Leslie Frazier first game as Head Coach is a win

Leslie Frazier first game as Head Coach, you mike thing that the Viking player would come out fired up and run over the mediocre Redskins. And I mean run, Adrian Lewis Peterson run, run run.

First Quarter the first Redskin drive made everyone remember this Viking team is not the Vikings of 2009, and they are not very good. The Redskins passed, passed, passed and Chris Cooley and Fred Davis each caught three of them. The third down conversions once again killed the Vikings Defense. It was sad as the Viking Linebackers would normally be responsible for covering tight-ends. The Redskins scored (Fred Davis), and so it was the time to see if Childress was really the reason that the Viking offense was faltering or if Brett Favre and his gun-slinging interceptions caused the whole season to end prematurely. Brett Favre was 3 for 3 and Adrian Peterson ran with authority and well as his nice long reception. Vikings tied the score at 7 with an Adrian Peterson short run. It looked as though the 2009 Vikings were back on the field for the Offense. The Redskins went three and out and things were starting to look up for the Minnesota Vikings. But then the 2010 Viking offense came back on to the field, not the 2009 and after moving the ball for about 25 yards on about 5 plays or so Favre tried to launch one up for Sidney Rice who had been held without a catch and over through him by a mile. Third down then the coverage was better and then Favre saw Visanthe Shiancoe covered by a linebacker, He through a nearly perfect pass for that distance and London Fletcher was able to break it up without getting called for pass interference.

Second Quarter was not near as exciting with one exception it started with a dropped Pass by Santana Moss on third down and was clearly it killed the Redskins drive This was the opportunity the Vikings were looking for. But the Vikings were able to do nothing with it. Adrian Peterson was injured on a short run to the right side and Toby Gerhart was looking like he did in the first few weeks of the season two yards and a cloud of dust. It was not enough on his third run and the Vikings punt, Redskins punt, Vikings Punt, Redskins get sacked by E.J. Henderson and they decided to run the clock out. Adrian Peterson did not return to the field at all in the second quarter and had his ankle taped up, his return before the half time break was probable and after the break the report changed to questionable.

Third Quarter started with Vikings receiving the kickoff and they 2009 Viking offense looks to have started the drive, Visanthe Shiancoe making two big plays on 2nd and 3rd down. Meanwhile Adrian Peterson stood on the sidelines looking ready to go, but then tests out his ankle and does not really look ready to go. Immediately after that Toby Gerhart rushes for his first NFL touchdown. Redskins punt, Vikings Punt, Husain Abdullah gets injured, the Vikings blitz and Redskins convert to Keiland Williams gets a critical first down. Then after two plays that the Viking defense looked like the 2009 defense allows 2 yards, Jared Allen then makes a great tackle to get back those two yards. 3rd and ten, the Viking Defense has been horrible at 3rd downs this year and the Redskin offense has been terrible prior to this game but the first two and half quarters they have converted well. Not on this play, a quick pass to Chris Cooley and the Redskins claim he was interference, Cooley did not make the catch and so Redskins punt. That led to Sidney Rice first catch of the game. Immediately followed up by the Viking first penalty of the game. (accepted penalty as they had an off-setting call against them but that does not count in the books). The Viking linebacker E.J. Henderson intercepts a pass, that Santana Moss should have caught. The Redskins defense stuff all options that Darrel Bevel tried for the three plays, Vikings Settle for a FG. 17-7 Vikings. The following kickoff was a big return for the Redskins, but the first play of the drive was a Jared Allen Sack.

Fourth Quarter starts Kevin Williams calls an alert timeout on the third down play with the Redskins at the Viking 26 yard line as he saw something he did not like. That led to Antoine Winfield stopping Keiland Williams just short of converting yet another third down. At this point it is difficult to tell if the Vikings poor third down defense is allowing the poor Redskin third down offense to look good a times or the other way around. Redskins Kick a FG. Percy Harvin takes the kick return and possibly should have let that one go. However Percy Harvin has played a good game as this point and has been the favorite target for Brett Favre. The Vikings go three and out and tried to have Jeff Dugan get the critical third down. Donovan McNabb found Anthony Armstrong wide open and under throws the ball but the catch is made and the Viking secondary is looking ever so weak once again. But the Viking Defense puts the squeeze on and hold the Redskins to just another FG. So with about ten minutes left in the game, Brett Favre, who has not thrown an interception yet to this point takes the ball without Adrian Peterson, with out Anthony Herrera, who had been lost for the season last week. The second penalty against the Vikings costs them dearly as they had converted a third down, but after the penalty come up just short. Another penalty backs the Vikings up and sets up for the 2010 Viking failure. It all seemed to fall into place as every game this season has (to the wrong outcome) The Redskins return the punt for a Touchdown, but a flag on the play lets the special teams off the hook. Which of these two teams will have the monkey on their back drag them down today? So instead of 20-17 Redskins it is 17-13 Vikings and the Redskins are back up near the end zone. Donovan McNabb throws a huge long pass and Madieu Williams beats the receiver to the ball but cannot hang on to it as he collides with the ground. The Vikings, apparently not watching the last few long pass plays of the Redskins Offense, start to try and run (rush) the clock down before giving it back to Donovan McNabb. Big conversion from Greg Lewis, gives the running-backs a break (Percy Harvin and Toby Gerhart).

The last two minutes, This is Toby Gerhart time, the Stanford running back puts his shoulder down and gains another first down. The Redskins down to just two timeout, or is it just one, even the refs are confused. So Toby Gerhart runs for two yard and a cloud of timeouts to leave the game on the line at 3rd down YES another critical third down. And the Vikings let Favre take control of the rest of this game. does he throw an interception? or does he decide back ankle and all to run for the first down???? IF ONLY HE WOULD HAVE DONE THIS IN THE NFC Championship game…. Arg. but he got the first down with his feet and ended the game with no INT!!

How will Leslie Frazier affect the Vikings Offense?

The big question for Sunday’s Viking game is what effect will Leslie Frazier have on the Vikings Offense? Will Brett Favre have more freedom? Will Brett stay in the system more? Will Adrian Peterson finally take over the reins of this team?

Check out this and tell me what I think!!

As most D-coordinators would say, stopping #28 is top priority, #4 will only lead to beating himself given enough time. The key for Viking Victory is Adrian Peterson and the blocking in front of him. The more Adrian gets the ball the stronger he has played game after game.

So in my opinion Fantasy Footballers should start Adrian (duh) and bench Favre (duh duh) as I truly believe that Leslie will try and force the issue of this teams running game when possible.

Childress Fired

OK so it finally has happend, and now we will see if the Vikings players have any kind of back bone. Everyone on that team should feel like they have a foot in the parking lot. There has not been too much of single point of failure, other than perhaps Brett Favre. Really this has been an utter and complete collapse from top to bottom.

Immediate needs: CB, OL, QB, DT (think star caps), WR health.

http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer/status/6755156213366784

NFL.com news: Childress fired by Vikings; Frazier named interim head coach

Childress fired by Vikings; Frazier named interim head coach

The Minnesota Vikings fired Brad Childress on Monday, cutting ties with a head coach who had come under increasing fire from his players — and his boss — for everything from their horrid start to his 1-2 playoff record and his abrupt decisions.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports that additional meetings are planned with Vikings officials to determine the structure of the remaining staff and to determine if any other staff changes will be made, according to a source.

The Vikings fell to 3-7 after a 31-3 loss to the rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the final blow to Childress in his fifth season in charge of the team. It was his most-lopsided home defeat as head coach, dropping his overall record to 40-37.

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Childress took over for the fired Mike Tice in 2006 after spending seven years with the Eagles, including four as the offensive coordinator. He was chosen by owner Zygi Wilf to instill discipline and demand better off-the-field behavior from a team that was embarrassed the year before by a bye-week boat party gone bad and a number of other legal problems for players.

However, Childress stumbled in his first year and never fully gained the faith of the fans — or some of his players.

He infamously cut dissatisfied wide receiver Marcus Robinson on Christmas Eve, had trouble connecting and communicating with some of his players and often came across to the public as rigid and aloof.

The offense struggled without a clear solution at quarterback, and it wasn’t until last year, when Childress persuaded Brett Favre to put off retirement a second time, that the Vikings finally put up points and became the dominant team that matched the Pro Bowl talent on the roster.

Still, they went from 6-10 to 8-8 to 10-6 to 12-4 in his first four seasons, losing in the NFC title game in overtime last January to the eventual champion New Orleans Saints. Last November, Wilf – pleased by the stability and the progress — gave Childress a contract extension. According to an ESPN.com report on Nov. 19, the deal runs through 2013 but the final year is the team’s option.

This season almost seemed destined for doom, given how smoothly it all went in 2009 until the very end and how well the 40-year-old Favre played by taking care of the ball and making age-defying throws into the end zone.

Favre didn’t show up for camp until mid-August, and the next week wide receiver Sidney Rice had hip surgery. Wide receiver Percy Harvin missed big chunks of time, mostly because of migraine headaches, and center John Sullivan was out of action for several weeks with a nagging calf injury.

Coincidence or not, the offense was out of sync to start, Favre began turning the ball over at costly times and the Vikings suddenly were missing last year’s magic.

The relationship between Favre and Childress, which was tense at times in 2009, seemed to sour further when Favre threw three ill-fated interceptions in the Oct. 24 game at Green Bay and the Vikings lost to Favre’s old team.

Childress, who was just 3-9 against the rival Packers as Minnesota coach, was sharply critical of Favre’s decision-making afterward, and the coach drew his own criticism for failing to challenge a Packers touchdown catch that could’ve been overturned because the ball was being bobbled.

Then the situation really went south following a loss at New England. Wide receiver Randy Moss, acquired in a trade for a third-round draft pick just four weeks earlier, went out of his way to praise the Patriots and criticize Childress in a post-game rant.

The next day, Childress told his players he had cut Moss and never fully explained the situation to them or the public. Wilf was reportedly angry that Childress didn’t tell him first of his plan, and there were anonymous reports of growing dissatisfaction in the locker room about the boss. Childress and Harvin got into a heated argument during one practice over an MRI test on his sprained ankle.

Fans made no secret about their frustration, with thousands of “Fire Chilly” signs distributed on Nov. 7 outside the stadium before the Vikings played Arizona and several chants breaking out from the seats during the game.

The Vikings rallied for an overtime victory over the Cardinals to table the firing talk temporarily, but a 27-13 loss at Chicago on Nov. 14 and the blowout against Green Bay cranked it back up again.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

It’s over: Vikings fire Brad Childress | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities | Radio home of the Minnesota Twins

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Brad Childress era is over in Minnesota.

The Vikings fired their head coach late Monday morning, less than 24 hours after an embarrassing 31-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers eliminated whatever remained of the team’s playoff hopes and cast Childress’ job into obvious and imminent jeopardy.

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, the team announced in a three-sentence statement that included no quotes from management.

The Vikings sent a media release a little before 9 a.m. Monday saying Childress would hold his regularly scheduled press conference at 12:30 p.m. So, owner Zygi Wilf presumably informed Childress and team staffers sometime between then and the time Fox’s Jay Glazer broke the story on Twitter around 11 a.m.

A 3 p.m. media conference with Wilf and Frazier was scheduled to discuss the move.

The firing completes an amazing and sad about-face for Childress’ career the past year.

With the Vikings flying high at 8-1 on their way to the NFC championship, Childress signed a contract extension last Nov. 19 that ran through the 2012 season, with an option for 2013. Only 368 days later, the Vikings are 3-7, coming off one of the most atrocious losses in recent franchise history, and Childress is out of a job.

The Vikings’ comeback win over Arizona on Nov. 7 probably granted the embattled coach a reprieve. But after consecutive losses to division opponents by a combined 42 points, Wilf made the move for which fans and some players had been lobbying as things steadily unraveled.

Childress, 54, reportedly is due $6.6 million over the final two guaranteed years of his contract. He was 39-35 (40-37 including playoffs) in four-plus seasons as the Vikings’ coach.

For Frazier, 51, what remains is a six-game audition for the permanent job — as well as a chance to prove something to rest of the league. He’s had seven interviews for head coaching jobs in recent years and come up short every time.

The task won’t be easy, though, even with a talented roster that came a field goal away from the Super Bowl last year. Six straight wins only would get the Vikings to 9-7, giving them only a long-shot chance at sneaking into the postseason as a wild card.
Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor of 1500ESPN.com

Chill Out: Brad Childress Fired As Vikings Coach – Daily Norseman

Obviously, more on this as it develops.

Well, these are the 2010 Minnesota Vikings. . .damned if they weren’t going to give us something to talk about this week.

EDIT: The Vikings have announced that defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier has been named the interim head coach for the season’s remaining six games. Frazier and Vikings’ owner Zygi Wilf will be addressing the media at Winter Park at 3 PM Central time.

Pelissero: Right or wrong, there is logic behind Rice’s deliberation | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities | Radio home of the Minnesota Twins

I Really liked this poster ad

In this Article Tom writes about the business side of football, while as a fan I would like to think that this is not the top of Sidney Rice’s thought checklist, it might be. However there is enough tape on Sidney from 2009 that I think someone would force the issue of Free Agency with the Vikings if he were not to play at all the rest of this season.

Read the Entire Article here

Tom Pelissero

1500ESPN.com

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The scene was set for the Minnesota Vikings’ mess on Aug. 23. That’s when top receiver Sidney Rice — weeks after pledging there was “no doubt” he’d play in the season opener — flew to Colorado and underwent surgery to repair his ailing hip.

Desperate and stunned after waiting out Rice’s rehab all summer, the Vikings signed broken-down Javon Walker the next day. The day after that, they traded for Greg Camarillo.

And in the months that followed, they cut Walker, signed Hank Baskett, tried to trade for Vincent Jackson, did trade for Randy Moss, cut Randy Moss … an unmerry-go-round of receivers compounding quarterback Brett Favre‘s late arrival to produce an arrhythmic air attack that’s failed the Vikings again and again during their 3-6 thud.

It’s now been nearly three months, and the Vikings still are waiting for Rice. There is no expectation within the organization he’ll be the same player who made his first Pro Bowl in 2009 — not after all the time he’s missed. But he looked good enough in two weeks of practice the Vikings were eager to activate him for last weekend’s game at Chicago.

For Rice, though, it’s understandably difficult to incentivize a return at anything less than 100% skill and confidence, as he and 20 other Vikings prepare to enter a hazy offseason with no assurances they’ll play more than seven more games in Minnesota.

“We’re never going to chide a guy,” coach Brad Childress said on Thursday. “The peer pressure in the locker room to play, to get up if you can get up, is hard enough as it stands. It doesn’t make any difference what (the injury) is.”

Rice vehemently denied this week he’s biding his time because of contract matters, but really, his point is semantic. Right or wrong, it’s logical a highly talented player with no long-term security would be wary of representing himself poorly on tape all 32 teams will view — or worse, suffering a setback following surgery Rice has described as “very serious.”

So, Rice continues to practice hard, tantalizing coaches with the irreplaceable skillset that yielded 93 catches and 12 touchdown receptions a year ago, while giving no guarantee his answer will be different this Saturday than last.

Either way, Rice gets his weekly game check of $32,353 — a pittance compared to what he could command on the open market. Whether he’ll get a chance to cash in when his four-year rookie contract expires in March, however, is perhaps even cloudier than the nature of Rice’s injury.

Absent a new collective-bargaining agreement, owners would lock out players, potentially cutting into the 2011 season. And if a new agreement is reached, the rules of free agency could change drastically, from increasing the qualification for free agency (five or six years instead of four) to eliminating the franchise and transition tags used for years to retain top players on one-year deals.

Both possibilities contributed to a massive drop in league-wide spending this past offseason, leaving even proactive teams such as the Vikings with lists of ascending players unsigned for 2011. Only eight teams have fewer players signed for 2011 than the Vikings, who have a little more than $90 million in salary and bonuses committed to 34.

Linebacker Chad Greenway tops the list of potential free agents that most notably includes Rice, end Ray Edwards, linebacker Ben Leber, kicker Ryan Longwell, defensive tackle Pat Williams and quarterback Brett Favre, who is expected to retire after 20 seasons.

Also unsigned beyond this season are safety Husain Abdullah, Baskett, offensive lineman Ryan Cook, defensive tackle Fred Evans, safety Eric Frampton, linebacker Erin Henderson, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, receiver Jaymar Johnson, receiver Greg Lewis, end Brian Robison, cornerback Lito Sheppard, fullback Naufahu Tahi, cornerback Frank Walker and halfback Albert Young.

It’s unclear what interest the Vikings have in retaining Edwards, leaving Greenway and Rice as the most vital players under age 30 to retain. But the offseason’s No. 1 in-house priority has to be All-Pro halfback Adrian Peterson, who probably will be reluctant to play out the final year of his own rookie contract — despite a scheduled base salary of $10.72 million, with millions more available in escalators and incentives — when his next deal could include $30 million in guarantees.

Asked whether it’s difficult not to think about the future, Peterson said, “It’s not difficult. Not to say that things like that don’t cross your mind. But you’ve got to stay focused on what’s at hand, and we still have a long season in front of us. You just can’t dwell on (those things). It’s a fight, but then ultimately, I win that battle.”

Part of Rice’s battle might include the memory of 2008, when he returned from a sprained posterior cruciate ligament after three games and was hampered the rest of the season. Just like a hamstrung 2009 might have crossed the mind of fellow receiver Bernard Berrian — who likewise could be on the market next offseason unless the Vikings want to pay him $4 million — before he benched himself after pregame warmups last week.

Maybe this time would be different. Maybe Rice could defy expectations by making an immediate impact for a Vikings team that desperately needs a spark on the verge of playoff elimination. Or maybe Rice feels the pressure, returns just a little too soon, and the result is the same.

In that case, nobody wins. It’s just one more mess to clean up.

Only Rice can decide if the risks — whatever they are in his mind — are worth the potential impact on his reward later.
Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor of 1500ESPN.com

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Wilf says he will keep Childress.

There is not too much to say about Childress in this game, the Vikes were bad from start to end, from top to bottom. The only thing that went right today was old #74 kept Peppers under control. Brett Favre and slipping falling second rate receivers (as last years starters were all injured and out of the game). The game plan for this game must be questioned. Either the Bears coaches knew what the Vikings were weak at on Defence or they continued to get lucky. The Viking offense could get nothing going, especially on 3rd down.

Devon Hester, played like it was a few years ago. What in the world, that was crazy.

Wilf says he will keep Childress after latest Vikings meltdown | ProFootballTalk

Wilf says he will keep Childress after latest Vikings meltdown
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 14, 2010, 4:57 PM EST

Brett Favre called this week’s game in Chicago a must win. They were dominated in every phase of the game in a 27-13 loss to the Bears.

Vikings player have often talked this season about missing a break here or a break there. They have been close to winning a few times, but they haven’t ever been close to playing like a championship-caliber team. Sunday’s loss should hammer home the point they just aren’t that good.

Give the Bears defense credit. They clamped down on Adrian Peterson (17 carries, 51 yards) and made Brett Favre often check the ball down or make mistakes. Favre ended up with three interceptions and a lost fumble on 27 attempts. (One pick came on a tipped pass, another when Peterson fell.) Favre’s protection didn’t hold up, his receivers dropped passes, and Favre made poor decisions under pressure.

At 6-3, we’re still not sure how good the Bears are. But this game was very encouraging. Aside from one mind-numbing interception, Jay Cutler played very well, completing 22-of-35 passes for 237 yards, three touchdowns, and two picks. (The other interception came on a dropped pass.) Cutler escaped pressure to make third-down conversions a number of times.

At times, Cutler looked like a young Favre. Favre looked like an old Favre, and one has to wonder what happens after another loss or two.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf told ESPN’s Ed Werder he won’t consider firing Brad Childress at this time. That just seems to be just delaying the inevitable. The Vikings have looked like a mediocre team since the season started, and there’s little reason to think that will suddenly change.

Packers injury bug bites former Packers too

Perhaps Brett Favre should be concerned with his growing list of ailments…he could be next!

Jaguars lose Aaron Kampman for the season | ProFootballTalk

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 12, 2010, 1:04 PM EST 

In only eight games, Aaron Kampman had transformed himself into the leader of the Jaguars defense, not to mention their best defensive lineman.

Jacksonville will have to move on without him after learning that Kampman suffered a torn ACL at practice Thursday, ending his season. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio announced the move at his Friday press conference. Kampman’s career in Green Bay ended with a torn ACL to his other knee, and he made a quick recovery to play well for the season’s first eight games.

It’s a crushing blow for the beleaguered Jaguars defense. They have struggled to consistently pressure the passer, and will now have to turn back to recently benched former first-round pick Derrick Harvey. Kampman also represents a huge investment by the organization, which had been paying off. He received a $10 million signing bonus on a four-year deal.

In a deep AFC playoff picture, both the Jaguars and Texans can’t afford to fall to 4-5 on Sunday. We seriously doubt Jacksonville can make a second half run because of their tough schedule, and this news will only make their task tougher.

If You Believe In Me That Changes Everything

Ok Tarvaris Jackson, lets see if Chilly really believes in you. Today Brad Childress has the chance to set history. Brett Favre has deemed himself ready to play. TJack has taken the majority of the first team snaps. It all comes down to how much Chilly believes that one over the other can help the team win.

The way that Brett Favre has played, leaves nearly every other coach make the change, injury or not. But this is Brett Favre, and he is bigger than life.

I believe that Brett will win out, and I know that I am in the minority, but I believe in TJack.

Vikings 17 Patriots 24

Favre’s streak to end?

I doubt it. Favre is a real gamer, and I see no way he will not play unless he breaks his back a few times.

He may get pulled from the game however, as Chilly has not been too happy with him and has been very vocal about that.

With that news, you should probably continue to sit him, WHAT I hope you were not starting him!!

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/18748/favrewatch-a-final-lob

Brett Favre “To Return or Not To Return”

Many News Articles on Brett Favre, all of them say a whole lot of nothing, much like he did when talking to the press. Why should anyone other than an actual Viking be concerned with Brett Favre’s return or not??? He should return, he is capable of returning, it would be another fun season as a Viking fan with him.

Biloxi Sun Harld

Is he or isn’t he?

Brett Favre is riding his bicycle 8 miles, as recommended for rehab from his ankle surgery;

He’s itching for another shot at the New Orleans Saints

Star Tribune

Favre: “I am not going to press it”

Access Vikings, Updating you year-round on all things purple

The Vikings quarterback told the Biloxi (Miss.) newspaper that he still hasn’t decided whether to return, saying he “doesn’t want to stir the pot.”

Favre: ‘I would love to go beat the Saints’

Access Vikings, Updating you year-round on all things purple

Favre offers another indication that he will return for 20th season

Favre/Vikings nominated for ESPYs

Access Vikings, Updating you year-round on all things purple

Favre’s touchdown pass to Greg Lewis vs. San Francisco nominated for Best Play

Fantasy Football Toolbox

The Vikings open their training camp next month, but we shouldn’t expect to see Favre until a few weeks before the regular season begins. He knows he’s coming back. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be going through all this surgery and rehab now. Favre should just come out and say he’s coming back and he’ll be with the Vikings in late-August

ProFootball Talk

Jones pops up every year around this time to talk to his buddy Favre for the NFL’s version of Groundhog Day.  Based on these comments, and Favre’s surgery, there’s no doubt that we’re getting 17 more regular season weeks of number four.

And in another article

Favre appears to be countering the notion that his indecision could hurt the Vikings.  But no one has made that argument this year because everyone expects him to return.

ESPN NFL NORTH Blogger

I think I’ve been good about tailoring the Brett Favre updates this offseason (Please send your praise and thanks.) While there’s never been much doubt about his intention to return to the Minnesota Vikings this season, we did get some compelling hard evidence Thursday.

And in another article

You might be tempted to ask if they had any other option, but we should still recognize the non-traditional approach Vikings coach Brad Childress openly took in dealing with his 40-year-old quarterback.

Vikings Blog

“It was my best season,” he said. “I’ve had three MVPs and that was not one of them. I know I can still play at a high level. I know I still love to play the game.”

NFL With video

Will revenge drive Brett Favre to return for a 20th NFL season? Favre is trying to stay mum, although he seemed to drop a strong hint about his future Thursday.

Does it matter if Brett Favre returns in 2010?

Yes it does, and no it does not. Brett was the best player on the Vikings in 2009, he led them to incredible comebacks and impressive wins, the Defense did their part as well.

Looking at the ratings by ProFootballFocus.com – Cumulative Team Statistics, you can see that according to them, Favre out played everyone on the offense.

Looking at the overall rating of the season, Favre was tops followed by Sidney Rice (who some would say is a product of Brett Favre at this point) and then Percy Harvin and Jim Kleinsasser?? all of who preformed above average (green shading).

Adrian Peterson was next but was in the average section, and was pulled down by fumbling.

Brett Favre changed the dynamic of the Vikings in 2009 from a running team to a passing team. When he joined the team last year, I thought that it would have brought some balance to a running team with some key 3rd down passing. But the Run blocking was horrible last year and all the Vikings could do was pass, pass pass.

So what happens if he does not return? Do the Vikings return to a run first team? or are they a lame version of 2009 with Jackson at QB? I suppose there is also a possibility that they return with Jackson and he has a great year. For Jackson to have a great year I should think that 20 TD and 5 INT or 25 TD and 8 INT. Something along that should be a great year for Jackson. Are those numbers even real for Jackson?

Brett had a fantastic year, better than great, the guy was 40 years old in 2009 and managed to throw the ball for 4202 yards on 68% completion percentage. The completions percentage was a career high, and this guy just had not had a normal career, he has had a strong Hall of Fame career! The yardage was a top three in his career, and the fact that he only was picked off 7 times was the icing on the cake, this guy had never gone without throwing at least 13 picks in a season (other than ATL in which he only played a couple of games.)

But my guess is this will be Brett’s last year, he did have surgery and it seems as that might be an indicator that he will return. If he does return, I would not expect the same numbers out of him in 2010 as last year, odd just favor a decline in production.  If Favre returns, I am expecting 25 TD and 15 INT, an average year for him. But a good year from Peterson and the run blocking line could contribute to these numbers as well.

So the Vikings have a strong schedule of opponents, 12-4 would be difficult 11-5 might be possible, but I am guessing on 10-6 and wild card team that will be playoff hungry and not regular season hungry.