Texas Vike wrote:That's not common, is it? I mean, that really sounds pathetic... like Spielman clearly thinks his voice is inaudible. You'd think they'd run a mic check ahead of the interview, right? I guess it's pretty small potatoes in the larger scheme of things and isn't terribly surprising... but it is usually covered up a bit better.
I don't think it's common to hear audible whispers providing a player with answers. As you said, it's usually covered up a little better. This definitely feels like a gaffe. However, as you said, it's small potatoes since it's widely known that players are coached on what to say at a press conference like that anyway.
Given all he's been through and knowing some of the questions he'd have to face, I almost wonder if Freeman asked Spielman to help him out on the spot like that.
"He's one of those scouting headaches," an NFL scout who has studied Freeman extensively told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons.
"He's got (talent) just oozing out of him, but trying to harness him it and corral it and get him where he needs to be consistently – that's the big thing."
But another high-ranking NFL scout who studied Freeman after his release said that player didn't show up on tape in his three starts this season that produced a 45.7% completion rate for 571 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions before he got benched.
"You see the physical tools," the second scout said, "but you see regressive qualities in his footwork, mechanics, location – the technical precision of the game that is required to play that position beyond the physical dimensions that you can evaluate."
A new scheme and new coordinator last year may have hurt. But it's disappointing, the second scout said, that Freeman didn't continue to grow as the Bucs gave him more weapons, including receiver Vincent Jackson and running back Doug Martin.
"The up-and-down play, the inconsistent performance, selective decision-making under pressure," the second scout said. "Some of those things you wouldn't expect for a guy who was a developing player in Year 3 or Year 4 of the maturation process."
Mothman wrote:
I don't think it's common to hear audible whispers providing a player with answers. As you said, it's usually covered up a little better. This definitely feels like a gaffe. However, as you said, it's small potatoes since it's widely known that players are coached on what to say at a press conference like that anyway.
Given all he's been through and knowing some of the questions he'd have to face, I almost wonder if Freeman asked Spielman to help him out on the spot like that.
Probably he did. He's 25. His job is to play football not handle delicate public affairs that require discretion and eloquence. Freeman seemed a bit nervous even when he was interviewed by renowned softballer Mike Wobschall. The questions he takes in this interview are very direct and somewhat provocative.
Yeah, listened to this last night. I have no problems with what spielman did, 90% of the questions were essentially joke level. I honestly couldn't believe how bad the questions were coming at him. "Did you ever feel like their was a tipping point for you with the bucs?" freeman - uh.. when I got cut?.... HOLY #### GOOD QUESTION you #### idiot.
It's sad cause it felt more like most of the reporters were the enemy trying to squeeze something juicy out of him rather than just asking simple questions he could actually answer. As for the spielman whisperer it does end up being a good laugh as it's kind of silly but I have no problem with it either. It wouldn't have bothered me at all if Spielman just said in his normal voice exactly the things he said even lol. On KFAN they're really trolling with it, whispering to common man what they should do / say next.
Reignman wrote:Off with their heads? I thought you were perfectly content with Ponder?
That statement was pure sarcasm. To answer your question and since you are one of a few hard core synics that seem to find fault in most everything there is about the Vikings I will say that I am very disappointed if in fact the Vikings sever ties with Ponder. I wanted to see him get two full seasons to develop but it does not look like that is going to happen. So unlike you and your ilk I will support the organization and it's quarterback ,whether it is Ponder, Cassell, Freeman or whoever can lead this team to a championship. It is sooo easy to sit back and second guess everything and take shots at the coach, gm, owner, players and the fans that hold an optimistic view point isn't it
To each their own and if Freeman is the QB that will take the Vikings to a championship then I hope that they give him the keys to the car. I will be supporting him all the way.
Do not mistake KINDNESS for WEAKNESS!
Best to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool rather than open it and remove all doubt.
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet on the forum - Freeman is officially a member of the Vikings. For our $2 million, we haven't just bought this year, we have "dibs" on next year. And those "dibs" mean we either get him, or get compensatory picks for him when he signs with someone else. Think on that. For $2 million, we may have picked up a spare 3rd or 4th round draft pick if Freeman goes elsewhere.
And if the Vikings decide not to keep Freeman, they will have paid $2 million for the chance at closely evaluating a potential 10-year franchise quarterback. If/when he signs elsewhere, his departure will factor into the convoluted formula for determining compensatory draft picks, setting the Vikings up for some extra selections based on other free-agency gains and losses.
That's a pretty interesting side of this signing, and one that I think makes it a complete no-brainer. Great work Rick!
John_Viveiros wrote:Something that hasn't been mentioned yet on the forum - Freeman is officially a member of the Vikings. For our $2 million, we haven't just bought this year, we have "dibs" on next year. And those "dibs" mean we either get him, or get compensatory picks for him when he signs with someone else. Think on that. For $2 million, we may have picked up a spare 3rd or 4th round draft pick if Freeman goes elsewhere.
mondry wrote:It's just icing on the cake honestly and makes it extra absolutely worth it. No real reason to troll it.
It's not your $2M, right? I think you need to review your use of the idiom. We don't know if the Vikings are getting any cake yet. They may end up with gruel.
JEC334 wrote:
It was expected. Hopefully we can put him on the practice squad or something.
Maybe the Bills will claim MBT. They promoted Thad Lewis from their practice squad to *start* against the Bengals this Sunday! Jeff Tuel is so bad, there's no reason to even keep him on their team. (And... they were showing interest in Josh Freeman, so you know that they're desperate for a QB if they were interested in that hack.)
Eli wrote:Maybe the Bills will claim MBT. They promoted Thad Lewis from their practice squad to *start* against the Bengals this Sunday! Jeff Tuel is so bad, there's no reason to even keep him on their team. (And... they were showing interest in Josh Freeman, so you know that they're desperate for a QB if they were interested in that hack.)
Nah. The Bills just signed Dennis Dixon to their PS. Problem solved.
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly
Very true! In fact I'd say it's the VOIDS money. It's in a dark black hole that will simply disappear if it isn't used in a few months, glad we got it out of there, how big of a waste would it be to just let it evaporate like that? phew!
