No Favre, No Cry

So after a three month flirtation with the Minnesota Vikings, 39 year old quarterback, Brett Favre informed Viking’s Head Coach, Brad Childress he will remain retired.

To me this is unbelievable. He led the Vikes on like a “hot MILF (or maybe Cougar – take your pick)” who talks you into leaving your wife for her after a three month affair and then says “ah never mind.” What an asshole!!!

Favre played 18 years in the NFL, 17 of those with the hated Green Bay Packers. After the ugly split with the Pack and the weapons the Vikes offense has, I thought Favre was a LOCK for Minnesota.

As bad as I currently hate the NFL All-Time Interceptions Thrown leader, Mr. Favre, I will admit I had come to terms and was ready for him to be a Vike. At first I was like “hell no” I don’t want him, then I looked at what we had/have – Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. I quickly changed my mind and was willing to take a chance with Favre.

I honestly do think he is a drama queen who needs attention, but it would have been fun for at least one year to see him as a Viking and to piss off those Packer fans!


Unfortunately time to move on, the Vikings starting quarterback in 2009 will be Jackson or Rosenfels. By the way, if you even suggest Michael Vick, you are a complete dumbass!

Jackson is a three year NFL veteran who proved in the Vikes playoff game against the Eagles that he has no clue how to read an NFL blitz yet. Jackson’s career numbers are 306 of 524 for 3,442 yards including 20 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Rosenfels is an eight year NFL veteran who has been a career backup. Rosenfels’ career numbers are 351 of 562 for 4,156 yards including 30 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

On paper they are basically the same guy. I expect Rosenfels to win the quarterback battle and think that if he can cut down on turnovers and complete a third down occasionally the Vikes will be ok.

I mean even I could hand off to Adrian “All Day” Peterson! Percy Harvin joins Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade and Sidney Rice as a decent receiving corp. So although it would have been fun with Favre, the Vikes will be okay without him. At least I hope so…

Winfield, Allen and the Favre Watch

WINFIELD
Great news, the Vikes agreed on a five year $36 million dollar extension for the 32 year old cornerback. In the contract are some interesting points that could add or subtract from the deal (like if Winfield isn’t a starter in 2011, his salary would be greatly reduced).

This is a win-win deal. Winfield is a solid cornerback. Excellent against the run and above average against the pass. He is thought of by many as the best tackling cornerback in the NFL. With the clauses included, the Vikes didn’t spend a ridiculous amount on him without covering their back.

This is nothing, but good news for the Vikings and their fans!

ALLEN
Also today, the Vikes signed third-round pick, Asher Allen. Allen is a cornerback that will battle for the nickel role with Charles Gordon and Marcus McCauley. Allen likely will also be used on Special Teams.

First-round pick, Percy Harvin and second-round pick, Phil Loadholt remain unsigned.

FAVRE WATCH
Still the Brett Favre watch continues to be a soap opera. Favre is supposed to announce his intensions by the end of July. It was once thought he was a lock to join the Vikes and now it sounds like he wasn’t going to come to Minnesota and remain retired, but several prominent current Vikings are telling him the want him on the team. It is hard to turn down Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson.

Who knows what Favre will do?!? I still think he is the Vikes starting quarterback in 2009 and now I can’t wait until it is official!

Favre & Training Camp Schedule

FAVRE
Brett Favre has said he will decide by July 30th if he will join the Vikings or remain retired. All signs point to him becoming a Viking. Once this actually does happen FOR SURE I will elaborate on my thoughts on Favre.

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
Below is the Vikes Training Camp Schedule that is open to the public. Imagine how packed it is going to be this year – Favre (likely), Adrian “Purple Jesus” Peterson and Percy Harvin. WOW! I gotta make another road trip!

Friday, July 31: 9-11:15 am & 3-5 pm.
Saturday, Aug. 1: 9-11 am & 7-9 pm
Sunday, Aug. 2: 3-5 pm
Monday, Aug. 3: 9-11 am & 3-5 pm
Tuesday, Aug. 4: 9-11 am & 2-3 pm
Wednesday, Aug. 5: 9-11 am & 3-4 pm
Thursday, Aug. 6: 9-11 am & 2-3 pm
Friday, Aug. 7: 9-11 am & 7-9 pm
Saturday, Aug. 8: 2:45-5 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 10: 9-11 am & 2-3 pm
Tuesday, Aug. 11: 9-11 am & 3-4 pm
Wednesday, Aug. 12: 9-11 am & 3-4 pm

Catching Up on the Purple

Yeah I know I’ve been horrible about blogging lately, but June is a crazy month for work and to be honest, I haven’t really missed too much. Two major off-season stories remain, Brett Favre & Percy Harvin. Here’s a June recap basically.

VIKES SIGN DRAFT PICKS
Minnesota signed Fifth Round pick, Jasper Brinkley (linebacker) and Seventh Round pick, Jamarca Sanford (safety) to deals. Third Round pick, Asher Allen (cornerback), Second Round pick, Phil Loadholt (offensive tackle) and First Round pick, Percy Harvin (wide receiver) remain unsigned. No worries on this as it is still early. The remaining three should be singed and ready to go once Training Camp starts.

PERCY HARVIN
Speaking of Percy Harvin, it’s been an odd couple months with him so far. He fell to the Vikings in the NFL Draft because of character issues (smoking dope), but he has seemed electric during the OTA’s. However, Harvin has had a couple weird incidents. Not sure if this means something or just bad luck.

Harvin missed a Vikes Rookie Camp in May due to an illness. He was hospitalized for extreme dehydration. Harvin’s camp played this off as he had been training extremely hard and was not properly hydrated.

Last week Harvin left the mandatory NFL Rookie Symposium due to illness. It was not disclosed what was/is wrong with him.

Again, I don’t know what this means, but it sure is odd. I hope Harvin can stay out of trouble, because I think he will be a huge threat in the NFL and should help give the Vikes Offense even more of a explosive dynamic.

BRETT FAVRE
Really nothing has changed on the Favre deal. He and the Vikings have both been non-committal about him coming to play for Minnesota. Although I’m not 100% sure, I think Favre WILL be a Viking. I spoke with a current member of the Vikings and he told me both hammered and sober that Favre is going to be a Viking.

Assuming this does happen, the Vikes will be a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl. I realize Favre is old and past his prime, but he is better then T-Jack and Sage Rosenfels. Favre can read a blitz and he knows how to win. I’m also guessing he can hand the ball off pretty well to Adrian Peterson.

With a legitimate quarterback and some receiving weapons (Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian and dare I say Visanthe Shiancoe), teams won’t be able to load the box to try and stop AD. Or they can, but then the Vikes should have a fairly solid passing game too.

With a healthy Favre and Peterson, 2009 should be a GREAT year for the Minnesota Vikings and their fans. Now I guess we just wait until the Favre deal becomes official.