Vikings Update

Although it is the offseason in Winter Park (Viking HQ), there is a lot going on with the Vikings right now.

1. The Viking have reportedly already gotten tired of the media circus that is "as the grey beard turns" in Brett Favre. Rumor has it they have given him until Tuesday to make a decision on his shoulder and on his intentions of playing next season with the Vikes. I knew only time would tell before Brad Childress got tired of the Brett Favre bullsh*t and it seems to be at a boiling point. If he is already tired of all this, why is he still pursuing Favre? This is what he will have to deal with for the entire season. Former Viking legend and Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton has also spoke out about Favre:

“I think it’s despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good. Here’s an organization that was loyal to him for 17, 18 years, provided stability of organization, provided players. It just wasn’t about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favre’s of the world so much, they think it’s about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He’s 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year (playing for) the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers. I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail.”

2. Part of the Williams Wall, Pat Williams has called out the work ethic of Tavaris Jackson. I think the team realizes Jackson has the physical tools, but Williams spoke up and said that Jackson isn't putting the time in to be a starting QB in this league. The part of the game Jackson struggles with most is not being able to read a defense and just know where to go with the ball. Many QB's struggle with this early in their career, but show signs of improvement as time goes on. The only way you get better is by watching film and recognizing defensive sets and being able to pick up blitzes. You should know really quickly based on the look of the D what you need to do with the football. If you think 4 hours of film study a day will do, you probably need to watch 8 hours according to Williams. The other frustrating thing with Jackson is that teams stack the box in an attempt to stop the running game, so basically his WR's are one on one. Jackson needs to know who has the better matchup and be able to get the ball to them. Jackson responded with "i've pretty much figured it out." I think Sage Rosenfels is good enough to start for this football team, but having a more mobile QB is something that most teams are without. I sure hope that Jackson does get it and will put in the time to make the correct reads, make the throws and use his legs while being the starting QB for the Vikings in '09.

3. Music to my ears/eyes as I have been reading that the Vikings are installing 15-20 formations specifically to use for Percy Harvin, a couple of those will be the "wildcat" formation. For years Viking fans have complained about the simplicity of their offense and how conservative the play-calling is at all times. With the drafting of Harvin the Vikes are putting another "gamebreaker" on the field and if you need to get creative with the play-calling to get him the ball you absolutely must do it. It is sad, but I honestly had no faith that the Vikings would do anything different with him. With the running game that the offensive line opens up for Peterson/Taylor and the deep ball threat of Bernard Berrian the addition of Harvin and some trick plays, wildcat formations or getting him the ball in some space to make plays may be the missing link to get them past the first round of the playoffs. While Bobby Wade is a reliable WR to make a few catches a game, he simply isn't a threat to take the ball, make a move and get in the endzone, Percy Harvin is just that! I'm looking forward to the new sets and to see how they utilize his abilities.