Tarvaris Jackson Talks Back To Williams, Says He Is Working Hard

On Wednesday, Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson responded to comments that Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams made during an interview with Alex Marvez on Sirius NFL Radio, in which Williams questioned Jackson’s work ethic.

During the interview, Williams said that Jackson could be a good quarterback if he puts in the time necessary.

“I talk to Tarvaris all the time and tell him you have to put in the time,” Williams said Tuesday. “This ain’t college no more. This is the NFL. You have to put in more time than you are used to putting in. If you are putting in four hours, you have to put in eight. You have to put in more time than what he’s doing. I think if he puts the right time in, he will be a great quarterback in the league.”

Jackson replied to the comment Wednesday at a community event, saying that he thought he had been working hard to prepare for the quarterback competition this summer between Sage Rosenfels and himself.

“If we’re friends we’re going to keep it between us,” Jackson said. “He’s an older guy, he wants to win. I guess he went through his times growing up and [you] have to figure it out yourself. My first year, I had to figure it out. Now, I’ve pretty much figured it out. I’m studying more.”

“I feel like I’m doing what I’ve got to do and that’s pretty much all I’ve got to say. I’ve put the time in, like he said, maybe I do have to put extra time in. I guess when you’re not doing as well you’ve got to put the extra time in. But I feel like I’m working hard. I’ve always been a hard worker.”

After all the criticism Jackson has received for his play the past couple of seasons, his work ethic has never been questioned by teammates or coaches.

The third-year quarterback was also asked if Williams had talked to him about anything specific he should be working on.

“No, not really,” Jackson said. “Defensive guys, it’s a lot different than the quarterback. You’ve got to do a lot more. You’ve got to be lifting weights, you’ve got to go on the field, you’ve got to watch the extra film and stuff like that. But I’m fine, I’m doing that, so I’m not really worried about that.”

Vikings defensive tackle Ray Edwards, who was also at the community event, thinks the starting job is Jackson’s to lose.

“I believe he’s the better quarterback,” Edwards said. “He’s proven himself in the league. Sage has proven himself also, but to me Tarvaris is the more mobile quarterback that can make plays happen.”

Jackson remained positive talking about his love of football and how improving can stop comments similar to Williams’.

”This is my life right now and I love my life,” he said. “I love my job and I’ve just got to go out here and try to get better. If I play better, I won’t have to answer all these questions all the time.”

Jackson will be busy this weekend competing against Rosenfels at a Vikings mandatory mini-camp. This session starts Friday and runs until Sunday.

Brett Favre: The Vikings Want a Decision by This Weekend

According to Peter King of SI.com, the Minnesota Vikings organization likely wants a decision from retired quarterback Brett Favre on if he plans on coming back to the NFL by this weekend.

Favre has met with Dr. James Andrews in Alabama about an injured tendon in his right arm that is causing him pain.

From King, the Vikings want to know if he plans on coming back because they want to know the future of their quarterback position as early as possible.

It is known that Favre most likely doesn’t want surgery, even if it’s minor. For the pain in his arm to go away, the tendon would have to completely tear. The only other way for him to tear the tendon in his right arm is by natural movements. The problem with this is nobody knows when the tendon would tear.

Surgery rehab would take from six to eight weeks. Stay tuned.

Revenge Factor: Vikings Players That Made Teams That Passed on Them Pay

With all of the rumors and talk about retired quarterback Brett Favre possibly unretiring to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, it had me thinking about recent Vikings players that got sweet revenge on former teams and teams that passed on them in the draft.

There have been a number of key free agents that have signed with the purple but never actually had the shot of haunting their former teammates.

On the other hand some players, such as former Bills defensive tackle Pat Williams and cornerback Antoine Winfield, have had their chances but couldn’t pull out a win against their former team.

In recent years, we have been able to witness some sweet revenge from Vikings players that took their pink slips from teams and shoved them right back in their faces.

These are five Vikings players that came up huge against their former teams or organizations that passed on them in the draft and made life rough for some certain general managers.

Williams’ Attorney Remains Confident in StarCaps Case

Although claims from Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams’ side were denied by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson on Friday, there is still reason for confidence from Vikings fans.

Magnuson remanded two claims made by Williams’ to Minnesota State Court. After this story broke, many thought this was the end of the fight for the two Pro Bowl defensive tackles.

The Williams’, along with three Saints players, were suspended four games last season for testing positive for the banned diuretic Bumetanide, which is a drug in the product called StarCaps. StarCaps is used in weight loss, but the diuretic can be used as a masker for steroids.

However, the two defensive tackles were granted a restraining order against the NFL and were allowed to play the rest of the season.

The Williams’ attorney, Peter Ginsberg, believes this move is a positive step for his clients.

“This gives my clients a terrific case and Judge Magnuson kept alive the heart of our case which is that the NFL improperly violated Kevin and Pat’s privacy rights and due process in administering these suspensions,” Ginsberg said.

“We brought this case in state court because we believed the state courts in Minnesota had the most interest in protecting its employees rights. Judge Magnusson agrees and now it’s back to state court, which is the forum that the NFL tried to run away from.”

Ginsberg also touched on the fact that the NFL wasn’t fully aware of Minnesota’s employee rights and the state court will protect these rights.

“The Minnesota legislature is very concerned about employer’s intruding on the privacy rights of their employees,” Ginsberg said.

“The NFL admitted during discovery that it didn’t know or care what Minnesota state law calls for. This lawsuit in part is making the NFL aware and concerned about how it should be protecting Minnesota employees.”

Along with this information Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com, who has practiced law for almost 18 years, released a very informative article that summarized why this might work out for the Williams’.

In Florio’s article, he talks about a claim made under the Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act. Judge Magnuson touched on this, saying the law “prohibits employers from imposing discipline based on a single positive test.”

Well, as Florio said, the Williams tested positive only once for the banned diuretic and  the NFL can enforce a suspension upon the first positive test.

This law also gives the right to Minnesota employees to explain why they tested positive.

While many thought this was an upper-cut to the Williams’ case, this could work out and the two starting defensive tackles could indeed be starting in all 16 games this season. Time will tell, so make sure to check back.

Vikings OTA 5/22: Rice Shows Improvement, Change in Participation

A welcomed sight hit the eyes of Minnesota Vikings fans and coaches during the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

The Vikings wrapped up the week’s activities Friday, and it appeared one offensive player was not only successfully coming back from a knee injury, but was becoming a weapon the offense could turn to.

Minnesota wide receiver Sidney Rice, who was largely ineffective after suffering a knee injury during Week Two last season, impressed coaches during OTAs. Rice made spectacular grabs during the week’s practices, something Vikings fans missed last season after Rice had an impressive rookie season in 2007.

In addition to the work Rice went through preparing his knee for the workouts, the former second round draft pick from South Carolina improved his overall strength. According to Vikings.com, Rice added more muscle to his upper body and looks like he is in great shape.

Rice and various other Minnesota veterans were expected to be at the workouts, but Vikings head coach Brad Childress changed his expectations for veteran attendance. This summer, Childress has asked mainly rookies, free agents, and selected veterans to work out at the team’s headquarters.

Although some veterans were given time off, most made their way onto the field.

“[I’m] still a mother hen, but mother knows what to expect from some of those guys that I didn’t invite to come out onto the grass,” Childress said on Thursday. “There are a couple of [veterans] that talked their way out there.”

Childress took into consideration the reasons why players show up and how these workouts can benefit them.

“Everybody that’s here, we gave some thought to the whys and the what fors, whether it was people that were injured, people that maybe started on this roster after the start of our year and didn’t have a training camp,” Childress said. “Obviously, the rookie guys.” 

Childress was known as being a disciplinarian who held physical practices and expected his players to be on the field when he became head coach. Three years later, fans can see that time equals change.

The Vikings’ next mini-camp workout starts on June 2 and will go through June 4. They have many workouts throughout the month of June, so stay tuned for all the updates from Winter Park.

 

Keith Bulluck Thinks This is His Last Season in Tennessee

In a recent interview with the Tennessean, Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck he believed the 2009 season will be his last with Tennessee.

When asked if he thought it would be his final season as a Titan, Bulluck said the signs are pointing to it, but he isn’t discouraged.

“I think so, yeah,” Bulluck said. “And I have no reason to believe that it isn’t. But I don’t look at it as something that makes me sad, I really don’t. I have seen great players come here and go, players you’d think would finish their careers here and didn’t.”

Bulluck’s contract is counting $7.85 million against the Titans’ salary cap this season. He led the Titans with 98 tackles in 2008.

The 32-year-old linebacker knows that his departure wouldn’t be a shot at him from the team.

“But I know how things work, and know it isn’t personal,” Bulluck said. “The circumstances for me this year are different. I am kind of approaching this year like it’s my senior year in college.’’

However, if Bulluck stays at his productive pace and signs a deal that keeps the Titans’ salary in mind, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the heart of the defense return in Tennessee.

Vikings OTA 5/21: More Favre Questions, First Glimpse at QB Competition

Would you be surprised if I told you Vikings head coach Brad Childress was asked about Brett Favre Thursday at his press conference following the day’s practices?

Childress addressed the media and tried to put off questions about the future hall of fame quarterback in the nicest ways.

However, Childress also wouldn’t close the door on the possibility, reiterating that Favre is still retired but also saying the team might still be evaluating him.

“You’re always interested in investigating,” Childress said. “I’ll stand by what I said last time we met. You discuss it. You’re interested in going through the process. Are you interested in a hall-of-fame-caliber quarterback? You’re always interested in going through the process and discussing it and investigating it.”

The main point Childress got across was that although Favre has been the talk among the media at Winter Park, he is more focused on the players that are currently on the Vikings’ roster.

“It’s nothing that I’m focused on because I don’t think anything’s changed,” Childress said. “I’m really focused on the guys that are here on this football team, both old and young. But I’m not spending any time on that.”

Two players that were at workouts on Thursday were quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, who are expected to compete for the starting job this summer unless a certain quarterback crashes the party.

Jackson talked after practice about what he needs to improve on this season.

“That big mistake. I tend to try to make the big play sometimes, try to save every play like I did in ‘07,” Jackson said. “I got a little bit better at that [in 2008], but a couple of plays I wish I could have back. Just going out there and just playing.”

Jackson also gave his take on the quarterback competition and how he and Rosenfels can benefit from each other.

“I think it’s going to be a great competition. He’s a smart guy. Just by listening to him talk to coaches, you know he knows what he’s doing,” Jackson said. “He’s been in the system before. He has a lot of experience in this offense. It’s good to listen to him talk. Just trying to pick his brain and learn as much as possible.”

Rosenfels agreed with Jackson on the fact that they can both learn from each other.

“I think he can help me with certain things in this offense and I can probably help him with certain things [from] where I’ve been before and certain things that I’ve done or been taught in the past,” Rosenfels said. “But I think it’s a healthy competition. Anytime you have competition it’s going to end up helping the football team and at the end of the day that’s all that really matters. I want to start, he wants to start but at the end of the day what matters is where this football team goes this year.”

Both quarterbacks praised rookie receiver Percy Harvin, who the Vikings selected No. 22 overall in this year’s draft. In just three days of practice, Jackson has already seen how dangerous of a receiver Harvin can be.

”He’s a very talented guy. He’s paying attention to detail, the little things, and it’s going to carry over for him,” Jackson said. “Everybody knows he’s a very explosive player. I know the guys, we’re going to love having him out here. Like a new toy, just want to try him out and get him the ball as much as possible.”

The Vikings will wrap up their OTA’s (organized team activities) for the week on Friday and will begin another mini-camp session starting June 2 that will go through June 5.

Why The Vikings Defense CAN Be Better Than The Steelers’ in 2009

Last season, the Vikings defense showed it can be consistent and that, unlike past defenses in purple, they can carry a squad to the playoffs.

Even when Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams went down in week 15 with a shoulder injury, the defensive line played well against the run, allowing 70 yards to Michael Turner (finished second in the league in total rushing yards) in week 16, 77 yards against Derrick Ward and a terrific Giants offensive line, and only 38 yards against Brian Westbrook of the Eagles in the playoffs.

However, the Vikings offense couldn’t get it done when it mattered most as Minnesota was ousted too early in a season that looked promising.

This year, the Vikings defense looks to build upon its strong run defense as well as improve against the pass which finished near the middle of the league in 2008 after finishing dead last defending through the air in 2007.

In 2008, it was also a safe statement to say the Steelers were carried to their Super Bowl XLIII championship by their stout 3-4 defense led by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

I thought with how bad the Steelers passing game had played that they would indeed suffer the same fate as the Vikings, but Big Ben proved me wrong on the last drive of the big game and stood under the confetti holding the Lombardi Trophy on the sports world’s biggest stage.

This season, there is no reason why the Vikings defense can’t duplicate what Pittsburgh did in 2008 and become a better defense by getting off the quarterback.

Now, I am not saying the Vikings offense is ready to compete for a championship, but they certainly have the talent. I am talking defense.

These are the reasons the Purple People Eaters will have a better defense than the No. 1 ranked Steelers defense in 2009.

 

1. The Same Consistent Defense That Stops the Run

The Vikings defense has finished No. 1 against the run in the league the past three seasons and there is no reason to think that would change, barring Pat Williams and Kevin Williams being suspended the first four games of the season for using a banned diuretic.

As I previously mentioned, even with no Pat Williams in the lineup, the defensive line has shown its depth. Defensive tackle Fred Evans has proved to be a valuable backup and can also be an effective pass rusher on third downs when Pat Williams comes out.

In 2009, the Vikings will get their starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson back after losing him for the season in week four last year with dislocated toes. Henderson has been a very valuable linebacker against the run, finishing first in tackles on the team in 2007. Even with no Henderson, linebacker Napolean Harris proved to be a quick learner and played effectively in defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier’s scheme.

Oh yeah, the Steelers finished first in virtually every defense category last season except for what? That’s right, rush defense.

 

2. An Improved Pass Rush From the Defensive Line

Yeah, I did say that. I think the Vikings defensive line will be even better as a unit this season after some of the newer free agents and younger players have had some time to gel.

Defensive end Jared Allen, the biggest pickup of the 2008 offseason after a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, led the team in sacks with 14.5 while bringing consistent pressure and forcing offensive lines to pay attention to their left side. Two other younger ends, Ray Edwards and Brian Robison, look to battle for the starting job in training camp. Robison had an impressive season last year, playing his best football in the playoffs. This competition will bring out the best from each guy and that will result in more production from each player.

In 2009, the Vikings will have an even better pass rush due to the experience and a good coverage scheme from Frazier. Look for more sacks and turnovers caused by an improved rush from the defensive line.

The Steelers had the best pass rush of any team last season hands-down. However, they have struggled up front and are bringing in first-round pick Ziggy Hood to anchor the middle of the defensive line. That inexperience could hurt Pittsburgh this season.

 

3. Effective Coverage From the Linebackers

With a pass rush that has been improving the past couple of years, Leslie Frazier has not had to blitz with the linebackers as much. Before Allen came along, Henderson and outside linebacker Ben Leber were the two more effective blitzing linebackers, but that usually left holes open in the middle of the field for tight ends to run free.

If the Vikings front four can keep putting pressure on the quarterback, the linebacking core will be able to sit back and stop the underneath passes that have haunted the purple in year’s past.

I have a feeling that not getting a rush on the quarterback from the defensive line could hurt the Steelers in 2009. LeBeau has counted on outside linebackers Lamar Woodley and James Harrison to rush the quarterback. If Pittsburgh wants to stay atop the NFL ranks in overall defense, they better start getting more production from whoever is starting at nose tackle (most likely Ziggy Hood) and from the staring defensive ends.

 

4. Cedric Griffin’s Improved Play as the No. 2 Cornerback

I was worried about the future of the Vikings corner spot in 2006 and 2007 due to Griffin being beat so much on slant routes and fades. It seemed he was confused on his coverages and was not the best tackler when supporting the run.

However, Griffin really showed improvement in 2008, learning from Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield, who has been the team’s No. 1 corner since 2004 when he was signed as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills.

Along with with an interception in the regular season and a crucial pick of Donovan McNabb in the playoffs, Griffin has proved he can play the run as well as many corners in the league and isn’t afraid to stick his neck in the trenches.

The Steelers had a great secondary in 2008 and I expect them to also have a good secondary this upcoming year but you have to be concerned with the departure of cornerback Bryant McFadden to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. It looks like either William Gay or Fernando Bryant will take over McFadden’s spot but neither will bring the coverage and leadership that he brought to the unit last season.

5. Tyrell Johnson Added as a Starter to Stop the Big Play

I will not argue that the Vikings have a better set of safeties than the Pittsburgh Steelers but I do think they improve with the addition of safety Tyrell Johnson to the starting unit.

Last season, it seemed then-starter Darren Sharper got caught watching the quarterbacks eyes and was beat for some big plays. It also seemed that Sharper had been slowing down due to his age (33) and didn’t have the athletic ability to jump receivers’ routes on a regular basis.

Johnson, the Vikings first pick (2nd-round) in the 2008 draft, will fit in nicely for Frazier and the Tampa 2 defense, bringing his atleticism and hard hitting ability to an already aggressive defense. Look for his presence to result in better pass coverage that produces more interceptions in 2009.

 

In 2008, the Steelers rode their defense to Tampa in February. In 2009, there is reason to believe the Vikings can ride their defense to Miami in Super Bowl XLIV. These are my reasons why the purple’s defense can shine more brightly than Pittsburgh’s this season. Just wait until week seven when the Vikings invade Heinz Field, you can complement my analysis then.

 

 

Vikings OTA 5/20: Peterson Brushes Off Favre Talk, Likes Team Focus

No matter what Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says, he will still get questions about Brett Favre and about the potential of him coming out of retirement for a second time to lead the offense. However, during Wednesday’s organized team activity (OTA), Peterson again reiterated his feelings about Favre and the quarterbacks they currently have on the roster.

“I look at the situation and it is what it is,” Peterson said. “Every year you’ve got guys coming in trying to take your spot, compete for your spot.

“Speaking on Brett Favre, he’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. I have much respect for him but the guys that I’m surrounded around, Tarvaris Jackson, Sage, don’t really know too much about him. But those are the guys that we’re leaning on right now.

“So that has been my main focus is really getting myself prepared, not get caught up in any type of Brett Favre talk or anything like that. Just focus on, ‘What can I do to be able to help my team this coming season?’”

That is exactly what you will hear from Peterson until something is officially done with Favre, signed or not. Peterson also commented on the players at the workouts and the improved focus on the work that needs to be done at the practices.

“From me being here going into my third year with the guys I came in with, just a different focus as far as mindset.” Peterson said when asked about this year compared to a year ago. “Being able to get the taste of the playoffs last year, I think that it’s opened eyes from guys and it’s OK, ‘We really can make a run.’ Just the focus.

“I see guys in here working out hard and there’s really just like a different vibe in the locker room.”

Many of the attention around Peterson this off season has been about his goal to gain weight and get up to approximately 225 pounds. At the end of the 2008 season, Peterson was at 217 pounds.

He currently weighs 217 pounds, so coaches have not been able to see how additional weight affects him. Peterson talked about his goal for weight and preparing his body for the upcoming season.

“Through the past two or three years, I’ve had the experience of doing too much and not really being able to dedicate the time I would like to working out and preparing myself,” he said.

“I’ve really cut back a lot this year and I have more time to study film and really just focus on the most important things that make those things possible off the field. Get my body prepared.”

Thursday will be the first practice that media get to watch and the key focus will be on rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin, who the team selected No. 22 overall in this year’s draft. Fellow wide receiver Sidney Rice commented in his blog Tuesday on Harvin and about the relationship they will have.

“Yes, we’re competing for the same position, but we’re teammates so I want to help him along so he can do his best and help us win games.” Rice said.

“Anything he needs, I’m going to be there for him. Having someone to look out for you when you come into the league is a big help. I had Troy Williamson, Robert Ferguson, Bobby Wade.”

The Vikings also will hold practices Thursday and Friday as well as many in June as well. And yes, Brett Favre’s name will come up once again.

Report: Patriots and Raiders in Trade Talks for Derrick Burgess

According to a report from the Boston Globe, the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders are currently in talks that would send Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess to the Patriots.

Per the report, the Patriots are looking to send one of their three second-round picks in 2010 or a third-round pick to Oakland for the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end.

According to many reports in the Oakland area, Burgess has been very unhappy with his current contract with the Raiders.

Many thought the Patriots would try to lure Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers away from Carolina, due to his unhappiness with receiving a franchise tag.

Peppers has wanted a new deal for awhile now but has asked for a trade due to lack of negotiations.

This might be the easier route to go for New England. Burgess could step in and play the outside linebacker position in their 3-4 defensive scheme. They would only have to give up a second-round pick at most. Many have thought the Panthers were looking for a first-round pick for Peppers.

Burgess would give the Patriots the pass rush they are looking for in 2009. Stay tuned to see if a deal gets done.

 

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