Apparently, The Vikings Just Signed a “Psycho”
The word — psycho — has a particular resonance on Halloween, evoking the classic horror movie. In the Twin Cities, the term is meant to describe how fanatical John Wolford is when preparing. The Vikings just signed him to step into the QB3 job.
Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips stepped in front of the media on Thursday. He was asked about Wolford — someone whom Phillips knows from shared time with the Rams — which led the OC to offer the background on the new passer, who is someone who digs pretty deep when running through his pre-game preparation. That’s precisely the quality one wants in a veteran depth passer.
The Vikings Just Signed a “Psycho”
Begin with the words from Coach Phillips.
The Vikings’ offensive coordinator explained that Wolford shared lodging with LA center Brian Allen. The two could retreat to a modest backyard before games to work through plays before Sunday arrived: “I’m really glad we got John [Wolford]. Just the familiarity with the system, he’s an extremely intelligent person, John is, and he’s always been a grinder.”
Phillips continues: “Him and Brian Allen would — our center — they were roommates in LA and they would go in a little, they had, I think they were in a small townhouse, and they had this tiny little backyard. And they’d go in the backyard with their helmets on and go through the game plan and he’d call the plays and they’d play this little mock game in this little strip of grass in the backyard. So he’s kind of a psycho.”
Shortly thereafter, Phillips doubled down, reiterating that Wolford would “smile if he hears that.”
When a team welcomes a third passer into the mix, the ability to demonstrate the two attributes that Phillips uplifts — brains and a work ethic — are exactly what a coaching staff wants. Almost by definition, a third passer is someone who lacks something in an on-field capacity. Adding value means doing the intangible things to help a team win.
With John Wolford, there’s good reason to think he can help out early on. Being an extra set of eyes for J.J. McCarthy is what Minnesota wants (while also being an insurance policy during games if injuries continue to run amok on the Vikings).
From 2020 to 2022, Mr. Wolford was putting in work with the Rams. While there, Kevin O’Connell was the offensive coordinator while Wes Phillips worked as the tight ends coach (at least for 2020 to 2021). He stepped onto the field for seven games, starting four. His career win/loss ratio stands at a respectable 2-2. He has completed 58.7% of his passes (an eyesore) while tossing 1 touchdown alongside 5 interceptions (not excellent).
Originally, John Wolford got into the NFL as an undrafted talent. He did so with the Jets back in 2018. There was then the stop in LA — winning a Super Bowl in Tinseltown — while then putting in work with Tampa Bay and Jacksonville.
Lately, there’s has been a pile of attention on the Vikings’ quarterback situation. J.J. McCarthy is finally getting back onto the field in Week 9, mercifully ending the Carson Wentz era (someone who has off-the-charts toughness and grit).
Rookie UDFA Max Brosmer is now the QB2, a promotion that he has earned — but may not be fully prepared for. Ideally, Brosmer can earn an few more snaps in low-pressure scenarios but not be needed to start games.
Otherwise, note that Minnesota has been linked in the trade rumors to passers aplenty, with Kirk Cousins, Mac Jones, and Justin Fields being some examples.
John Wolford, 30, stands at 6’1″ and weighs 218 pounds. He’ll be well worth the signing if he can play a part in helping to push McCarthy toward becoming a franchise passer.
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