Forum The Longship Maybe it’s not him. Maybe it’s you.

Maybe it’s not him. Maybe it’s you.

PO
Joined Jul 2017
19 posts
Rep: 0

Most all of us are disappointed.  Most of us are wondering what should happen this next year with Qb. Some are looking for a change at Qb and want someone of greatness like Marino, Favre, Elway or Brees.

Here’s the funny thing.   Brees couldnt even win the game before.  Even the greatest QBs can’t win them all.  Dont forget it was Case that gutted it out and fought to make that last play happen.  Thats what great Qbs do.  They dont give up and believe they can win the game.  They keep believing until the final buzzer sounds.

I look at Jeff George, a player with more talent than he could handle.  He had no heart.  People around him knew it.  Players knew it and he avoided people so they wouldnt see it.  We all saw it in 98 when he walked away from that fumble instead of diving, fighting for it.

Case has the heart, the fire, and more than enough of it.  Is Case a great QB?  He might be, or he might be becoming one. We ended the season 14-4, way past what anyone thought we would. He is sure fun to watch.  

If Case hasnt won you guys over he never will.  Im not sure why.  Maybe we put people into a box and we feel uncomfortable when they dont stay in the place we put them?  But thats our failing, not Case’s. He came here as a failed starter, a backup. We looked at him as a failed starter, a career backup and it doesnt seem right we should have to change our minds.

No QB can make up for the entire team collapse we saw in Philly.  Not Marino, Favre or Elway. The line didnt block.  The D didnt defend.  I dont know why.  My best guess is that teams cant keep giving 110% each week.  Maybe that Saints game was as far as that team was going.  

We see it happen every few years where two great teams meet, beat each other to a pulp in an amazing contest only to see the victor lose the next week to a lesser team. It happens.  Probably 3 of the Vikes Superbowls were exactly like that. I dont blame Tark because the Purple People Eaters suddenly werent eating people.  

Because that would be kind of stupid.

Liked:
#1 · Jan 23, 1:13 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Not blaming Case, he played great this season.  I just prefer someone else at QB. I prefer a healthy Sam Bradford, I get that's not likely. I'm not sold on Cousins or Smith but I think one needs to look at them as potential options. 

A new offense is coming to Minnesota, so if Case, Bradford or Bridgewater aren't in the plan, then this would be the ideal time to make the move.

Liked:
#2 · Jan 23, 5:34 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"Bolstad79" said: Not blaming Case, he played great this season.  I just prefer someone else at QB. I prefer a healthy Sam Bradford, I get that's not likely. I'm not sold on Cousins or Smith but I think one needs to look at them as potential options. 

A new offense is coming to Minnesota, so if Case, Bradford or Bridgewater aren't in the plan, then this would be the ideal time to make the move.


Id like a healthy Sam Bradford also, unfortunately that doesnt seem to last.  Especially behind our line.  The guy took a beating last year.  Hopefully they fix the Oline by adding some quality depth.  As soon as they lost a starter they had to shuffle and things degraded quickly.  Losing Easton and then Elfein hurt.  Case’s success behind this line was a bit astounding.

I will be fine with whoever the coaches select.  Perhaps it’s Teddy?

Liked:
#3 · Jan 23, 6:32 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

My dark horse bet is a trade for Alex Smith. Wilfs are probably getting a "win soon" if not "win now" attitude, and soon we could start to lose defensive players over contract cost.

Liked:
#4 · Jan 23, 6:56 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

No reason for the Vikings not to take this time and kick some tires. Case had a 73 QBR Saints & Eagles. I like the guy, not opposed to signing him out of the 3 to a team friendly deal. But Case does have some flaws that should give the franchise pause. 

Liked:
#5 · Jan 23, 7:07 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Its just a gut feeling. But I bet he goes somewhere else for bigger money. I would not pay him more than maybe 18 million for a season. Anything in the 20's does not seem right at this point. One more year like this year, then I could see paying him in the 20's. Problem is someone else will do it for next season.

Liked:
#6 · Jan 23, 9:22 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

I'll be surprised if Case and Teddy stay in Minnesota and I don't trust Sam's health.

Liked:
#7 · Jan 23, 9:45 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Sorry, it isn't me.  I wasn't there, so it probably was him.  he was there, I saw him on my TV.

Liked:
#8 · Jan 23, 9:48 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Why is Smith even in the discussion? What has he done that makes anyone think he would be better than Keenum?

Liked:
#9 · Jan 23, 10:06 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"mgobluevikes" said: Why is Smith even in the discussion? What has he done that makes anyone think he would be better than Keenum?
Do you mean beside playing at a level of play for many years that is just as good or better than Keenum's only good season?  Besides that, I would guess better downfield passer, stronger arm, more success, much more playoff experience, winning on multiple teams in multiple systems...

And Smith still hasn't shown he can win in the playoffs.  What does that say about Keenum?  Open to your interpretation.

Liked:
#10 · Jan 23, 10:24 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"silverjoel" said:
@"mgobluevikes" said: Why is Smith even in the discussion? What has he done that makes anyone think he would be better than Keenum?
Do you mean beside playing at a level of play for many years that is just as good or better than Keenum's only good season?  Besides that, I would guess better downfield passer, stronger arm, more success, much more playoff experience, winning on multiple teams in multiple systems...

And Smith still hasn't shown he can win in the playoffs.  What does that say about Keenum?  Open to your interpretation.



Benched for Kaep in San Fran, and the undisputed leader for a team that has been at the the pinnacle of mediocrity ever since. Yeah, I'd put my eggs in that 33 yr. old basket. 

Liked:
#11 · Jan 23, 11:40 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"mgobluevikes" said:
@"silverjoel" said:
@"mgobluevikes" said: Why is Smith even in the discussion? What has he done that makes anyone think he would be better than Keenum?
Do you mean beside playing at a level of play for many years that is just as good or better than Keenum's only good season?  Besides that, I would guess better downfield passer, stronger arm, more success, much more playoff experience, winning on multiple teams in multiple systems...

And Smith still hasn't shown he can win in the playoffs.  What does that say about Keenum?  Open to your interpretation.



Benched for Kaep in San Fran, and the undisputed leader for a team that has been at the the pinnacle of mediocrity ever since. Yeah, I'd put my eggs in that 33 yr. old basket. 

If playoffs 4/5 years and an average record of about 11-5 over that period while having generally poor defenses is mediocre, sure.  If Keenum's only good season is just slightly better than an average year from Smith, what does that mean for Keenum?  

Liked:
#12 · Jan 23, 12:34 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Not necessarily Pining for Smith but his WR group has sucked for years.  Kelce was it until last year now Hill is there but he's a unique player when you are talking WR.

I'd be ok with Smith-not exciting but I think he would fit the need.  They can bring Sloter along slowly and maybe draft a guy if none of the FA stick around.  The Vikings have enough cap to do what they 'want' to do thankfully.

Liked:
#13 · Jan 23, 1:04 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"NodakViking" said: Not necessarily Pining for Smith but his WR group has such med for years.  Kelce was it until last year now Hill is there but he's a unique player when you are talking WR.

I'd be ok with Smith-not exciting but I think he would fit the need.  They can bring Sloter along slowly and maybe draft a guy if none of the FA stick around.  The Vikings have enough cap to do what they 'want' to do thankfully.


the question then is what will the Chiefs want for Smith?  He is likely good for about 2 to 3 years,  maybe a 3 to 4,  but I dont see him being one of those that plays until they are 40.  so what is a short term bonfide NFL starting caliber in the twilight of his career worth?  I like Smith,  but I dont want to give up anything higher than a 6th round pick.  We cant  afford to lose draft picks with the roster that we have,  our high priced guys have to be offset with cheap but talented players on their rookie deals.

Liked:
#14 · Jan 23, 1:39 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"JimmyinSD" said:
@"NodakViking" said: Not necessarily Pining for Smith but his WR group has such med for years.  Kelce was it until last year now Hill is there but he's a unique player when you are talking WR.

I'd be ok with Smith-not exciting but I think he would fit the need.  They can bring Sloter along slowly and maybe draft a guy if none of the FA stick around.  The Vikings have enough cap to do what they 'want' to do thankfully.


the question then is what will the Chiefs want for Smith?  He is likely good for about 2 to 3 years,  maybe a 3 to 4,  but I dont see him being one of those that plays until they are 40.  so what is a short term bonfide NFL starting caliber in the twilight of his career worth?  I like Smith,  but I dont want to give up anything higher than a 6th round pick.  We cant  afford to lose draft picks with the roster that we have,  our high priced guys have to be offset with cheap but talented players on their rookie deals.


I agree, I'm not advocating a trade for him just saying he's a good fit if they are without one of the current 3 but feel positive about Sloter.   I guess it depends on how any suitors there are and how badly they need to move on from him and avoid the tension next season.  Probably worth a phone call if they are looking.
If I have to pick one of the current three all 100% healthy and equal money-I'd prefer Teddy, then Case, then Sam.  I don't know enough about the health of Sam or Teddy to be super confident though.  I sure wish Teddy would have got more playing time, Case signing somewhere else likely brings the highest comp pick, Teddy might be the friendliest contract option.  Sam-I have no idea, he has all the tools but now looking at 31 with 2x repaired knee that has cost him the better part of 3 seasons.
I don't see much of a situation where 2 of the 3 stay even if they spend the money so I'd look for another rookie too if Sloter can be #2.

Liked:
#15 · Jan 23, 3:26 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

I would prefer Teddy also.  He is younger and is a well loved, strong leader.  The problem is he was benched in favor of the other two by the coaches who actually have first hand information.  And then there is the self inflicted knee problem....

With the past regimes I would expect that no matter who they kept it would be the wrong one.  He would never be above mediocre and would always be injured while the two we didnt keep, they would go one to hall of fame careers while beating us in Superbowls and NFCCGs.

I expect more from the current staff.   Not sure why it has to be such a mystery or why it had to devolve into this.

Liked:
#16 · Jan 23, 4:00 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Tebow had guts and fire, too.  But he couldn't throw a spiral.  I love Case as a human being.  I'm not old enough to have loved Joe Kapp... but he was a helluva guy, too.  But he wasn't the kind of QB that was going to win games for you.  He just wouldn't lose them.  Having heart is great; but being able to make all the throws- and having the skill to do it- is pretty important too.

Liked:
#17 · Jan 23, 4:32 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"pumpf" said: Tebow had guts and fire, too.  But he couldn't throw a spiral.  I love Case as a human being.  I'm not old enough to have loved Joe Kapp... but he was a helluva guy, too.  But he wasn't the kind of QB that was going to win games for you.  He just wouldn't lose them.  Having heart is great; but being able to make all the throws- and having the skill to do it- is pretty important too.
In Hawaii they say “The proof is in the bread pudding”. They really like their bread pudding.

Your argument would be good except he just led the Vikes to a 14-4 season.  Its not like he was 7-9.  So Im not sure what to so with this.

Liked:
#18 · Jan 23, 4:49 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"Poiple" said:
@"pumpf" said: Tebow had guts and fire, too.  But he couldn't throw a spiral.  I love Case as a human being.  I'm not old enough to have loved Joe Kapp... but he was a helluva guy, too.  But he wasn't the kind of QB that was going to win games for you.  He just wouldn't lose them.  Having heart is great; but being able to make all the throws- and having the skill to do it- is pretty important too.
In Hawaii they say “The proof is in the bread pudding”. They really like their bread pudding.

Your argument would be good except he just led the Vikes to a 14-4 season.  Its not like he was 7-9.  So Im not sure what to so with this.



Did he really "lead" them... or was he part of a "team" that was successful together?  I'd say that our defense had alot to do with our 14-4 record.  Case- this year- was more than a "game-manager"... but not by much (imo).  

Liked:
#19 · Jan 24, 6:29 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"pumpf" said:
@"Poiple" said:
@"pumpf" said: Tebow had guts and fire, too.  But he couldn't throw a spiral.  I love Case as a human being.  I'm not old enough to have loved Joe Kapp... but he was a helluva guy, too.  But he wasn't the kind of QB that was going to win games for you.  He just wouldn't lose them.  Having heart is great; but being able to make all the throws- and having the skill to do it- is pretty important too.
In Hawaii they say “The proof is in the bread pudding”. They really like their bread pudding.

Your argument would be good except he just led the Vikes to a 14-4 season.  Its not like he was 7-9.  So Im not sure what to so with this.



Did he really "lead" them... or was he part of a "team" that was successful together?  I'd say that our defense had alot to do with our 14-4 record.  Case- this year- was more than a "game-manager"... but not by much (imo).  


whats funny is if somebody were to say Teddy led the team to the playoffs in 15 they would get screamed at about ADs rushing title and the defense,  but when its Case... the improved defense,  OL, coaching scheme, receivers,  without the running back production declining, all get over looked by many.

Liked:
#20 · Jan 24, 7:24 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Case does have heart...but seems to run out of tangibles against better defenses.  He looked haunted against Carolina, he looked clueless most of Sunday and most of the second half against the Saints.  His great pass to Diggs (and it was great) was partially made great by Diggs, and partially made possible by the poor defensive play.

I don't pretend to have the solution.  Case has shown signs of his limitations, Teddy has never proven to have a consistent long pass game, and Sam's knees seem to be on their own team.  IF Case keeps growing, he'll be amazing.  IF Teddy can back up his leadership with passing prowess, he'll be amazing.  IF Sam's knees are truly fixed, he's the best pure passer of the bunch.

IF, IF, IF.

Liked:
#21 · Jan 24, 7:35 AM
Log in to reply.

Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)

Warn Poster

Suspend User (3 days)

The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.

Forum The Longship Maybe it’s not him. Maybe it’s you.
Return to top ↑

Welcome to VikeFans!

Welcome back, Skol fans! This is our new home. Log in with your username or email and your existing password.


Be sure to check out the How To's and Questions forum for guides on getting around the new site, and use the Help Request forum if you run into anything that you need help with. Skol!