tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8268346.post9161919140035398667..comments2023-10-30T09:37:03.456-05:00Comments on Vikes Geek: Sunday's Early Takes--Linehan Donevikes geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06530336385552424416noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8268346.post-91365479463678013732008-09-22T14:05:00.000-05:002008-09-22T14:05:00.000-05:00I was mainly referring to this:"The difference bet...I was mainly referring to this:<BR/><BR/>"The difference between Frerotte and Jackson need be measured not simply in numbers, which were better than Jackson's numbers over two games, but also in leadership. Where Jackson seemed to be on his own planet, nearly comatose at times, Frerotte was energetic and commanding. Given Minnesota's stout defense, Frerotte might prove to be just enough to make Minnesota a contender."<BR/><BR/>I'm just not buying this. He was just as inconsistent as Jackson was. Throwing behind receivers, missing receivers, only leading the offense to 13 points etc. I failed to see the leadership element you speak of. <BR/><BR/>Of course Jackson is more erratic, and when he looks bad, he looks more embarassing and amateur than Frerotte. But this guy was supposed to be the future, if you're going to shelf him, the replacement better be a vast and immediate improvement. So far, this 37 year old journeyman, doesn't appear to be that guy. <BR/><BR/>I have hopes that the defense is starting to find its identity now, but I still think this is a 13-17 point offense with either Jackson or Frerotte, depending on a given defense's ability to stop the run. I guess I'm left to wonder, why bench the inconsistent quarterback with upside potential for the 37-year old inconsistent quarterback?Patthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14224048658185158155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8268346.post-27376349331775269672008-09-22T12:22:00.000-05:002008-09-22T12:22:00.000-05:00Patthew,I have yet to offer much of an assessment ...Patthew,<BR/><BR/>I have yet to offer much of an assessment on Frerotte, but it sounds like your issue is more with the coaching and receiving corps than with anything Frerotte did (or did not) do. Perhaps I've misread your comment.<BR/><BR/>The Vikings still have significant needs, most notably at number one receiver and on the offensive line. Cook is a disaster and Birk appears intent on proving the Vikings right in not signing him to a long-term deal before the season began--two critical penalties and a couple sound beatings on the line. Berrian at one is better than Wade at one with nobody other than Rice behind Wade, but Berrian is a one by default on this team.<BR/><BR/>With that said, it is a sign of where the Vikings have been recently that this game was the team's best game in some time. From my vantage point, it was a stark improvement over the predictable, run-at-all-costs, get burned on pass defense display against Green Bay. That's a compliment to both the improved pass rush--led by Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, and E.J. Henderson, and Frerotte, who, though not spectacular, also was not awful. <BR/><BR/>Room for substantial improvement? Absolutely. But also much better.<BR/><BR/>VG<BR/><BR/>VGvikes geekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06530336385552424416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8268346.post-84373613527041442952008-09-22T10:37:00.000-05:002008-09-22T10:37:00.000-05:00I disagree with your assessment of Gus. The offen...I disagree with your assessment of Gus. The offense was awful for one half of the game, and got its act together for 2 drives in the other. They played an identical game to what they did in Green Bay. The difference was that the defense applied pressure and came up with big plays to end drives. <BR/><BR/>The receivers still dropped passes, both sides made stupid penalties, the offense line was again terrible in pass protection. <BR/><BR/>The quarterback change changed nothing for this team.Patthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14224048658185158155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8268346.post-34750338955842581002008-09-22T09:44:00.000-05:002008-09-22T09:44:00.000-05:00Cabrito,They tend to run together when I think of ...Cabrito,<BR/><BR/>They tend to run together when I think of grumpy head coaches.<BR/><BR/>I will be posting more regarding your comment later today. My short response is that it was the Vikings' best game under Childress since his first game with the team.<BR/><BR/>VGvikes geekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06530336385552424416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8268346.post-22240417737847055632008-09-22T09:30:00.000-05:002008-09-22T09:30:00.000-05:00Hey, VG, it's Bill Belichick, not Brian. Were you...Hey, VG, it's Bill Belichick, not Brian. Were you thinking of Brian Billick? As regards the game, it was nice to see Gus perform with such poise and authority. It wasn't his fault the receivers couldn't hold onto the ball. Still, It's a little disconcerting that once again, the Vikings' offense was unable to put many points on the board, only one touchdown and two field goals. But I liked the fact that it was able to sustain some pretty long drives, something TJ seemed incapable of maintaining.Cabritohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06413035026045238243noreply@blogger.com