Posts by Adam Warwas

Another Left Tackle Possibility

February 8, 2012, by 1 comment

The widely accepted theory revolving around this offseason plan for the Minnesota Vikings is that the left tackle position will be one of the highest (if not the highest) priority for Rick Spielman and company.

As things stand now, many fans believe Spielman will attempt to solve this particular problem by draft USC tackle Matt Kalil or Iowa tackle Riley Reiff.

Those beliefs are likely to stay intact until the Vikings make their first selection in April, or until another option suddenly surfaces that is too good to pass up.

One of those opportunities could come in the form of two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeil.  According to a report from Kevin Acee, the San Diego Chargers are expected to clear $10 million in cap space by waiving McNeil in March.

In 2010 McNeil, regarded at the time as one of the top three left tackles in the game, signed a six year deal worth $48.98 million.  According to Acee, however, the $24.5 million in guarantees McNeil receive apply only to skill and not to injury.  Thus, if McNeil can’t pass a physical by March 15th then his contract is not guaranteed and the Chargers can cut him loose with minimal losses.

Since signing the big deal, McNeil has struggled with serious neck and back injuries and has played in only 20 of the last 32 games.  Acee reports that McNeil is expected to fail his physicals prior to March 15th, and thus it appears likely McNeil hits the free market.

The Vikings will likely continue to perform due diligence on this year’s top rookie tackles, but if they end up deciding that a 28 year old injury risk veteran is less risky than what they see in these rookie prospects, it is a possibility that the Vikings show sincere interest in McNeil.  He will undoubtedly be the top left tackle free agent available.

Of course, the most likely course of action remains the one that involves the Vikings using their first round draft pick on a stellar left tackle prospect this April.

Vikings Re-Sign Patrick Brown

February 7, 2012, by 1 comment

Less than twelve hours ago I broke down the Vikings offensive line and said this about left tackle Patrick Brown:

“He is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, and the Vikings will probably take advantage of that to retain him…”

As it turns out, I am officially one-for-one in my predictions for the offseason.

The Vikings signed Brown to a one year deal on Tuesday worth $540,000.  Don’t get too excited though, as the rest of my prediction reads like this:

“…but anyone that thinks he is some sort of answer is just kidding themselves.”

With any luck, I’ll be completely wrong on that last part.  After all, not everyone can see into the future like Christian Ponder can.

Labor Development Regarding Vikings Stadium

February 7, 2012, by 3 comments

I know I probably haven’t been doing a good enough job of keeping you up-to-date on stadium ongoings for a few weeks now.  There are two reasons for that:

  1. I’m not a Minnesota resident, and don’t feel it is my place to tell residents how to spend their tax dollars.
  2. For quite a while now, most of the “news” have come off the lips of politicians and P.R. gurus.  I’d rather buy stock in Italian cruise liner companies than the words that come off of these guys’ lips.

Still, when I look up into the sky and see something that appears like it might be legitimate smoke, I will always be sure to pass along the information.

Today’s (or rather yesterday’s) tidbit that caught my eye is that the Vikings, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, and local labor groups have come to an agreement regarding the construction and operation of a new Vikings stadium.

According to Viking Update, an agreement has been reached in which a new stadium would be built using union labor, and that concession stands could possibly be operated by union labor, too.

While this reeks of dirty politics and legal racketeering, the move is a significant one in that the Vikings would likely gain support from the general public (you know, in case a vote is eventually needed) when it comes to their stadium efforts.  However, the price of a six ounce Miller Light may have just went from $7 to $13.

The next step is for the Vikings to commit to a hiring agreement that would focus on hiring women, minorities, and workers from poverty stricken areas of Minnesota.

Say what you will about this development, but the point here is that there are people still putting forth a serious effort and taking major steps towards keeping the Vikings in Minnesota.  Actions speak louder than words, and this is the closest thing to action as we have had in quite some time.

OFFSEASON PREVIEW: The Blockers

February 7, 2012, by 10 comments
Matt Kalil

[NOTE FROM ADAM:  This is another installation of my position-by-position breakdown of the Vikings offseason.  You can click the links to view previous installments:  The Passers, The Runners, The Wide Outs, and The Tight Ends.]

Here we finally have an edition of “Offseason Preview” that is almost certain to spark every fans interest.  Sure, the Vikings are likely to pursue upgrades at the receiver position, but the left tackle spot on this Vikings roster is bound to be the topic of conversation between now and April… and probably well into the 2012 season, too.

Let’s take a closer look.

Continue Reading →

Adam Makes His Pick

February 4, 2012, by 7 comments

Seldom do I touch on subjects regarding teams other than the Vikings, after all this site is about the Vikings, but when I do I tend to make it quick.

So, in making my Super Bowl prediction I will indeed be quick:

Madonna will be terrible.

Wait, that wasn’t what you all wanted to hear.  Here is my prediction regarding the actual football game:

Much like a few years back Tom Brady’s focus will be, at times, shaken by the Giants pass rush.  This time around, however, Brady will be more prepared to deal with the rush and New York’s secondary will be less prepared to deal with Brady’s unique weapons.  Gronkowski is fun to watch, but his injury has to make Hernandez the true threat on Sunday.

Eli Manning will have to play this one safe, as the Patriots defense only posts scary numbers in the turnover department.  If Brady starts to put up points and the Patriots get some separation, Manning and company may have to abandon, at least partially, their commitment to the run and Eli will have to quit playing safe.

In the end, I think that is what happens and this prediction of the score represents a game that won’t be nearly as close as it looks:  Patriots win by a score of 31-23.

So, for whatever tiny amount that prediction might be worth, I would like to hear yours.  Let me know in the comments section.

Fred Smoot Is Still An Idiot

February 3, 2012, by 11 comments

The title of this post says it all.

However, as has always been the case, Fred Smoot is willing to say even more:

Thanks to the Viking Age for passing along that video.  I recommend also going over to their site by clicking this link and watching one of your Vikings heroes (not named Fred Smoot) practically pee himself right before your very eyes.

These ex-Vikings can really be disappointing when people let them on television.  I wish they could all be Matt Birk.

Adam’s Mock: Version 2.0

February 3, 2012, by 1 comment

Just a quick note to draw attention to the fact that I updated my mock draft today.

I don’t want to shock you, but I have yet to change my mind on who the Vikings should select, although there are some pretty significant changes elsewhere in the mock.

I’m hoping to have version 2.1 coming out soon in which I address the second round.

Check it out by clicking here.