NFC North The NFL’s Toughest Division?
Posted by on November 7, 2012 – 2:20 pmIs the NFC North the NFL’s toughest division? The numbers suggest the answer is yes.
There are many different ways to measure the strength of a division. For the purposes of this discussion, though, let’s take a look at a pair of metrics that seem to be appropriate ways to measure the success achieved by individuals teams and, collectively, individual divisions: Win-Loss Record and Point Differential.
– Teams in the NFC North have combined to win 22 games through nine weeks of action so far this season. No other division has come close, with the NFC West next in line at 18 total wins. No division in the AFC has more than 16 wins and the AFC West has just 13 wins on the year. Furthermore, the NFC North has 0 teams with a record below .500. Every other division has at least 2 teams under .500, and the NFC East has 3 teams under the .500 mark.
– The NFC North’s superiority over other divisions through nine weeks is further – and perhaps better – illustrated when looking at point differential. The cumulative point differential for the 4 NFC North teams is +179, a number that looks impressive but has little meaning without comparison. In comparing it to the 7 other divisions, though, that +179 is a dominant number. No other division is within 100 points of the NFC North, with the NFC South the next best division coming in at +76 and the AFC South the worst in the NFL at a dreadful -160; the Vikings Week 16 opponent – the Houston Texans – is +100, for the record.
Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz was asked about the NFC North being perhaps the NFL’s best division to this point in the season while meeting with Twin Cities reporters via conference call on Wedensday. While Schwartz did acknowledge the NFC North as being a tough division, he also (wisely) pointed out that it’s best to wait until the entire season concludes before making any steadfast judgments on the division or any other division across the NFL.
“It’s obviously a tough division,” Schwartz said. “There’s no team under .500 in the whole division. We know that every year it’s going to be a fight. There are really, really talented players in this division. Good quarterbacks. That sixteen-game season, it’s a long haul and you have to be consistent over the course of sixteen games.
“Let’s wait until sixteen games are over. We have a lot of respect for the teams in our division. Let’s wait until sixteen games are over before we start making assessments of the division. The NFC North certainly has the makings of a very strong division.”
We’re just over half-way through the season, so we’ll temper the bravado a little bit here. But the numbers don’t lie – the NFC North is the toughest division in the NFL right now.
Total Wins By Division
NFC North: 22
NFC West: 18
NFC South: 17
AFC North: 16
AFC South: 16
AFC East: 5
NFC East: 15
AFC West: 13
Point Differential By Division
NFC North: +179
NFC South: +76
NFC West: +24
AFC East: +13
AFC North: -21
NFC East: -34
AFC West: -77
AFC South: -160
Posted in All, Mike Wobschall | 124 Comments »
By UH-OH on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
those total wins will go down significantly because the Vikings will be lucky to win another game with Ponder as the QB…Unless he learns how to play like he did the first 4 weeks of the season.
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
My fellow Vikings fans … I would like to propose a Constitutional Amendment
Something like this
If the QB of the Minnesota Vikings has less than 100 yards passing at the start of the 4th quarter AND the Minnesota Vikings have less points than their opponent. The coach must pull the no talent QB and allow Joe Webb a chance to win the game.
All in favor say Aye
By Muskyfever on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
actually the numbers are going to increase significantly. GB, CHI and the kittens are all starting to play where we expected they would. Most of our inner division games will be played from now till the end of the year. obviously those games are hard to judge because the numbers will drop and go up in the same game. But for the teams outside of our division are in for a world of hurt. I predict that the NFC North will be the most feared divison in the NFL for many years to come.
By Muskyfever on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
In the future and hopefully the near future all dynastys come to an end. the Patriots dynasty is coming to an end and so will the Fudge Packers dynasty that they have created. I don’t really ever see the Bears having a great dynasty again like they did in the 80′s. The Lions will be middle of the pack for quite some time yet. But in the next few seasons… maybe 2016, when our brand spankin new stadium is up and running the VIKINGS will be the nest of the NFC north and possible the best in the NFL. We will have our time in my lifetime, this I promise you!
By Muskyfever on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
best* not nest…
By novascotiavike on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
If we were the nest, then the Falcons, Cardinals, Eagles, Ravens and Seahawks might “own” us.
By Muskyfever on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
novascotiavike… good thing we don’t play them cause they still might…..
By novascotiavike on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
HAhahaaa !
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
welcome back Nova
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
FIRE MUSGRAVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
JOE WEBB
JOE WEBB
JOE WEBB
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
FIRE MUSGRAVE
WEBBAROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
By Spencer on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
I want Ponder to start- Webb in the 2nd half.
By ? on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Spence The game will be over, before the 2nd half starts.
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Spencer so you like my Constitutional Amendment?
By *disguised voice* Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Aye
By Spencer on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
AYE
By viking181164 on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
ponder gives us the best shot of winning…hahahha ok ok time for my meds
By ? on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
aye aye, skipper
By xxVIKINGS4LIFExx on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Nice just watched a Frazier press conference were he didnt have “check the film” on anything
By hippster on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
the vikings are the basement of the nfc north no hope for u this yr maybe next yr u will get a trophy just like the kids in school so u all dont fell left out
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
who thinks we will be last in our division?
By Parkway on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
We will for sure be last in our division
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
ohh and webb will not be our answer. It will just be a distraction for a few time but will not be long terms, Ponder is our another REAL QB
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
parkway What do you think will be our record this year?
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
*ponder is or another REAL QB
By Parkway on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Probably 6-10 just because we will probably trip over a win somewhere on accident.
By Parkway on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
The problem is the draft isn’t real packed with QB talent this year so I don’t know what we would do if the coaches/mgmt actually figure out that Ponder is not the answer….
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
netter than webb yeah. I wanted for vikings to get matt barkley i think thats his name but vikings will stick with ponder atleast till next year
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Parkway you think webb will be a future franchise QB? noo atleast ponder will be a backup or something but webb will not be in the league for long. if we put webb in he will just cause more problems. QB that have won the super bowl are not Webb kind. Ponder has a higher chance to be more succesful than Webb in the future probably not now.
By Parkway on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
I’m not a big fan of Matt Barkley I don’t think he’ll do much better
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
haha i do not agree on that with you. He does has stuff to improve and wish to see him in vikings uniform but noo. Jets or someone ahead of us will get him. Well we will see next year
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
This article makes me feel soooo much better, WOBBLES- STOP the BS. Number snumbers! They mean nothing. Stop the c.r.a.p. and write better– maybe an article on TWENTY-ONE STORY LINES FOR THE BYE WEEK.
By Spencer on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Titus- is that necessary?
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
I am tired of all the BS articles circ.umventing all the real issues. I am not in kindergarten anymore– feed this cream of wheat slop to babies. Give fans real information which means something– not regurgitated fluff.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Just garbage. There is one key metric in this article missing– one fundamentally key point which Wobbles fails to address in the analysis. AND it makes the whole analysis worthless. Garbage– and even if it were done with the correct logic, again, who cares?
By 1vikingsfan on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
I agree with you Titus he always gives us obvious stuff and that are easy to find out. Makes me feel stupid when I read them. Like he says stuff we know. Like at least Percy harvin status
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
i think the vikings lose the remaining games with Ponder as QB. Ponder cost us about 2 years in more rebuilding, along with a wasted number 12 pick in the 1st round
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
i was saying to my brother before the season started that Ponder was gar bage and the Vikings were wasting valuable time keeping him
By vikes or die on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Ya know, there is a good chance we can beat the Lions at home this Sunday, I believe. Then the weak off as we all know. If our coaching staff can put together a good game plan for the Bears, who knows, we could win the game. The Bears have two very hard games in a row, Houston and then the 49ers. My guess is the Bears will be a little beat up after those to games and will be coming at them fresh from a weak off.
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Ponders gig is up, all the Lions need to do is what the other 4 teams we just played do, move the safties and corners up because Ponder can’t throw the deep ball, games won’t even be close
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Spencer, how you doin’ in the world of warcraft?
By vikes or die on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
We’ll beat the Lions this Sunday. Holly Molly. We are not that bad. We can still win games. And we will win games. Go Vikes!!!!
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
even when there is someone wide open he doesn’t see him and throws into double coverage
By Parkway on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Ponder is going to throw a bomb this week, 10 yards! His arm will be sore for a week but it’ll be worth it.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
NFC North is the toughest division?
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
What Wobbles fails to consider in his in-depth analysis followed by his adamant claim are the strength of team’s schedules. I think, at least before the start of the season, many of the NFC North’s games were against some real so so teams– Titans, Indy, Rams, Bucs, Redskins
Wobbles– THIS IS AN EDUCATED FAN BASE!! TREAT US WITH RESPECT!
Report on what matters!!!!
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
2 more games with Ponder getting 70 yards passing or less and he will break a 50 year old nfl record
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Vikings have rarely had a great quarterback. THIS MUST STOP!!!
By Shawn on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Mike Wobschall
What are the top 10 lowest Viking passing yards in a game ? and who was the OC?
Shawn
_________________________________________________________________
Here are 4 of my guesses
McNabb … Musgrave
Ponder …. Musgrave
Ponder …. Musgrave
Ponder …. Musgrave
By ? on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Couple things here,some of you chumps that can read.
Now that the state of Min nesota has turned into a real f-a-g state. men can marry men, ect.
we already have one on the viking team. kluwe right?
I don’t like q-u-e-e-r-s you keep them all. vikings will end up in the bottom.
goodbye.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Shawn, give it up. Wobbles won’t tackle the real issues. Just another article on twelve ways to watch the game.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Five historical methods of making buffalo wing sauce for Monday Night Football.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Ten Things To Ponder During the Bye Week.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
Goal Post Cleaner Elected to Employee of the Month at Dome.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
How many sacks does Allen have this year?
By ? on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
10 ways the bears, packers, detriot will wipe the men-can- mary men group.
By ? on Nov 7, 2012 | Reply
shame on you mr t. allen is good at waving his arms up in the air.
By ? on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
mr arrian rodgers meet our 10 yard kicker kluwe..
no kissing under the clean goal posts.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Just asked a question, Mr. Question. I have nothing against Allen– genuinely curious.
By ? on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
ponder admitts he is color blind. that is why he throws to other team jerseys.
By ? on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
mr. t allen IS good at waving his arms. admit it sir.
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Ok a little research Shows TJa’ck was as good if not slightly better than Ponder and Joe We’bb has only had 1 game comparable to Ponders cra’p
Here is a list of games under 120 yards … minimum of 15 attempts … since 2007
09/11/11 … McNabb … 7-15 … 39yds … 1TD-1INT
10/21/12 … Ponder … 10-17 … 58yds … 1TD-2INT
11/04/12 … Ponder … 11-22 … 63yds … 0TD-1INT
10/21/07 … TJa’ck … 6-19 … 72yds … 0TD-0TD
12/11/11 … We’bb … 12-23 … 84yds … 1TD-0INT (off the bench – only time)
10/28/07 … Ho’lco’mb … 7-16 … 88yds … 1TD-0INT
10/16/11 … Ponder … 9-17 … 99yds … 0TD-0INT
09/13/09 … Favre … 14-21 … 110yds … 1TD-0INT
09/30/12 … Ponder … 16-26 … 111yds … 0TD-0INT
12/11/11 … Ponder … 11-21 … 115yds … 2TD-3INT
10/17/10 … Favre … 14-19 … 118yds … 1TD-0INT
12/13/10 … TJa’ck … 15-30 … 118yds … 0TD-1INT
11/23/08 … Frerotte … 12-20 … 120yds … 0TD-1INT
12-18-11 … Ponder … 14-31 … 120yds … 2TD-1INT
everything else was either less than 15 attempts and more than 120 yards ’07-’12
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Since 2007 … QBs with 120 yards or less in a Vikings game with a minimum of 15 attempts
Ponder … 6x
TJack … 2x
Favre … 2x
Joe Webb .. 1x
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Career comparison as Vikings
Ponder … 19 starts … 59% completion … 76 QBR … 346 yards rushing
TJack … 20 starts … 58% completion … 76 QBR … 535 yards rushing
Webb … 3 starts … 57% completion … 66 QBR … 273 yards rushing
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
TJack was better than Ponder.
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Since 2007 OC calling games with less than 120 yards
Bill Musgrave … 2 seasons … 6 times had less than 120 yards pa’ssing
Darrell Bevell … 3 seasons … 6 times had less than 120 yards pa’ssing
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Can we trade Ponder for TJack and add a 3rd round pick?
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
FIRE MUSGRAVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
12th pick
Ponder … 19 starts … 59% completion … 76 QBR … 346 yards rushing
vs
35th pick
Dalton … 24 starts … 60% completion … 82 QBR … 229 yards rushing
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
sadiamond for GM … sandi was a big Dalton supporter and Burfict supporter both out performing our players
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Colt McCoy … 21 starts … 58% completions … 74 QBR … 348 yards rushing
Ponder … 19 starts … 59% completion … 76 QBR … 346 yards rushing
Mark Sanchez … 55 starts … 54% … 74 QBR
Ponder … 19 starts … 59% completion … 76 QBR … 346 yards rushing
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Ponder … 19 starts … 346 rushing yards
Webb … 3 starts … 273 rushing yards
3×6=18
3×273=819/18=45+819=864
forecasting
Ponder … 19 starts … 346 rushing yards
Webb … 19 starts … 864 rushing yards
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
wow its late … and that was bad math / thought
it should have been 273/3 = 91 yards per start x 19 = 1729
Ponder … 19 starts … 346 rushing yards
Webb … 19 starts … 1729 rushing yards
By BlueBird7 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Looks good tro me, Shawn. Thanks for your effort on this.
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
I still don’t blame Ponder for all this mess…
Even with poor play calling early this season…Ponder did okay, when he was being protected long enough to throw the ball…
Musgrave is a joke at offensive coordinator…
And whoever is in charge of coaching the offensive line ???…
Better get a clue on how to protect a QB…This Viking O-line and protection schemes are getting steadily worse as the season goes…Not better…
By Parkway on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
It’s only mostly his fault
By vikes or die on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Ya our pass blocking has not been good to say the least. And its almost a total melt down when we get blitzed. The run blocking gets a thumps though. But our pass protection needs some attention. For sure!!!!
By vikes or die on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Sorry, run blocking gets a thumbs UP. oops.
By vikes or die on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Well, since Harvin is gimpy, maybe J. Wright will get thrown into the mix. Surely he can catch a bubble screen pass and pick up a few yards.
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
There is one thing about Ponder though…
Ponder is still young…And is TAKING all advice given to him by Musgrave…While being a good attitude to have by Ponder…
Ponder is not getting the chance to express any of his own ideas into an offensive game plan…And you can bet Musgrave isn’t asking for any…With recent struggles…
There is no talent at WR on this team, outside of Harvin and Rudolf (who is being blocked coming off the line on almost every play now)…
Musgrave ignored the passing game to other receivers outside of Harvin, up until now…How can we expect Ponder to have any timing down with any other receivers ???…When there numbers were not called ???…
Don’t get me wrong…I still believe there is little talent at WR on this team outside of Harvin…But add the fact, Musgrave doesn’t get those receivers involved in any games either…
There is a reason the best QB’s in the league, throw to 10 different receivers or more in a game…So they are always working hard to get open…Knowing the ball could come there way, at any given time…If not ??…Receivers just go through the motions out on the field…And give poor effort…
Heck..Talk about spreading the ball around, and getting everyone involved in case needed…
WHY is Gerhart only getting 1 carry a game ???…
Coaching !!!…Poor coaching… : /
By Muskyfever on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
OTk –
You said that POnder is young and is TAKING advice from Musgrave…. uhhhhh….. that’s not good!!!!! Musgrave is the last person I want giving advice to my “franchise” QB. I feel like if I saw that I would run at them slow motion screaming NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Musky…
I am hoping Spielman and Zygi are starting to feel the same way, as you do !!!…
Get Musgrave AWAY from Ponder !!!…
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Bring in Favre after the bye week… : )
The only way I see Frazier saving his job, if the Vikings lose to the Lions…Or continue on to a losing season for the Vikings over all…
Is to change OC during the bye week…And fire Musgrave…But the only guy who could come in, and know enough of the system to help out right away…Would be a guy like Favre ???…
The chances of something like that happening, would be paper thin…But I like the idea…At least that move, would pump up the Minnesota fan BIG TIME…And ANGER the Packers !!!…p.s. The Bears hate Favre too !!!…; )
Who we just happen to play 2 times yet this season AFTER the bye…. ; )
By BlueBird7 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
I am all for it…Bring in Favre! Is he here yet or do we have to send Allen to drag him into trhe Dome?
By BlueBird7 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Ponder on MSNBC says “Do not blame his GF for his problems.”..
OK, I won’t Ponder. Who should we point the middle finger at?
By Muskyfever on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
agreed!!!! bring in the old guy and lets finally let Ponder out of his NFL cage…
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Musgrave began his coaching career in 1997 as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders. That season, under the quarterbacking guidance of Jeff George, led to a seventeenth-place offensive finish for the Raiders. The Raiders finished 4-12.
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
I know one thing…
I sure would like to see how Favre would game plan against the Bears and Packers those 4 games yet this year ???…And maybe how he could get the O-line fired up to block for Ponder and AP…
And don’t think for a minute, how Harvin would love this kind of oppritunity also…Not to mention the Viking fan base…
Favre has a REAL passion for the game, that is CONTAGIOUS !!!!…
And passion is the very thing, this Vikings team lacks right now !!!…
Favre knows football !!!…Why not at least, ask the man ???
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
One year later, relieved of his duties in Oakland, Musgrave moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles to serve as quarterbacks coach. With Bobby Hoying, Koy Detmer, and Rodney Peete sharing quarterbacking duties, the Eagles finished 3-13 and 30th in the league in offense
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
One year later, relieved of his duties in Philadelphia, Musgrave accepted the quarterbacks coaching position with the Carolina Panthers. Led by Steve Beuerlein, the Panthers finished fourth in the NFL in offense with an 8-8 record. Musgrave’s performance, and head coach George Seifert’s growing unease with offensive coordinator Gil Haskell’s seemingly uneven performances, led Seifert to sack Haskell and promote Musgrave to offensive coordinator in 2000
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Musgrave’s promotion in Carolina was short lived, however, as Seifert sacked him a mere four games into the 2000 season. That dismissal came only after Seifert called Musgrave to the floor and chastised his play-calling in front of the team
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Subsequent coaching positions in Jacksonville, Washington, and Atlanta, led to similar results, with his final season in Atlanta proving his most resume-worthy, mentoring quarterback Matt Ryan to continued improvement.
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
In all, Musgrave left only one position on his own accord–that of five-year quarterbacks coach in Atlanta. In that final position, he had one of the better young quarterbacks in the league and was able to bring that player along. With lesser talent, Musgrave clearly has struggled in a role far subordinate to the position he now holds in Minnesota. All of which might explain why his exits from every stop prior to Atlanta were met with relief by the relevant fan bases
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
PLEASE, PLEASE, lets at least take a look at Norv Turner, after he gets fired from SD, to become our offensive coordinater
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Jason Garrett was considered one of the BEST offensive coordinators in the league..Before taking over the head coaching position in Dallas…,
I still believe Garrett is a GREAT play caller…But not everone is cut out to be a head coach…
I like Garrett as a excellent, possible replacement for Musgrave also…
But that would have to be, after the season is over…If Payton did go to Dallas, and take over the head coaching position there…
By OTKalil2012 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Tvike…Great stats…
Musgrave…Poor coaching…
By Woodboat on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
It takes great coaching to have a great QB. Our head coach and offensive coordinator are subpar. I don’t believe that Ponder is a top level talent, but he’ll never realize his full potential being coached by these scrubs.
By Troutdaddy on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
So, what I am hearing from all on here and from the many sports analysts is that this is the make-or-break week for Ponder, Musgrave and Frazier. All of them are in the linie of fire for heavy criticism and possibly their jobs in the long run. Not that these are official by any means, but many are hinting that big changes need to happen if the bleeding continues. ESPN and NFL Network have been pretty critical of Musgrave (As they should be) but most are not pointing the finger at Ponder for ALL of the issues but he is still a culprit with his loss of confidence and lack of ability to find the open guy more than 10 yards deep. (And there have been open guys mind you!) He is so foccussed on mechanics now that he can’t think. Crud- he has been playng QB for how long now? If he doesn;t have the basic mechanics down by now then there is another strike in his corner. mechanics should come naturally and the QB should be on auto-pilot for that. Favre was a master at that. So, this week is going to be a big game for the Vikes and whatever the outcome is thenI am ready for the next chapter- as long as it involves change then I am all for it. Nothing to lose now except the rest of our games. I would rather see the Vikes lose games mixing things up and using out of the box mentality rather than finish out with the consistent predictable game plan that is costing us a loss AND integrity too. I think what really got me this last week was that I was watcing the game with the biggest Viking fan I know and after the game was over, he looked at me and said “Really?” never heard him EVER talk negative about the Vikes before. That was a telling moment for me….He has not lost faith in the Purple mind you and neither have I, but it is time to either harvest the tree to get everything it has or chop the branches off that can’t or refuse to produce good fruit….
By northwoodsv2 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
OTKalil –
Personally, I’m not happy with a QB that “did okay” when he was better protected, playing against teams that the vast majority of the league could beat.
I want a QB that “excels” when better protected, and is “okay” when he’s getting sacked every other play. Pipe dreams, right?
I was a huge supporter of Ponder last year, one of the first defending him after each loss, saying “Wait until next year when he gets a better O-Line.”
Everything bad said about him has proven true. Noodle arm – he can’t zip it in there, he can’t throw deep…..heck, he can’t throw 20 yards. Flushes too quickly – once bitten, twice shy. Can’t throw on the run – how many wide open receivers has he missed badly now? Can’t lead a receiver – how many times have you seen the WR/RB/TE have to stop dead in their tracks and reach behind them to try and catch the ball?
Neither Ponder nor Webb will lead us to a SB. I hope they are grooming MBT.
By rory from n.w.ark on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
It just seems like the same old playcalling by Musky ,same players out there trying to make the same plays that havent worked in last 4 games still try and complete exact same passing plays,GET IT SAME OLD SAME OLD,Ponder cannot handle reading the field,simplify the passing game ,call a middle of the field route and you throw that ball,dont try to read the field because you cant Ponder you just cant,Heres another idea let some other players get involved,why the heck not give Wright a chance ,Fraiser you say you like Burtons effort,than why not let him play more than 1 or 2 chances in a 3 game span?????ITS so stupid to waste Joe Webb by sitting one of our most explosive players on the bench,he is not going to start for any NFL team please put him out on the field We keep playing the same way over and over and expect diff. outcomes,come on management how do you know what you have unless they get a chance to succeed or fail….WAKE UP VIKINGS before its to late this season,PLEASE WAKE UP show us you are listening,
By vikes or die on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Ya, not sure what to make of Ponder yet either. But it is what it is. Sometimes these rookies take awhile at the NFL level. Ponder has all the tools to be a starting QB. But so did alot of other QB’s that did not make it in the NFL. Time will tell. My guess is though, if Ponder struggles Sunday, we are going to see Webb.
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
a starting nfl qb can throw a 70 yard pass on the numbers. Ponder doesn’t qualify
By H.M.G. on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Matt Ryan is the only reason Musgravy got this job as OC.
By Shawn on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
thumbs up on previous 2 comments
By iaVIKE on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for the info on Musgrave, Tampavike. Good to know
By autobon7 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Im in AYE
By autobon7 on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
In regards to Woodboat…..Ponder is nowhere near top level talent. I don’t care if he has a good coach or not. If he was top level he wouldn’t be fussing with mechanics regardless of what the coaches are telling him. He is not a leader that is clear. Look how energized the team was when Webb came in last year. They all knew. The air was filled with excitment and possibility and leadership. That is what we need. Is Webb the long term answer? None of us will know until management gives him a fair shake. What we do know is that we CAN win WITH Ponder but not BECAUSE of him as he is not a playmaker, leader, chance taker, fill in the blank. Please do not waist the tremendous efferts of AP and PH. Do not burn them out causing injury or making them want to leave.
By Rush on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
I say we go after the Saints coach next year, Trade Allen for draft picks, cut loadholt, Go after a good MLB & QB, Maybe Flynn from Seattle??
By Rush on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Viking offense 1st down – 3yrd pass probably incomplete, 2nd down AP up the middle -5-6 yrds, 3rd down and 5 incomplete pass out to the side behind PH, Punt!!!, pretty bad when I know what is coming can’t imagine a defensive cord!!
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
I personally have nothing against Webb…….All I know is that the backup quarterback is always the fan favorite on a struggling team. When I was a kid, I watched Fran Tarkington Go 21 for 22 and his only imcompletion was for intentional grounding. He broke his leg on a play and tip-em-back Tommy Cramer came into the game. The fans went crazy with excitement to get rid of the “old man” who couldn’t throw any more.
Webb does add a certain excitement when he comes in, that is true. We were also “in” most of the games that he played. However, saying that, if we don’t have an OC that can call plays, I don’t think it will matter who we put in.
My vote is for Norv Turner at the end of the season.
Nuff Said
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
should have said Fran Tarkentonand Tommy Kramer
By Tampavike on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
OR…..if we go whole hog wild and change the head coach, maybe we could persuade Oregon head coach Chip Kelly to come to the Vikes!!!! Now that would be exciting play calling!!!!
By DrinkHeavy on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
Can we give the Ponder sucks stuff a rest for a minute? You guys are starting to sound like whining teenage girls for Chrissakes.. He’s a 2nd year QB who is still learning the pro game behind a lousy OL and guided by an incompetent OC. Ok there it is..nuff said..time to move on fellas..If you want to criticize something, how about getting on the defense for a change? Plain and simple it sucks. If you want to win consistently, you need to play solid defense, especially on the road – and we don’t have any, plain and simple. Our wonderful D gets blown out by 3 rookie QBs and everyone wants to put all the blame on Ponder. And I know what some of you people will say..”But DH, our poor defense is always too tired because Ponder can’t convert 3rd downs.” Hey guess what? If our defense and game plan were any good, they would force the other team to go 3 and out more often. The fact is that our D gets pushed up and down the field all day. Winning starts with defense..fix it and we’ll win more..heck the Ravens won a SB with Trent Dilfer..nuff said. GO VIKES
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
the defense is tired from Ponders 3 and outs. Dilfer had a #1 defense that only gave up 5 points a game and Dilfer could pass over 100 yards per game. nuff said!
By J on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
@ drinkheavy ………..agree w/3 & out ………..Hey we all would like to acknowledge the fact that defences win championships , but defences that dont have to be on the field after consecutive 3 & outs simply because we have always had a respectable defence since the purple people eaters with eller and marshall etc ……………..the vikes obstacles have always been and continue to be with their offence …………..1998 was a year that we broke offensive records with randall and smith carter . moss and we put up 556 points for the year . I would much rather have an exciting team offensively than an inept team to 1 ) sustain drives of 5 minutes or more every time we have the ball ……….. 2) keep the opposing offence off the field regardless of their QB 3) have our defense benefit from the dominating offensive play that we don’t have right now …..we won the early games in the year with this formula didn’t we ? 3) ponder has had 19 games as a starter ……he reminds me of bad Tommy Kramer and that is questionable at best …..
u kind of add more fuel to the fire with ur commentary about rookie qbs and how we lost ……well each of those rookie qbs vastly ouplayed ponder in each of those game ………..right ………..RG3 speaks for himself and the performance he put up ………he outplayed AP for darn sake …….. Luck continues to show exceptional growth in his rookie year as well ……then we had last week with Wilson & the seahawks ……. Wilson played alright with solid stats …..but if we could have sustained drives to keep their offence off the field ……I think better game huh ? I was at the seahawks game in person with my daughter ……it was sad !
In Closing my question to u is : If ponder and the offense can sustain drives more successfully than the last few weeks ……would our defense look any better ?
Winning does not start with defense only …………it may end with defense …….but last time I looked most coin tosses end up with the winner of the toss wanting the ball ! Offence out first ///
look forward to your reply
By J on Nov 8, 2012 | Reply
@ troutdaddy ………Ditto ……smart logic and commentary ………
u know the problem with Viking fans is that we r way too patient …………really………….. on the power rankings they were kind to us this week at #16 …………………………..hmmmmmmmmm ??? another repeat performance from ponder and we are another week into the season and the same spot we were the previous week with solutions …….. lets be progressive ! after all …..its up to christian right …..?
By Tom on Nov 9, 2012 | Reply
Hey Shawn, you forgot Tarvaris Jackson as he had a -100 yard game at least once!
As for how many games the Vikings will win with Blunder at the healm, I say the Adrian Peterson factor will get them a win or two, just because he is such a game changer, and an awesome RB…it is so sad that the Vikings don’t have an elite QB, and it seems that every team has one except, Philly, San Fran, Tennessee, KC, Arizona and the Jets!
By dee jay born on Nov 9, 2012 | Reply
@ J…Wow,you took me back with the Tommy Kramer comment(the original noodle arm).I would even take Wade Wilson right about now.Good points you made,but all in all,Ponder is our QB now,like it or not,just got to deal with it til he comes out of this slump or a change is made.To the O-line and Ponder—GET Y’ALL SH@@ TOGETHER.Enough already.Let’s get this W Sunday and head into the bye week with something positive to look forward to.. SKOL Vikings..
By autobon7 on Nov 9, 2012 | Reply
Is Rich Gannon still avail?
By autobon7 on Nov 9, 2012 | Reply
How bout Wade Wilson?
By ponder, aka 3 and out on Nov 9, 2012 | Reply
Brett Farve even rested the defense, he can actually throw the ball over 20 yards and put up lots of points
By john 61 on Nov 10, 2012 | Reply
ponder will be ok if we get a new oc, musgrave has to go,young team we will be ok if we loose this next game musgrave will be gone
By Jordan on Nov 13, 2012 | Reply
readng the comments all you that doubt Ponder’s ability are just haters every QB even the best have had bad games yall ready to give up so easily lol