The weeks go by but themes remain the same, according to Minnesota Vikings critics. Opening drives on offense are productive, followed by more minimal results, suggesting that other teams are making more successful adjustments during games. Also, who’s the quarterback? What are his credentials? Rookie Adrian Peterson, the NFL’s leading rusher with 740 yards, has been under-utilized. Bryant McKinnie underachieves at left tackle and the offense’s right side seems like a permanent project. The defense is on the field too often and eventually yields major passing plays. Coach Brad Childress is a target of public and media criticism.
The Vikings are 2-5 and it seems like much of the conversation is the same after each game. I like Childress, a good guy who learned many of his values and football knowledge under one of the best college coaches in Big Ten Conference history, Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin. Although Childress had never been an NFL head coach prior to coming here, he has a lot of coaching experience. This is his 30th year of coaching, including 10 in the NFL. He’s been associated with 17 winning seasons.
His job here, though, is the most demanding of his career. Reality is that he’s so scrutinized the public can turn on him based on one game, even a single play.
Criticism and frustration with the Vikings is increasing. The talk shows are scorching with critiques. The boo-birds at the Metrodome sometimes arrive in the first quarter. For the first time in years the franchise is struggling to sellout games. A zealous fan even held up a “Fire Childress” sign at last Sunday’s game.
Mike Morris, the former Viking now a KFAN radio host, told Sports Headliners he thinks the Vikings need a coaching change Childress’ record is 4-13 in his last 17 games and his overall record since he started coaching the Vikings in 2006 is 8-15. Morris is frustrated with personnel and in-game coaching decisions, attributing some problems to “stubbornness.”
“The owner’s got as much stubbornness as he (Childress) does,” Morris said earlier this week. “He (Zygi Wilf) thought he had a great hire. He ran out and got the guy. He doesn’t want to be embarrassed by a bad hire. He’ll keep the guy I am sure, regardless of what his record is. Unless he swallows his pride and says, ‘Look, I’ll do anything for this team to do better’ and hire another guy, (Bill) Cowher, (Marty) Schottenheimer. You got to right the wrong. He (Wilf) would make more people happy about it…if he would just redeem himself. He needs to rehire someone. He’s got the wrong guy. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn coaching over on that sideline. It’s not working. …”