them, he is still retired—as far as he knows.

Why does that line sound like something Favre himself said?

AP reports that, “Childress addressed the subject Thursday after the team practiced at Winter Park. He says the last time he spoke with Favre was on the phone, several weeks ago.”

He couldn’t rule out the thought of later signing the 39-year old quarterback, but at the moment isn’t currently “entertaining the idea,” as focusing on the players that are actually already on his roster.

Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are to do battle for the starting quarterback job, provided Favre stays retired.

And so the madness continues…

Minnesota Vikings Staff Report: Defensive Coaches

“If you’d ask most defensive coaches, they would say you need to take the run away.” That’s what new Oakland Raiders coordinator, John Marshall said about defenses. With over 40 years of coaching experience, he knows of what he speaks.

The Vikings are no different, except their No. 1 ranked defense against the run has taken running backs around the league out games. Under the leadership of Mike Tomlin and now Leslie Frazier, the Vikings defense has slowly become an elite defense somewhere in the top five of the league.

If the Vikings are to improve their offense, this defense and it’s Tampa 2 scheme should carry Minnesota deep into the playoffs.

Here’s a look at the inner workings of the defensive management of the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings Staff Report: Offensive Coaches

The old quote goes that “defenses win championships,” but offenses are the ones that get you there.

The Minnesota Vikings offense premiers one of the finer running games in the league and one of the up and coming passing games heading into the 2009 season.

Today, we enter the second part of the thee part series on the Minnesota coaching staff and focus on the offensive coaches and what they bring to the organization on and off the field.

As we focus today, we’ll take a look at the histories and tendencies of all the inner workings that is the Vikings offense that make them tick.

« Previous Page — 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