Joe Webb (Moving Forward)

[Eli]

I expect the Vikes to address QB with one of their 2 4th rounders this year. It won't be to put direct pressure on Ponder per se, but rather be an effort to find a viable backup and someone who can push for the starting job later.

Next year's QB class is shaping up to be a rare class. There are up to 4 quarterbacks there who could merit top-10 selections, so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the Vikes make a move up next year (assuming they are not drafting in the top 10) and try to snag one of them if Ponder continues his inconsistent ways.

Regardless, I don't think this is a situation that will go unresolved for a few seasons. Everyone saw how Ponder played last year, and everyone, including Ponder, knows he has to show improvement this coming year. I do not see him getting nearly the same benefit of the doubt even by those willing to criticize the receiving talent, the offensive line, or the playcalling.

My nightmare scenario for the Minnesota QB situation is that the Vikings end up in the spring of 2014 in _exactly_ the same position in which they found themselves in the spring of 2011 (except perhaps with a much lower draft pick): being forced to draft a QB in the first round and start him come September. Then we get to go through the whole "give him three years" thing all over again with a new piece of raw meat.

[Mothman]

Regardless, I don't think this is a situation that will go unresolved for a few seasons. Everyone saw how Ponder played last year, and everyone, including Ponder, knows he has to show improvement this coming year. I do not see him getting nearly the same benefit of the doubt even by those willing to criticize the receiving talent, the offensive line, or the playcalling.

Shouldn't we all be willing to criticize those aspects of the team when they deserve it?

Sorry, I know what you meant but I couldn't resist... it was just the way you phrased that.

Personally, I think we always have to consider how the players around a QB influence his game and vice versa but I definitely think Ponder will be held to a higher standard next season. In his third season, he needs to avoid the low lows of 2011 and 2012 and continue improving. By the end of 2013, we should be able to see a QB clearly showing he can be the long-term answer, even if his game still has room to grow. If not, the Vikes will have to seriously consider going in another direction at the position.

[Demi]

My nightmare scenario for the Minnesota QB situation is that the Vikings end up in the spring of 2014 in _exactly_ the same position in which they found themselves in the spring of 2011 (except perhaps with a much lower draft pick): being forced to draft a QB in the first round and start him come September. Then we get to go through the whole "give him three years" thing all over again with a new piece of raw meat.

I'm already stabbing pins into the eyes of a Johnny Football voodoo doll. Noodle arm? Check. Midget? Check. Plenty of "Uhs" and "Ums" in his intervies? Check. Spielman probably already has him penciled in if Ponder doesn't pick it up this year! *shudder*

I am the biggest Ponder supporter on this board and I will state that IF the Vikings shore up the pass protection, Harvin comes back and is healthy, and the Vikes get a legitimate deep threat

MVP WR, MVP HB, 1st Round left tackle. 2nd round right tackle. Proven center. Pro bowl fullback. 1st round tight end. Big money free agent tight end. How much talent should this guy get? NOW we need a couple guards and another wide receiver. Cripes you're saying surround him with 10 good or better players and THEN he might be able to have some real success and we can see what he's capable of?

[Mothman]

MVP WR, MVP HB, 1st Round left tackle. 2nd round right tackle. Proven center. Pro bowl fullback. 1st round tight end. Big money free agent tight end. How much talent should this guy get?

The Vikings do not have an MVP WR. I realize there was some early talk about harvin becoming a candidate for the award but realistically, he never came close to achieving that honor.

Is surrounding a QB with 10 good or better players really such a radical idea? I'm pretty sure that's how championship-caliber offenses are built.

Ponder has already had some real success. Unfortunately, he's been very inconsistent and what a surprise, his protection and receivers have too. All of that is interrelated. The more each area improves, the better all 3 are likely to become.

[headless_norseman]

Is surrounding a QB with 10 good or better players really such a radical idea? I'm pretty sure that's how championship-caliber offenses are built.

Ponder has already had some real success. Unfortunately, he's been very inconsistent and what a surprise, his protection and receivers have too. All of that is interrelated. The more each area improves, the better all 3 are likely to become.

I buy this upside with Ponder because of the success with both Harvin and Rudolph.

[headless_norseman]

I expect the Vikes to address QB with one of their 2 4th rounders this year. It won't be to put direct pressure on Ponder per se, but rather be an effort to find a viable backup and someone who can push for the starting job later.

Next year's QB class is shaping up to be a rare class. There are up to 4 quarterbacks there who could merit top-10 selections, so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the Vikes make a move up next year (assuming they are not drafting in the top 10) and try to snag one of them if Ponder continues his inconsistent ways.



Almost assuredly, they won't touch the QB situation in this draft, especially with a 4th rounder.

Regardless, I don't think this is a situation that will go unresolved for a few seasons. Everyone saw how Ponder played last year, and everyone, including Ponder, knows he has to show improvement this coming year. I do not see him getting nearly the same benefit of the doubt even by those willing to criticize the receiving talent, the offensive line, or the playcalling.

[headless_norseman]

Almost assuredly, they won't touch the QB situation in this draft, especially with a 4th rounder.

[Demi]

All of that is interrelated.

Yes, it's also outerrelated!

Regardless of who's at left guard, who's lined up outside, the guy behind center was the inconsistent one. If we surround him with 10 pro bowlers, how much more consistent is an inconsistent player going to play?

Almost assuredly, they won't touch the QB situation in this draft, especially with a 4th rounder.

Then they're idiots. At least with the most important position in the game. Which they shown time and again.

[Mothman]

Regardless of who's at left guard, who's lined up outside, the guy behind center was the inconsistent one.

That makes it sound as if he was the only inconsistent player on offense, which was clearly not the case as you are well aware.

f we surround him with 10 pro bowlers, how much more consistent is an inconsistent player going to play?

There's only one way to find out. Is there any reason whatsoever not to surround the QB with the 10 best players possible?

Jim

[marty264]

Demi, I agree with a lot of what you said, but bringing our big money free agent tight end into it is really stretching it. But I think you can agree that even with all those guys mentioned, we do need a better down field receiver than Jenkins, Aromashado or Simpson.

[dead_poet]

Joe Webb - QB - Vikings

Coach Leslie Frazier softened his stance and said the Vikings will "continue to discuss" a position change for QB Joe Webb.

"[Webb] is such a talented athlete that we want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing by him and our team," Frazier said. "That’s something we’ll continue to discuss as we go forward." Frazier previously said the Vikings didn't plan to move Webb from quarterback, but they appear more open to doing so. Minnesota intended to use Webb as a receiver when it selected him in the 2010 draft.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune Apr 14 - 10:49 AM

[Mothman]

Joe Webb - QB - Vikings

Coach Leslie Frazier softened his stance and said the Vikings will "continue to discuss" a position change for QB Joe Webb.

"[Webb] is such a talented athlete that we want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing by him and our team," Frazier said. "That’s something we’ll continue to discuss as we go forward." Frazier previously said the Vikings didn't plan to move Webb from quarterback, but they appear more open to doing so. Minnesota intended to use Webb as a receiver when it selected him in the 2010 draft.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune Apr 14 - 10:49 AM

Grr... I know it has nothing to do with the subject at hand but I hate it when they refer to a team as "it" like that. It just sounds awkward.

Regarding Webb: I'm glad they're open to trying him at another position because if he is going to be on the roster, I don't want him taking up a spot at QB. I want a developmental QB with a chance to eventually become a starter in that position and I just don't see Webb as that player. If they think he can compete and win a job at another position in camp, then by all means, give him that chance. He's a terrific athlete with a good attitude. However, if he doesn't cut it at that new position, they need to move on, for his sake as well as theirs... give him a chance to catch on elsewhere.

[Raptorman]

Here is a breakdown of Joe Webb's Pro Day performances:
Bench Press (reps of 225 pounds) - 21 (best by a WR at combine was 20)
Vertical Jump - 42 1/2 (best by a WR at combine was 41 1/2)
Broad Jump - 11 1/2 (best for any player at combine was 11)
20-Yard Shuttle - 3.91 (best for any player at combine was 4.03)
40-Yard Dash - 4.43 (among WRs at combine, Webb's time would be 5th fastest)


They gave him a shot at QB. They have nothing to lose by giving him a shot at WR. Not like he doesn't know the routes. Just has to be able to run them.

[PurpleMustReign]

Here is a breakdown of Joe Webb's Pro Day performances:
Bench Press (reps of 225 pounds) - 21 (best by a WR at combine was 20)
Vertical Jump - 42 1/2 (best by a WR at combine was 41 1/2)
Broad Jump - 11 1/2 (best for any player at combine was 11)
20-Yard Shuttle - 3.91 (best for any player at combine was 4.03)
40-Yard Dash - 4.43 (among WRs at combine, Webb's time would be 5th fastest)


They gave him a shot at QB. They have nothing to lose by giving him a shot at WR. Not like he doesn't know the routes. Just has to be able to run them.

That what I am thinking too. Bring him to Camp anyway.

[Mothman]

Here is a breakdown of Joe Webb's Pro Day performances:
Bench Press (reps of 225 pounds) - 21 (best by a WR at combine was 20)
Vertical Jump - 42 1/2 (best by a WR at combine was 41 1/2)
Broad Jump - 11 1/2 (best for any player at combine was 11)
20-Yard Shuttle - 3.91 (best for any player at combine was 4.03)
40-Yard Dash - 4.43 (among WRs at combine, Webb's time would be 5th fastest)


They gave him a shot at QB. They have nothing to lose by giving him a shot at WR. Not like he doesn't know the routes. Just has to be able to run them.

... and catch the football...

... against defenders.