There just aren’t enough cars on the Vikings’ “Blame Train” to accommodate everyone. The record is 2-8 and while the quarterbacks are the easiest target for criticism, plenty of others are culpable.
The “cast of failures” includes the offensive line, defensive backfield and pretty much most positions. Even 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson, playing part of the season with a problematic hamstring, is averaging a career low 4.4 yards per carry.
The coaches and front office won’t be winning post-season NFL awards. Head coach Leslie Frazier and coordinators Bill Musgrave and Alan Williams are coaching for their jobs. General manager Rick Spielman’s offseason personnel moves including quarterbacks and 2013 first round draft choices hasn’t brought the necessary help.
But why be that surprised the Vikings, after a 10-6 record last season, have slipped into oblivion. Since the Wilf ownership group took over the franchise prior to the 2006 season the Vikings have been consistently inconsistent. The annual records are 6-10, 8-8, 10-6, 12-4, 6-10, 3-13 and 10-6. (That’s three winning seasons, three losing and one year at .500.)
NFL teams that win most consistently have great coaches, make shrewd personnel decisions and are led by exceptional quarterbacks. Look at the long time success of the Patriots with coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The duo won their first of three Super Bowls in 2002 and as of today is contending for another trip to the big game with a 7-2 record.
The Packers, led by front office executive Ted Thompson, head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, make Vikings fans green with envy. The Pack often struggles on defense, uses replacement parts for injured offensive linemen and receivers, and keeps on winning. But since Rodgers was injured on November 4 the Packers have lost three consecutive games without him.
In the parity-happy NFL, a top coach and quarterback are that important in making a difference. Look at what’s happened in Kansas City where first-year coach Andy Reid and interception stingy quarterback Alex Smith have the Chiefs at 9-1 after last season’s 2-14 disaster.
Out in Seattle the Seahawks’ 2013 dominance has been led by head coach Pete Carroll who has plenty to say about personnel decisions just like Belichick. With his approval, the Seahawks drafted “too short” quarterback Russell Wilson in 2012 and acquired all-world playmaker Percy Harvin from the Vikings in 2013. One day after defeating the Vikings 41-20, the Seahawks’ record is a league best 10-1 and Carroll could become 2013 NFL Coach of the Year.
Much of the NFL consists of up and down franchises like the Vikings who don’t have the front office, coaching and personnel “formula” mastered like the elite of the league do. A few lucky breaks or career years by a handful of players can vault the up and downers to successful seasons. Something out of the ordinary has to happen like just before the 2009 season when the Vikings saw Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre decide he wanted to play here.
The result? A 12-4 record and near-miss trip to the Super Bowl when a then 40-year-old Favre showed he could outperform any quarterback in the NFL. Two years later Favre was retired and the Vikings ended the 2011 season with a 3-13 record.
The 2013 Vikings could have a 5-5 record because they have lost three games by a total of nine points. What that proves—as if we needed more evidence after all these years—is the Vikings’ personnel isn’t too much different than a lot of teams. Except, of course, at quarterback, and that also brings up the issues of coaching and front office personnel decisions too.
Back to the “formula.” For the Vikings’ owners, it looks like they need to put in a lot more “lab time.”
Again.
Vikings Notes
Frazier said at his news conference this afternoon he will have a “good idea” by Wednesday who the starting quarterback will be in Green Bay against the Packers on Sunday.
Talking about injuries, Frazier said it’s not certain yet if Adrian Peterson (groin) will be available for the game. The availabilities of center John Sullivan (concussion) and wide receiver Greg Jennings (Achilles) are also unknown.
Definitely out for the game and possibly the season is cornerback Josh Robinson with a fractured sternum. Marcus Sherels or Xavier Rhodes will replace Robinson at left cornerback.
Rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson had his first NFL start against the Seahawks. He caught three passes for 28 yards. Frazier said Patterson was targeted for more balls than he received.
Frazier liked the effort of his team on Sunday, just not the four turnovers that gave the Seahawks 20 points. He said his players thought they could win the game and were “engaged.”
With six games remaining on the schedule, the Vikings could break the franchise record of most points allowed in a season. The record is 484 by the 1984 Vikings and in 10 games this season the club has given up 320 points.