With The Right Plan, The Vikings Can Return to the Playoffs in 2012

Update 2: As you already know, the Vikings have signed QB Donovan McNabb to a contract (the length of which is still undisclosed) and have come to terms with free agent WR Michael Jenkins.  Coach Leslie Frazier stated in an interview that barring unforeseen circumstances, he expects to roll with the current roster at the WR position. 

Additionally, all of the Vikings draft picks, including Christian Ponder ($11M fully guaranteed), have been signed. 

Update: It appears the Vikings have made a few more steps forward in the first day of free agency.  Reports are the team has traded for quarterback Donovan McNabb to be the veteran presence in the huddle, and has agreed to terms with wideout Devin Aromashodu.  Both players are expected to sign one year deals.

It finally happened.  Thats right, after a grueling 136 day lockout, the NFL and NFLPA finally have agreed to a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement.  More importantly, starting today, teams will begin the vastly expedited process of retooling their rosters to prepare for the 2011 NFL season.  The Vikings, who, after a disappointing 6-10 2010 campaign, seemed lightyears away from contention, may be just a few key moves from regaining their position as a legitimate NFC power.

It won't, however, be easy.  The NFC North has drastically improved in the past few years, and expecting to win it may be a bit too optimistic.  In addition to featuring both of last years NFC Championship game teams - the Chicago Bears and Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers - the Detroit Lions are quietly stockpiling not only a talented roster, but one that is built to compete in the NFC North for years.  Additionally, the Vikings are the only team without a sure answer at quarterback in a division that features some of the leagues young stars in Rodgers, Stafford and (sort of) Cutler.  They do, however, have a potential long-term answer at the position in Christian Ponder.  The issue is, in a quarterback driven league, Ponder may not be ready to lead a team to the playoffs at the NFL level.  Worse yet, the Vikings stand to lose a lot to free agency, with top starters on both sides of the ball entering the market.  Finally, gone are the magical days of uncapped football.  Thus the Vikings, along with the rest of the league, will need to adhere to the new salary cap of $120 million, which may require some tricky salary maneuvering.  Despite all of this, the if the Vikings make a few smart personell moves (some of which they've already done), they may still have a shot at not only returning to the playoffs, but at becoming a force in the NFC for years to come.

Heres what they need to do:

1. Franchise Tag LB Chad Greenway

This is one of the moves VP of Player Personel Rick Spielman has already made.  And despite a bit of criticism, it was the right decision.  Greenway is an essential part of the defense, and keeping him ensures they have a front 7 that consists of Greenway, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, and EJ Henderson.  More importantly, Greenway is willing to play under the franchise label (and at $10M, he should be) which is more important than you might think.  Just last year Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson sat out much of the year due to his unwillingness to play without a long term contract.  While Greenway has already said he would happily welcome a long-term offer, this gives the Vikings the leisure of dealing with other free agent issues and forget about losing their star linebacker.  In the end, the Vikings will (and should) talk to Greenway and figure out a deal that will keep him in purple for multiple years... which should also lessen his cap hit in 2011.

Desmond Bishop Interview

Desmond Bishop is a linebacker for the NFC Champion Green Bay Packers.  Drafted out of Cal in the 6th round of the 2007 draft, Bishop will be playing in his first Super Bowl tomorrow.  

How does it feel knowing that you will be playing in Super Bowl XVL?

DB – It feels great. It’s really a surreal experience, I really can’t believe it. I can’t believe I’m in this situation, it’s really like a dream right now, and I’m in a dream right now.

 So has it actually settled in that you will be playing in the Super Bowl, or when do you expect that time to come?

DB – I think it will come either after kick off or after the game and I’m hosting the Lombardi trophy.

What kind of pre-game routine do you have for the Super Bowl?

DB – You know what; I’m just going to keep it normal. I’m going to have the same routine I’ve been having, I’m not going to switch it up now, just keep doing the same thing.

If Cromartie is For Sale, Who's Buying?

Antonio Cromartie

With Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie headed to free agency, the Jets are faced with a tough decision: open up the checkbook and retain the secondary of one of the leagues best defenses in 2010, or roll the dice and hope to find a cheaper (or better) answer in the draft or free agency.  To make things more difficult, Cromartie isn't their only major player without a contract heading into next season.  With Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards both looking to cash in, it's unlikely the Jets will retain be able to retain all three.  A combination of some on-field slip ups (he gave up a team-high 7 passing TD's), combined with Cromartie's recent dispute with linebacker Bart Scot and Coach Rex Ryan, I believe Cro is the one on the way out.

But if Cromartie is on the market, who's looking to buy?

One possibility may be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Coach Raheem Morris isn't one who usually cares about off-field issues, of which Cromartie has plenty, and the Bucs would have one intimidating secondary with Cromartie opposite of Aqib Talib.

Another team may be the Minnesota Vikings, who, although their main concern is at Safety, are desperate for an improvement in the secondary.  If they are able to improve their pass defense (as well as that little quarterback issue they seem to have), they just may be able to regain their magical form of 2009.  Cromartie alongside aging yet capable CB Antoine Winfield would certainly be an improvement from the Vikings depleted 2009 roster.

Other possibilities include the Chicago Bears, who had a good defense, but were only rated 20th in passing D in 2010, or the Arizona Cardinals.  Cromartie's off the field issues are sure to make teams hesitate this offseason, but when it comes down to it he has the talent and he will be signed... it's just a matter of where.

Why the Bears Should Feel Lucky to Still be Playing

This Sunday the Chicago Bears will face the Green Bay Packers for the 182nd time in franchise history.  With the winner going to the Super Bowl, the stakes are higher than ever.  But after looking at the Bears' season, they should be grateful just to be there.

Take a look at their regular season.  The Bears started the season with a win at home against the Lions, after the much discussed Calvin Johnson touchdown was overturned as the clock ran out.  They followed up with a win over the struggling Cowboys in week 2, beat the Panthers in week 5, the Bills on a neutral site in week 8, the Dolphins week 10, the Lions in week 12, and the Vikings (outside, without Brett Favre or Adrian Peterson) in week 15.

Thoughts on the Brief Favre Era in Minnesota

It's official.  Brett Favre has filed his retirement papers with the NFL.  So while the purple and gold begin their search for a new quarterback, I'm starting to wonder, "was the Favre experiment a success?"  I think so.  Here's why:

Allen, Pat and Kevin Williams

For the Vikings, it rejuvenated a franchise that hadn't been remotely relevant since the 2001 season.  The Vikings weren't going to win with Tarvaris Jackson under center, and everyone (except maybe Brad Childress) knew it.  They had to do something big, and with Brett Favre available, they'd have been stupid not to take a chance.  Yes, signing a 39 year old quarterback who had lead your arch-rival for 18 years was a risk.  Paying a quarterback coming off bicep surgery $13 million is a risk, too.  But something needed to be done, and Zygi Wilf was willing to make his first big splash as an owner.  The simple fact was the Vikings had a championship caliber team just about everywhere but quarterback.  They had Adrian Peterson in the prime of his career, one of the best run defenses in the league with a dominante (yet aging) line featuring Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, and Jared Allen.  Simply put, the Vikings had a small window to win a championship, and they needed to find that last piece of the puzzle.

Rhys Lloyd Interview

Rhys was the placekicker, kickoff specialist and punter for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2003 to 2004.  He was famous for his rugby-style punting, amazing concentration under pressure and long-distance field goals.  Lloyd has had stints with the Ravens, Packers and Vikings before settling with his current team, the Carolina Panthers.  

Many fans often wonder how you and other kickers manage to kickoff so far. What is the difference technique wise between a kickoff and a field goal?

RL-To be honest there really isn’t a huge difference. At impact the form is almost the same. The tough thing, however, is to keep yourself under control when striking the ball because of how much power your generating from the run up.

Along the same lines, what goes into an onside kick?

RL- Luck..You can practice the way to hit the ball, however after the ball leaves your foot, it will do what it wants because of the way its shaped.

Dominique Barber Interview

Dom Barber

We would just like to thank Mr. Barber for taking the time out of his busy schedule to grant us a great NFL Player interview, he is the definition of class and we wish him the best!

DP – Is there a reason behind your #34?
DB – No reason behind the number 34, there were a couple of numbers to choose from and 34 was the best out of the bunch. 23 was my number in college and high school, but it was taken. So 34 it was, and it’s a special number here in Houston, a lot of greats have worn this number so I def wear it with pride.

DP – Both your dad and brother played running back, what made you play defense?
DB – When I was a Freshman in college, there were plenty of running backs, (Marion, Laurence Maroney, Gary Russel) all who are in the NFL or played. I wanted to play right now, so the coaches found me a place at safety. Ever since then I’ve just went with it. Love that I did that.

Questions with the Potential Melo Trade

Rumors have been swirling all season about the potential trade of Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, but with Melo having to essentially OK any move (nobody will trade for him without some sort of agreement on an extension), nothing has materialized.  That might change in the coming weeks, however.  The latest scenario includes Denver, New Jersey and Detroit as a potential third team.  In it, Anthony, Billups and Rip Hamilton would join forces in Jersey, Devin Harris, 1st round pick Derrick Favors and Anthony Morrow, going to Denver, along with multiple first round picks, and Troy Murphy & Johan Petro going to Detroit, with some expiring contracts.  (of course, there are a few other players that are of very little significance also moving with these players to make ends meet).  The biggest question mark in this trade is why on earth would Carmelo OR the Pistons be interested? 

How Luck's Decision Affects the NFL

Andrew Luck

As you’ve probably heard, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, projected by many to be the No. 1 pick in this April’s draft, decided to return to school for his redshirt junior season.  Luck’s decision, however, will likely affect much more than just Stanford’s 2011 football season.  First, with Luck’s return, the highly sought after coach Jim Harbaugh is now more likely to remain at Stanford… forcing NFL teams like the 49ers, Dolphins and Broncos to look elsewhere to fill their coaching vacancies.   Harbaugh’s brother and Baltimore Raven’s head coach John Harbaugh has already speculated that he thinks Jim is definitely considering remaining at Stanford next season.  However, it is important to note that many analysts expect Harbaugh to get as much as $8 million per season – and anything can happen when you’re talking that type of money.  Furthermore, the Carolina Panthers, owners of the 1^st pick in the 2011 draft (and the likely destination for Luck) are now forced to make new plans with their coveted pick.  While there are many holes to fill in Carolina, they are desperately in need of a franchise quarterback, and it’s unlikely they will reach for another quarterback with that high of a pick.  The affect of Luck’s decision won’t stop there, however.  With Carolina possibly taking a look at Georgia wideout A.J. Green, the dominos will continue to fall throughout the first round.  Most notably, there is one less quarterback on the board for those other QB hungry teams such as the Bills, Cardinals, Titans, Vikings and Dolphins.  Although you can’t really question a guy who wants to finish his education, especially at a school like Stanford, it certainly was a surprising choice.

On that note keep an eye out in the coming week for our first version of SportsBank’s Mock 2011 NFL Draft

5 Minutes with NFL Rookie John Russell

Russell (58) with his original team, the Green Bay Packers

John Russell is an NFL rookie currently with the Buffalo Bills, and a great friend of mine.  An undrafted free agent in the 2010 NFL Draft, John had brief stints with the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs before settling in with the Bills.  John and I lived together for a year when we were both at Wake Forest.  I thought it would be interesting to talk to John about his transition from college football to the NFL as well as some of his new experiences.  Here's what he had to say:

Should Sub .500 Teams Make the Playoffs?

With the monstrosity that is the NFC West this year, the question if teams below .500 should make the playoffs has become a popular topic.  But really, it does it even matter?  I mean, this is the first time it might happen, how big of an issue can it be?  So what if the Seahawks beat the Rams this Sunday and become the first 7-9 team to win their division.  They'll then play a game against one of two far superior teams and likely get decimated, never to be remembered again, outside of trivia books.  In the off chance they would actually win a playoff game, wouldn't it make a hell of a story?  There's no way the NFL is going to look to ban that, everyone will be watching, ratings would skyrocket and the wallets of the NFL would fill up.

And besides all that, why shouldn't they be allowed in?  It's not their fault their division is horrible.  It's not their fault they got 1st place in it.  What are they supposed to do, say no thanks?  They did exactly what everyone is supposed to try to do... win their division and get to the playoffs.  Just because they did it with a few more losses doesn't mean they shouldn't be there.

Will the Vikings be relying on Webb in 2011?

Joe Webb

Yes, Joe Webb played well and lead his team to a win Tuesday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but that is by no means enough evidence to name him the opening day starter in 2011.  To clutter things more, they can't really make a decision on the kid until they have a coach in place.  If they decide to take the high risk high reward route with Webb, they HAVE to have a coach who wants to have a young, athletic, scrambling style.  Unfortunately, the lack of a definite quarterback will undoubtedly take the Vikings off of most high profile coaches' lists.  If Leslie Frazier is back (which he likely is) it seems he is ok with Webb behind center, and he will likely adapt the playbook accordingly.  

His Tuesday night performance was surprisingly good, yet one game is hardily enough to crown the man king. Obviously, Vikings personell will be working with him all summer long to evaluate his improvement, but if the Vikings are really serious about attempting to win a Super Bowl with their current core of stars, they need to look elsewhere for the answer.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, both McNabb and Palmer should be available at decent prices.  Although both are aging, and are fresh off subpar seasons, they are more than capable of leading a talent rich team to the playoffs (and hopefully beyond).  This way, if they determine Webb may be the future, he can spend a few seasons being groomed by the veteran quarterback, before he is thrust out into the real world.  Similarly, if the Vikings draft a quarterback this April, the rookie will have a couple of years to learn behind a strong veteran.  Suddenly, the Vikings quarterback situation doesn't look so horrible.

Webb is obviously a superb athlete, and can definitely be a factor on the field.  Whether its behind center, playing receiver or coming in for special formations (wildcat anyone?) Webb should be an interesting player to watch this offseason.

Offseason Choices Ahead for the Minnesota Vikings

Despite Tuesdays surprising 24 - 14 over the Philadelphia Eagles, there is little doubt some big changes are coming to the Minnesota Vikings.  With multiple aging stars, no coach and no answer at quarterback, Vice President of Player Personell Rick Spielman has some important decisions to make before the start of the 2011 season.  If the Purple plan to win with their current core of stars (AP, Sidney Rice, Pat Williams, Chad Greenway...), time is running out.  Here's a few things they need to do:

Tough Offseason Choices for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Mythical TOcho

After a disappointing 4-11 (thus far) season, there is little doubt major changes are coming to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.  With a top 4 pick already secured,we know there will be some new talent on the field in 2011.  What we don't know, is which of their current stars will be wearing orange and black next year, as Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Carson Palmer all may be departing this offseason.

If they decide to let aging wideout Terrell Owens go, there is yet another whole to fill on offense.  A possible fit would be A.J. Green out of Georgia, who is one of the top receiver prospects since Randy Moss in the 1998 draft.  In this scenario, it might make sense to keep Palmer, at about $11.5 million, for the 2011 season.  Although Palmer has struggled this year, he is about to throw for 4,000 yards and is still a very capable quarterback. With the emergence of Jerome Simpson this season, Green will still have another receiver to help take the pressure and focus off, even without Ochocinco. Suddenly, the Bengals get a lot younger - and are possibly just as talented.

You have GOT to be kidding me...

Patriots O-lineman Dan Connolly returns a kick 70 yards against the Packers Sunday night.  The longest return by a lineman in NFL history.

Tim Tebow to Start Against Oakland

Tim Tebow

Former University of Florida star Tim Tebow is expected to start his first NFL game this Sunday, when the Broncos take on the Oakland Raiders.  Tebow has taken most of the first team reps in practice this week, as starter Kyle Orton is out nursing bruised ribs.  The rookie has only played a handful of snaps this season, throwing just one pass since he was drafted in the first round last April.  While Tebow has a long way to go to be considered a serious NFL quarterback, at 3-10 the Broncos might as well give him a chance to show what he's got.  Also, since Orton only will have one more year left on his contract after this season, Denver fans may be getting a sneak peak at their quarterback of the future this Sunday.

Unrest In The Desert

Larry Fitzgerald

It's no breaking news that the Arizona Cardinals have been falling back into irrelevance since losing quarterback Kurt Warner to retirement and wideout Anquan Boldin for a mere 5th round pick last offseason, but might another Pro-Bowler be on his way out? Although Larry hasn't made any public comments, his younger brother, Marcus Fitzgerald, may have stirred some discussion late Sunday night via Twitter.  Marcus tweeted "I want to see Larry play for the Vikings soon.  That's all I want for Christmas" jokingly adding he was staying in Arizona "Until Larry's QB situation gets handled."  Finally, Marcus, admitting what Cardinal fans have known all season, said "This year [is] most definitely very frustrating."  While it could all just be the words of a frustrated family member, it wouldn't be shocking if Larry and he shared the same opinion.  Although its too late to move him this offseason maybe the Cardinals will be best suited to move the talented wideout, entering the final year of his contract, in 2011.

Moss Struggles in Titans Debut

Randy Moss (pitching?)

While controversial wideout Randy Moss has been filling the headlines this year, he certainly didn't fill up the box score this Sunday.  Moss was held to one catch for 26 yards in his Titans debut, a career debut low for the well traveled receiver.  In fact Moss historically has some of his best games in his first week with a new squad, averaging 122 yards and at least 1 score in each game.  To be fair, there is still a chance Moss gels with the Titans - he has only been there a week - and quarterback Vince Young should be back for next weeks game against the Redskins.  What Moss and his fantasy owners should be worried about is how Randy is likely to become a major decoy on the field in the Titans offense.  With Vince Young and Chris Johnson in the backfield, Coach Jeff Fisher isn't going to change the game plan to fit Randy Moss.  He knows what they're good at, and thats running the football.  Moss can still be effective stretching the field, taking that extra man out of the box and hauling in the occasional deep ball, but if you ask me, his days of monster numbers are behind him.  At least for the 2010 season.  

Fantasy Advice: 

The fact of the matter is Moss is still a big name, thus he still has some legitimate trade value.  I would recommend trading Moss as soon as possible, the worst thing that could happen is waiting and watching his stock fall after a few unproductive weeks.  

Cowboys & Longhorns - Everything's badder in Texas

Above: Something that makes most Americans very, very happy

What the hell is going on with football in the state of Texas this year?  With both the Cowboys AND Longhorns struggling there's not much to root for if you're a Texas fan.  And it's not like they were supposed to have down seasons, I mean, the Cowboys returned 6 Pro-Bowlers and were a legit contender to come out of the NFC.  So what happened? Sure it's easy to blame Wade Phillips for the Cowboys struggles, but was he really the whole problem? I certainly don't think so, and more importantly, I don't think Jason Garrett is the solution.  They need someone who can bring out the immense talent they have and translate it to wins.  Of course Jerry Jones and most ignorant 'boys fans are going to want the "big name" hire, but I think they should look at a less discussed option - Vikings D Coordinator Leslie Frazier.  A defensive specialist like Frazier would be a great first step in improving a poor Dallas defense.   Will Jones go for a "not Bill Cowher" type hire? Probably not, but he should.

Leslie Frazier 

Longhorns fans, however, may have a little more optimism than their Dallas counterparts.  They'll return Quarterback Garrett Gilbert.  More importantly they'll bring in the number 1 recruiting class in 2011, headed by OT Christian Westerman (#1 tackle in the country) and RB Malcolm Brown.  If Mack Brown can turn things around in Austin, which he certainly can, things could look up for Texas in 2011.

NFL Picks: Sunday November 14th

Here's this weeks picks from our contributors, this will be one of our weekly posts. Unfortunately Jordan and Dave aren't here this week, so they'll have to start next week.

Game                         Tom                    Joel         
Det @ Buf                Detroit                Detroit
Min @ Chi               Minnesota           Chicago
NYJ@Cle                NYJ                    Cleveland
Cin @ Ind                Indy                    Indy
Ten @ Mia              Tennessee          Tennessee
Car @ TB                Tampa                Tampa
Hou @ Jac              Jacksonville       Jacksonville
KC @ Denver         KC                      KC
Dal @ NYG            Giants                 Giants
Sea @ Ari               Arizona               Arizona
Stl @ SF                 San Francisco    San Francisco
Ne @ Pit                 Pittsburgh            Pittsburgh
Phi @ Wsh             Philadelphia         Philadelphia  
Totals                     0-0                       0-0
Last Week              0-0                       0-0