Vikings Message Board.Com

VikingLord wrote: Plus at just 24 years old he's still young by NFL standards. He's entering the prime of his career and has learned the nuances of the game, how defenses play coverage, and how to prepare himself. People say he's not yet one of the best receivers in the game, but give it another season or two and he very well could be, or at least among them.

I think there are only 2 ways Harvin leaves:

- The Vikes determine he's not a fit and don't want him
- Harvin determines he's not a fit and doesn't want them

Absent those two, they'll do everything they can to extend him this offseason and it will come down to $$$. Harvin may get a slightly more incentive-laden contract at this point given his injury history, but it will be a big number regardless with a lot of guaranteed cash. Assuming this gets done, Spielman's options at WR in FA will be dried up, so if there is a draft where the Vikes need to unearth the next great pro wideout, this is it.

This +10

I agree on your take VikingLord. The big WR FA signing will likely be PH.

I wonder what they'll do at WR though. They lack a true #1, but the roster is interesting. There are indications they want Simpson back. Likewise Spielman has expressed longer term confidence in John Carlson. (Admittedly awhile ago) If those two come back and are healthy in 2013, that means you've potentially got a lot of capable targets for Ponder. (This assumes the injuries were what slowed them)

I've been torn on whether they'll draft WR or not as I can see a scenario where they think that guys is already on the team (Childs, and yes I know that is risky) or if there is a BP Defensive player they really want in the 1st round. The reality is the defense is what makes this team win games. AP is awesome and all, but their style of game is built on the back of their defense keeping the game under control. Another big time playmaker could really elevate the unit. They lack a true #1 WR, but will they win more games with a WR or by elevating their defensive play? I'm not sold on the answer to that question in either direction.

I also think Gregg Jennings is potentially lobbying to play here. I do not see him getting signed though, not if they are to pay Harvin.

I could also be experiecing offseason boredom and grasping at straws. Wouldn't be the first time...

mansquatch wrote:I've been torn on whether they'll draft WR or not as I can see a scenario where they think that guys is already on the team (Childs, and yes I know that is risky) or if there is a BP Defensive player they really want in the 1st round.

So am I interpreting you correctly in thinking that you're just talking about the first round? I think they will almost certainly draft a WR (if not two) in this draft.

The reality is the defense is what makes this team win games. AP is awesome and all, but their style of game is built on the back of their defense keeping the game under control. Another big time playmaker could really elevate the unit. They lack a true #1 WR, but will they win more games with a WR or by elevating their defensive play? I'm not sold on the answer to that question in either direction.

It may just depend on the players available. An impact WR might make a bigger difference than a solid addition that elevates the defense and vice versa.

I have to disagree that the Vikings defense is what makes them win games. It's the synergy between offense and defense that really seems to earn this team Ws. That's true to some extent with any team but the defense tends to wear down when the offense can't move the ball and consequently, the running game is particularly important to both units because when it's working, it not only helps the Vikes sustain drives, it gives the defense the rest they need. In other words, they aren't built on the back of their defense keeping the game under control. They're built for their defense and running game to keep the game under control. When either breaks down (ie: when the defense fails to to get off the field and allows longs coring drives or when the offense fails to sustain drives and keeps going 3-and-out) the Vikes usually lose.

That's my take anyway.

PurpleMustReign wrote:
We got rid of Moss because the previous owner was giving MN one last F-U before he sold the team.

If you want a team of only pussies and angels, just watch Little League sports.

Yeah, that's why they got rid of him.
There are 52 other players on this team I don't recall ever having repeated altercations with coaches. Or any number of the team splitting issues that have been reported about Harvin. But they must all just be pussies and angels.

I just don't understand why it seems people are looking SO hard for the potential dark side of this situation. Do they want bad news?

Nobody is "looking hard". It's there, it's reported, it's reality.

Oh the GM that might be looking to trade the guy says they have no issues. Well I'm sold!

As far as free agency, didn't Spielman already also say to expect the same as recent years in terms of second tier types and not spending the big money?

I hate the offseason already.

BGM wrote:I hate the offseason already.

par for the course. everyone is an expert. yet none of us have any clue what is happening within the walls of the vikes organization. amusing really.

Demi wrote: Yeah, that's why they got rid of him.
There are 52 other players on this team I don't recall ever having repeated altercations with coaches. Or any number of the team splitting issues that have been reported about Harvin. But they must all just be pussies and angels.

You are the one who wants pussies and angels. If someone has an arguement with a coach, you are ready to get rid of him. Tell me one team in the history of team sports where everyone got along with no arguements or "team splitting issues". You'll never find one.

PurpleMustReign wrote:
You are the one who wants pussies and angels. If someone has an arguement with a coach, you are ready to get rid of him. Tell me one team in the history of team sports where everyone got along with no arguements or "team splitting issues". You'll never find one.

Again, there are 52 other players on the active roster that I haven't heard of any issues like this. And it wasn't "an argument". It was choking one and having to be separated, a heated exchange and throwing a weight, and a sideline yell-fest in the middle of a game, and THEN an argument before being placed on IR.

I don't want pussies and angels. I want people who respect their coaches, and are willing to play their part in the team. Not that whine about the offense and reportedly ask for a trade with two years left on their deal, BESIDES all this other stuff.

vikeinmontana wrote:
par for the course. everyone is an expert. yet none of us have any clue what is happening within the walls of the vikes organization. amusing really.

Brace your self for all of the negativity and second guessing of every decision made by the "usuals". You will most unlikely hear anything about how Frazier has turned the team around from 3-13 to 10-6. What a great job of winning 4 clutch games against tough opponents to reach the play-offs. What a good job Spielman has done restructuring and rebuilding the team. Nope, none of that

First time poster, loooooooooong time lurker. Even longer Vikes fan. First game was at Met Stadium in 1976 at the tender age of 5. Many years of hopefullness and disappointment followed. Anyways, if Harvin was to be traded, who/what would you want for him? Picks? Players? How about Harvin for Kirk Cousins? For the record, I would like Harvin to stay, if possible. He is a dangerous player. Enjoy the off-season.

VikingLord wrote:I think there are only 2 ways Harvin leaves:

- The Vikes determine he's not a fit and don't want him
- Harvin determines he's not a fit and doesn't want them

Absent those two, they'll do everything they can to extend him this offseason and it will come down to $$$.

And that's a third way.

It's Leslie Frazier's job to get the most out of ALL his players, especially the one's with the talent of mercurial WR Percy Harvin. He allows the team to do things on offense that they simply cannot do without him. Frankly, he's 24 and irreplaceable. If they move him other than in a trade for a player of Larry Fitzgerald's talent, I will be extremely disappointed. It's a terrible mistake to cut bait just because he's more difficult than the wonderful assemblage of other players that produced 10-6 in 2012. Frankly, team chemistry is overrated, moving Harvin to improve team chemistry is the most overrated argument in sports.

Is there any chance the Vikings go "All in" on the old school approach? Stick with Ponder and the current group of WRs. Take an OG in the 1st rd and another in FA. Spend the rest of the draft beefing up the Defense. Forget WR and QB.

Imagine AD running behind this OL:

Kalil
Andy Lavitre (from Buffalo)
Sullivan
1st round pick
Loadholt

CalVike wrote:It's Leslie Frazier's job to get the most out of ALL his players, especially the one's with the talent of mercurial WR Percy Harvin. He allows the team to do things on offense that they simply cannot do without him. Frankly, he's 24 and irreplaceable. If they move him other than in a trade for a player of Larry Fitzgerald's talent, I will be extremely disappointed. It's a terrible mistake to cut bait just because he's more difficult than the wonderful assemblage of other players that produced 10-6 in 2012. Frankly, team chemistry is overrated, moving Harvin to improve team chemistry is the most overrated argument in sports.

Now that's a post! Well said and good points.

VikingPaul73 wrote:Is there any chance the Vikings go "All in" on the old school approach? Stick with Ponder and the current group of WRs. Take an OG in the 1st rd and another in FA. Spend the rest of the draft beefing up the Defense. Forget WR and QB.

Imagine AD running behind this OL:

Kalil
Andy Lavitre (from Buffalo)
Sullivan
1st round pick
Loadholt

After the Childress "all in" debacle, I don't want to even think about "all in."

I think Spielman and Frazier are both forward thinkers that look at both the team's current state and what it needs for the future. So I believe they will definitely keep the offensive passing game and the defense against the pass in mind during the next draft and free agency.