Dr. Z says Vikes win it all - 6/20/08

[joseephuss]

Jackson showed definite progress at the end of last year. It seems most people expect QBs to develop like Romo did and just set the world on fire. Hes got a good QB coach in Childress and he is showing progress. i see no reason to believe that trend will not continue.

The dude came out of a small school and is learning the hardest position in sports. The lights starting to flicker and i expect at some point it will turn on. Kids got talent and he works hard.

If he does then Dr Z is dead on.

Jackson played in 12 games last year:

Games 1-4
45 completions
98 attempts
45.9%
537 yards
5.5 yards per attempt
11.9 yards per completion
2 TDs
5 INTs
48.72 rating

Games 5-8
51 completions
70 attempts
72.9%
567 yards
8.1 yards per attempt
11.1 yards per completion
3 TDs
2 INTs
98.93 rating

Games 9-12
75 completions
126 attempts
59.5%
807 yards
6.4 yards per attempt
10.8 yards per completion
4 TDs
5 INTs
72.42 rating

Sure Jackson can improve and probably will. Will he improve enough to lead his team to a Superbowl? It is not as if TJ's small improvement toward the end of the year showed that he was ready to make a big step in his game. And it will probably take a significant step for the Vikes to make a SB run.

I think he is a year or two away from being good and that is if he is ever good at all. I think it takes most QBs until their 4th or 5th year before they really get the swing of things in the NFL. Like you said he is from a small school, so he may not be on the fast end of development in this his third season.

And if we are comparing him to Romo, then TJ still has a couple of years to go. Romo did not even see playing time until his 4th season, so it is not as if he immediately set the world on fire. He learned by sitting on the bench.

 

[joseephuss]

My point was that the Vikes do not have a complete team. The Lions D was horrible, but they did have a good passing game. The Vikings have a very good defense, but their passing game is horrible.

You could point to the Ravens, but the Ravens had a veteran QB who was ineffective that rarely made a negative play. They also had the best defense since the '85 Bears.

And the NFL had a lot of teams in transition or just plain bad the year the Ravens won. They faced an average Giants team in the Superbowl. They faced Dallas in the regular season, but that Cowboys team was a shadow of the SB champs of the early 90s.

 

[bbgun]

Some of Dr. Z's predictions do come true, such as last year's playoff game.

http://img143.*************/img143/2706/cnnmu1.jpg

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Jackson played in 12 games last year:

Games 1-4
45 completions
98 attempts
45.9%
537 yards
5.5 yards per attempt
11.9 yards per completion
2 TDs
5 INTs
48.72 rating

Games 5-8
51 completions
70 attempts
72.9%
567 yards
8.1 yards per attempt
11.1 yards per completion
3 TDs
2 INTs
98.93 rating

Games 9-12
75 completions
126 attempts
59.5%
807 yards
6.4 yards per attempt
10.8 yards per completion
4 TDs
5 INTs
72.42 rating

Sure Jackson can improve and probably will. Will he improve enough to lead his team to a Superbowl? It is not as if TJ's small improvement toward the end of the year showed that he was ready to make a big step in his game. And it will probably take a significant step for the Vikes to make a SB run.

I think he is a year or two away from being good and that is if he is ever good at all. I think it takes most QBs until their 4th or 5th year before they really get the swing of things in the NFL. Like you said he is from a small school, so he may not be on the fast end of development in this his third season.

And if we are comparing him to Romo, then TJ still has a couple of years to go. Romo did not even see playing time until his 4th season, so it is not as if he immediately set the world on fire. He learned by sitting on the bench.

Oh I understand that but people just pass him up and say 'he sucks' or the like and I find that baseless. He is an improving young QB and if his light turns on that team will be hard to beat. Witht he supporting cast he doesnt even have to be good. He just needs to not turn the ball over and make a play here and there.

 

[EMMITTnROY]

Peterson is very good, but a running back alone cannot carry a team to the NFC Championship Game. Detroit had Barry Sanders for years and only made the NFC Championship Game once. The Vikes simply don't have a QB or receivers to be anything more than a marginal playoff team in a really bad division.

it's not just a RB alone.. that defense should be outstanding.. it was already very good last year, and they added Jared Allen.. and if Jackson is as horrible as last year, they have Frerotte now.. and while he sucks too, with that running game and a decent WR in Berrian, either an even slightly improved Jackson or Gus they should be able to control the clock and put up enough points to win most games.. the Vikings will be very good this year, despite their QB situation..

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Sarcasm?

That's what I was wondering... I think he's serious, though.

Lots of people seem to think that Sanders was on the way to destroying all the all-time records with smoke and mirrors, it seems.

 

[DallasDomination]

Anyone remember T.Jackson trying a jump pass?..

 

[InmanRoshi]

I do like the Vikes. It's not just Peterson. They may have the best defensive line in the NFL. Their OL is in the Top 5. Their LB and Secondary is above average. But I can't put them in Superbowl. I'm not completely down on Jackson, but the jump from where he was last season to Superbowl caliber is Herculean. Maybe he gets there some day, but not in one offseason.

 

[AbeBeta]

Brilliant analysis there Ab. How about you tell us more about the journalistic prowess of PFT.

Had not Carter been blowing rails on the crazy train then there was promise for his future as well. Talent and coaching wasn't the problem.

Jackson works hard and has a good head on his shoulders. Comparing him to Quincy is worthless.

And how about you provide some sort of analysis that is substantiated. And pick up some reading comprehension skills.

Saying that Jackson showed progress at the end of last year completely ignores what, you know, actually happened. He flat stank early and worked his way up to inconsistent. If that's the sort of progress you are going to bank a super bowl claim on then I think you must be a Vikings fan.

Comparing him to Quincy is actually a decent comparison as both have had a similar career trajectory if you look at them game by game.

 

[KWilliamsAWinfield]

Vikings fan here, I don't expect the Vikings to win it all this year, maybe in a few years if the Vikings could find a quarterback (Jackson sucks), improve their pass defense, get a pass rush and then I could see the Vikings winning it iall in maybe 3 to 5 years or something like that but until then, the Cowboys is probably the favorites to win it all this year although the Cowboys-Vikings NFC Championship game would be sweet though! Good luck to you all and I wish you the best this season and hope we will meet the playoffs!

 

[playmakers]

Lets be honest, if the Vikes had an avearge quarterback on the lines of say the retired Jake Plummer, I would agree they have a chance. Their defense played us pretty good last year and have added Jared Allen. Their offensive line is solid. Brad Childress might hold them back some. I never met a guy who has Adrian Peterson and doesnt start him. I know in todays game you want to split carries but when you got arguably the best runner in the game you cant do a 50-50 spllit. A 22 carry to 8 is a better ratio. If Jackson can improve they could be a sleeper but then again even if he doesnt the Bears went to the Superbowl with Rex Grossman. You never know because they do have loads of talent besides the QB.

 

[AbeBeta]

Vikings fan here, I don't expect the Vikings to win it all this year, maybe in a few years if the Vikings could find a quarterback (Jackson sucks),

You and fellow Vikings fan Fuzzy should argue this one.

 

[KWilliamsAWinfield]

You and fellow Vikings fan Fuzzy should argue this one.

Ah, he thinks Jackson is the best quarterback in the NFL? He did improve at the end of the year but I am still not sold on him, I'll be honest, I don't think he has what he takes to be a NFL quarterback

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

And how about you provide some sort of analysis that is substantiated. And pick up some reading comprehension skills.

Saying that Jackson showed progress at the end of last year completely ignores what, you know, actually happened. He flat stank early and worked his way up to inconsistent. If that's the sort of progress you are going to bank a super bowl claim on then I think you must be a Vikings fan.

Comparing him to Quincy is actually a decent comparison as both have had a similar career trajectory if you look at them game by game.

Yeah because Jackson was injured most of his first year and splitting time with another QB in his second year. Carter had his flash in the pan against SF in his rookie year and then was pretty bad from that point on although he found a nut from time to time in 2003.

Jackson was sat for his first year and our very own Brad Johnson played until the very end of the year. He played every game in his second year. Really about the only thing similar between the two is that both of them are black.

Oh and BTW going from 'flat out stank' to 'inconsistent' is progress, mr. analysis.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Brad Childress might hold them back some. I never met a guy who has Adrian Peterson and doesnt start him. I know in todays game you want to split carries but when you got arguably the best runner in the game you cant do a 50-50 spllit.

I'm not sure Cowboys fans have much room to talk on this subject.

 

[Fletch]

Minnesota? How the F*** does Minny win it all when they have no QB? Dr. Z, have you seen Taverous (sp?) Jackson play as of late?

Minny's defense better be the best defense to ever step on the field if they're Super Bowl bound.

Sure Adrian Peterson is a beast at RB, but defenses will key on Adrian this year. No more running wild. Sure Peterson will have some pretty good games, but he won't have a season like he did his rookie season.

Sorry Dr. Z! But you just blew this one! Pun intended.

 

[Fletch]

Anyone remember T.Jackson trying a jump pass?..

He's no Tim Tebow. Oh wait, Tim still plays for the Florida Gators. :doh:

 

[AbeBeta]

Yeah because Jackson was injured most of his first year and splitting time with another QB in his second year. Carter had his flash in the pan against SF in his rookie year and then was pretty bad from that point on although he found a nut from time to time in 2003.

Jackson was sat for his first year and our very own Brad Johnson played until the very end of the year. He played every game in his second year. Really about the only thing similar between the two is that both of them are black.

Oh and BTW going from 'flat out stank' to 'inconsistent' is progress, mr. analysis.

Jackson just completed his first season as a full time starter in the league. 171-294 (58&#37, 1911 yards (159 per game), 9 tds, 12 int. PR of 70.8. 54 runs for 260 yards (4.8 YPA, 21 per game). Good games (80+ PR) = 4 of 12 (25%)

Quincy's 2nd year in the league 125-221 (57%), 1465 Yards (209 per game), 7TD, 8 Int, PR of 72.3. 27 runs for 91 yards (3.4 YPA, 13 per game). "Good" games 3 of 7 (43%).

Those guys seem pretty similar performance wise. Both are 6'2" near 220. Both have good running skills. But again, my point was that the "progress" you pointed to was exactly the type of "progress" we saw from Quincy Carter -- and I doubt anyone would argue that his performances were confidence builders.

Oh yeah, you better go tell Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcomb that Jackson played every game in his second year. They probably remember things differently.

 

[jobberone]

Jackson showed definite progress at the end of last year. It seems most people expect QBs to develop like Romo did and just set the world on fire. Hes got a good QB coach in Childress and he is showing progress. i see no reason to believe that trend will not continue.

The dude came out of a small school and is learning the hardest position in sports. The lights starting to flicker and i expect at some point it will turn on. Kids got talent and he works hard.

If he does then Dr Z is dead on.

Fuzzy, more than a few people think Jackson will become a good QB. I've not seen him play a lot but he's getting some attn. And he is a very good athlete.

Oh I understand that but people just pass him up and say 'he sucks' or the like and I find that baseless. He is an improving young QB and if his light turns on that team will be hard to beat. Witht he supporting cast he doesnt even have to be good. He just needs to not turn the ball over and make a play here and there.

I think that pick of SB is trendy and a shock pick. But Z is not far off. Some people thought the Vikings were going to make noise last year. Their D is scary now and with that OL and Peterson, all TJ has to do is try to keep the mistakes down. He is growing and I expect good things from him this year. I don't think he has the experience to make it too far in the playoffs.

I do like the Vikes. It's not just Peterson. They may have the best defensive line in the NFL. Their OL is in the Top 5. Their LB and Secondary is above average. But I can't put them in Superbowl. I'm not completely down on Jackson, but the jump from where he was last season to Superbowl caliber is Herculean. Maybe he gets there some day, but not in one offseason.

My guess. They should make the playoffs though. Jackson will surprise people. He has the skills galore and is obviously getting confidence. The Vikes are just so good that D will hand the ball to the O. And that OL and Peterson will take a lot of pressure off Jackson, making the passing game better. It helps young QBs to be able to hand the ball off and not have to win a game themselves.

Vikings fan here, I don't expect the Vikings to win it all this year, maybe in a few years if the Vikings could find a quarterback (Jackson sucks), improve their pass defense, get a pass rush and then I could see the Vikings winning it iall in maybe 3 to 5 years or something like that but until then, the Cowboys is probably the favorites to win it all this year although the Cowboys-Vikings NFC Championship game would be sweet though! Good luck to you all and I wish you the best this season and hope we will meet the playoffs!

See above. You should be the conference winner here although the Bears and Packers and maybe even the Lions will give you a fight. Esp the Packers.

Minnesota? How the F*** does Minny win it all when they have no QB? Dr. Z, have you seen Taverous (sp?) Jackson play as of late?

Minny's defense better be the best defense to ever step on the field if they're Super Bowl bound.

Sure Adrian Peterson is a beast at RB, but defenses will key on Adrian this year. No more running wild. Sure Peterson will have some pretty good games, but he won't have a season like he did his rookie season.

Sorry Dr. Z! But you just blew this one! Pun intended.

Jackson is much better than some are giving credit for. He is a very good athlete who is learning how to play QB in this league.

 

[AbeBeta]

Jackson is much better than some are giving credit for. He is a very good athlete who is learning how to play QB in this league.

Not disputing that -- I am disputing that he's done anything to make anyone believe that he's taken a step forward at this point.