Minnesota Vick-ings: Could it happen?

In case you're anti-televisionist or you've just been distracted by the Michael Phelps drama, I'll give you a quick rundown on a situation that's been in the NFL news. The Vikings are in need of a quarterback as Tavaris Jackson has been nothing short of disappointing. Jackson also tore his MCL, which could affect his ability although it's said he won't miss any games. Brett Favre claims to be retired, so we'll talk about him when he changes his mind again here in about six months. It's obvious that the Vikings only offense comes from running back Adrian Peterson, and 31 other teams know that. That's why the Vikings are so desperate to get a better QB than current starter Sage Rosenfels, to balance out the offense. No offense, Sage, I think everyone can agree that you have the coolest name out of all the quarterbacks. With Michael Vick eligible to play starting Week 6, he HAS to be on the radar for Minnesota.

So curious to see what fellow writers have to say, I've asked a few different bloggers what they would do if they were the Vikings GM--would they pursue Vick, risking fan support and locker room distractions to get a proven QB? Vick is likely pretty rusty, but his trainers have come up with a new system to get his arm back to full strength. Instead of throwing footballs to his receivers he's been throwing bones to his retrievers, and it seems to be generating positive results.

No, I'm kidding, but here's their answers:

Bill Williamson, ESPN.COM

It’s not about what I think the Vikings should do, it’s what I think they will do and I don’t think Vick will be signed. The Vikings may be desperate, but the Vikings want a new stadium. They will not, I don’t think, risk losing in the court of public opinion, pursuing Vick just because of a need .I really don’t see it happening.



Shakey1, STYLE POINTS

Michael Vick is an off the wall talent who can electrify an offense with just the threat of him handling the ball. Most teams would kill for a playmaker of his caliber, and now they can get their hands on the best in the game for free.

Teams need to look past his obvious shortcomings and give him a shot. If it doesn't work out, they can cut him and wash their hands of the situation. The Vikings should be jumping up and down at the thought of adding a weapon like Vick to their quarterbacking crew. But they'll probably just sign Jeff George and call it a day.




paneech1472, PANEECH
I think it might be easier to lure Favre back into football than to assimilate Vick back into a role of acceptance with any NFL team.

Vick would be helpful and would remind the Vikes faithful of a young Randall Cunningham, but from a PR standpoint, the move would be a "dog".



Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.COM

If I were the Minnesota Vikings, I would not pursue Michael Vick. He would come with distractions from the media and the protest groups. He's a wonderful athlete, but he's been out of football completely for two years. There's no way he can come in and pick up the offense fast enough to help this season. Go out and look for other available veterans and watch who comes available later when teams have to release players.



MidwayIllustrated.com, MONSTERS OF MIDWAY ILLUSTRATED

Nope I would not pursue Michael Vick. From a purely football stand point I wouldn't do it. Not for anything related to his legal troubles, just his inability to be a good solid accurate QB.
Vick can run the ball, but what the Vikings need is that other dimension of a QB who is good with his throws, accurate and can consistently move the chains to take the heat off of Adrian Peterson.
Michael Vick in my opinion does not bring that type of experience and talent to the table.




There you have it, folks. The majority say no to Vick, but only time will tell what happens to the scrambler. Feel free to tell me what you think!



Airdisch

Favre From Perfect

January 26th, 1997. The day of Super Bowl XXXI, and the day I became a Brett Favre fanatic at age 5. Favre and the Packers won the game, and since then I have watched nearly every Green Bay game to date. I wore his jersey minimum twice a week, and now, after all that's happened as of late, I've lost all my respect for the future hall-of-famer.

When Favre "retired" at the press confrence, I was actually surprised. I knew he had been back in forth in his decision for the past couple years, but after going so far in the playoffs I thought for sure he wouldn't stop there. But, he did, and I had to deal with it.

A friend of mine that lives in Wisconsin sent me down a few notorious Wisconsin newspapers, and all had Favre on the cover. I framed the cover of "The Capital Times" which had Favre looking triumphant, and the background was inscribed with LEGEND.

Hardly. In his interview with Greta Van Susteren, Favre declared that he wanted to be released from the Packers, and went on whining about how nobody wants him in Green Bay, and after watching five minutes of it I was indignant about everything he was saying. I think he is being beyond selfish, its obvious that he's just bored at home and wants his football fix. He's throwing away his legacy, and seems to not care at all. He says he does, but if he did then he wouldn't try to play for a different team.

ESPN.com says the Jets and Bucs are interested in Favre.

I just can't picture Favre in a different uniform. Imagine him throwing to Joey Galloway in those hideous Bucaneer uniforms. It's disgusting.

ESPN also reports that the Packers are postponing retiring Favre's jersey, and I couldn't agree with the Pack any more. I think Mike McCarthy is handling the situation very well, he says that he will not release Favre, and Favre won't start if he stays in Green Bay. He couldn't have thought of a better idea, but he couldn't stop Favre from demanding a trade, so now we get to see Favre go fail at another team.

Why, Brett. Why.