In the brief period from late summer to early fall, circumstances have dramatically changed the importance of Gus Frerotte to the Vikings. Since September 8, when the Vikings took the field in Green Bay for the opening game of the season, the 37-year-old quarterback has gone from afterthought to potential savior.
He was saint-like in the closing minutes of Monday night’s game in New Orleans, leading the Vikings to a field goal that gave his team a 30-27 win and perhaps saved the season. The Vikings were 0-2 when Frerotte replaced Tarvaris Jackson as the starting quarterback. Since then the record has improved to 2-3 and the team’s position is once again that of a contender in the NFC North.
How long that status continues may be determined by whether the Vikings’ old man quarterback remains healthy enough to play. He’s been bloodied and shaken, and while he’s able to continue on, the intensity of those who pursue NFL quarterbacks won’t be lessening in the weeks ahead.
Another quarterback in this town watched a courageous Frerotte complete 19 of 36 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown on Monday night against the Saints, and praised the performance. Gopher quarterback Adam Weber said earlier this week he didn’t realize Frerotte had been in the pros for 15 years (seven different teams).
“That’s unreal,” Weber said. “It’s unheard of. The guy looks like he’s 25 years old out there. So it’s an amazing, amazing accomplishment. I mean, I am 21 years old and I feel it in the morning. I can’t imagine what he feels like after playing games against some of those creatures that he’s playing against out there.”
Whether you compare Frerotte with a 25 or 35 year old quarterback, Frerotte has a strong arm and the guts to stand in the passing pocket facing a potential beating on every snap. What he doesn’t have is exceptional mobility to avoid the creatures, and his teammates will do themselves a favor to improve on their 19th place standing in sacks allowed by NFL teams.
The locker-room admiration has to be growing for Frerotte who rejoined the Vikings in the off-season after a four year absence where he played with two other teams. His courage has to inspire, even if it worries family and friends.
Can he make it through a 16 game season? He better. Jackson, despite extensive playing time opportunities, has yet to show he’s a good NFL quarterback. Third teamer John David Booty is a rookie and has to prove he’s even good enough to stay in the league.
The Vikings have a championship defense and an all-pro runner in Adrian Peterson. Center Matt Birk and guard Steve Hutchinson can play for any team in the league. The other offensive linemen and the receivers need to prove themselves, and help Frerotte sustain the success he started in New Orleans.
If only he had Weber’s legs.