TheSP wrote:I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but as much as I like Teddy (who doesn't), I believe based upon what has been said this team needs to move forward with the idea that he'll never again play the game. This injury is many times more serious that AD's, and the fact that it was a non-contact injury that could have resulted in losing his leg he's more than likely going to have serious issues just with the mental aspect of playing again.
If I'm Spielman and there was any chance I could get Rivers from SD for a couple first round picks I jump on it. The biggest question that separated the Vikings from other title contenders was the question of will Teddy progress into a game changer from a game manager. Bring Rivers in and this team is an instant contender for the next 3-5 years.
I know it's the longest of long shots, and I love Teddy as much as the next guy, but if it can be done without decimating the team's depth you have to do it.
Im sort of confused with your self realization that he will never play the game again. Maybe you've heard more than I have, so please correct me if I'm wrong, but as of now I have heard a torn acl and possible structural damage. Meaning it is likely he tore a part of his meniscus or other cartilage. A Pcl or mcl tear would likely have been reported at the same time as his acl tear was. Although there is a significant risk of reinjury, there is no reason to believe he cannot return to form as a pocket passer which is what he is. This type of injury is a lot more concerning when talking about a rg3 or a Vick type of player. Teddy has always been able to run, but he never did rely on that aspect of his game. i would be very surprised if he did not return next season. With the advancement of the medical field I see one option of him not returning and that is by his own personal accord.
If it were simply ligament damage I wouldn't be so pessimistic, but when you get into structural damage in a joint like that, it has ended many careers. I certainly hope he makes a great recovery and goes onto have a long career, I just think its a 50/50 proposition. Combine the physical with the mental knowledge that it blew up with no contact and I think there is a recipe for confidence problems too.
Let's assume they just run with Hill this season, then pray Teddy comes back ready to make that big jump we were hoping for this year, but doesn't, that's two years of a team that is primed to contend right now, down the drain. If there was any chance they could pry Rivers out of SD using picks and not players you have to jump all over that. Of course none of that matters because SD isn't letting Rivers go without some of what makes this team a contender. The timing of this just blows, and NFL championship windows typically close quickly.
I agree with the confidence issue. How do you come back and enter such a physical sport with confidence when you destroyed your knee just dropping back? That is likely the biggest hurdle. I'd like to believe a man of faith like Teddy has a good chance to overcome that, but he is only human. 300 lb freaks barreling down on you every play isn't easy to ignore. I hope, not for him personally but as a fan, that he doesn't weigh his future options and decide to retire after this.
I also agree with your choice of rivers, and I'd add Brees. Those are guys I'd give up a higher pick for, because they would put us in true contention. Outside of those kind of players, I'd prefer to stand pat.
TheFuture wrote:I agree with the confidence issue. How do you come back and enter such a physical sport with confidence when you destroyed your knee just dropping back? That is likely the biggest hurdle. I'd like to believe a man of faith like Teddy has a good chance to overcome that, but he is only human. 300 lb freaks barreling down on you every play isn't easy to ignore. I hope, not for him personally but as a fan, that he doesn't weigh his future options and decide to retire after this.
I also agree with your choice of rivers, and I'd add Brees. Those are guys I'd give up a higher pick for, because they would put us in true contention. Outside of those kind of players, I'd prefer to stand pat.
We are in agreement, I hope that worries you as much as it should!
I think some of you are overestimating our window of opportunity. Yes, we have a lot of good young players, but windows in the NFL are short. Nothing is guaranteed in a league defined by parity. Waiting for Teddy to get back to where he was would be a colossal mistake in my opinion,. AD may only have a couple good years left. Griffen and Joseph aren't going to last forever. I think you have to go for it when you have the chance. There's a few guys out there who could give us a chance to win this year. Too many organizations perpetually build for a promising future that never arrives. Look at the Wolves for example. The old bud Grant Vikings with Jim Finks would make a bold move in a time like this. Moves like re-acquiring Tarkenton, bringing John Gilliam in just before the start of the season. These moves paid off greatly. I hope the organization looks at this situation aggressively. Sadly, I think they will play it conservatively and that will be too bad.
CoolBreeze44 wrote:I think some of you are overestimating our window of opportunity. Yes, we have a lot of good young players, but windows in the NFL are short. Nothing is guaranteed in a league defined by parity. Waiting for Teddy to get back to where he was would be a colossal mistake in my opinion,. AD may only have a couple good years left. Griffen and Joseph aren't going to last forever. I think you have to go for it when you have the chance. There's a few guys out there who could give us a chance to win this year. Too many organizations perpetually build for a promising future that never arrives. Look at the Wolves for example. The old bud Grant Vikings with Jim Finks would make a bold move in a time like this. Moves like re-acquiring Tarkenton, bringing John Gilliam in just before the start of the season. These moves paid off greatly. I hope the organization looks at this situation aggressively. Sadly, I think they will play it conservatively and that will be too bad.
We are in agreement, I hope that worries you as much as it should!
CoolBreeze44 wrote:I think some of you are overestimating our window of opportunity. Yes, we have a lot of good young players, but windows in the NFL are short. Nothing is guaranteed in a league defined by parity. Waiting for Teddy to get back to where he was would be a colossal mistake in my opinion,. AD may only have a couple good years left. Griffen and Joseph aren't going to last forever. I think you have to go for it when you have the chance. There's a few guys out there who could give us a chance to win this year. Too many organizations perpetually build for a promising future that never arrives. Look at the Wolves for example. The old bud Grant Vikings with Jim Finks would make a bold move in a time like this. Moves like re-acquiring Tarkenton, bringing John Gilliam in just before the start of the season. These moves paid off greatly. I hope the organization looks at this situation aggressively. Sadly, I think they will play it conservatively and that will be too bad.
We are in agreement, I hope that worries you as much as it should!
I realize it was in the heat of the moment but when the players are cussing and throwing their helmets around its a real indictment on what they think the teams chances are with Hill at the helm. To just be content with Hill while you wait for Teddy's uncertain chance of a full bill of health leads me to believe some of us are fans of players more so than of the team itself . Which would make some sense on here.
PorkChop wrote:I realize it was in the heat of the moment but when the players are cussing and throwing their helmets around its a real indictment on what they think the teams chances are with Hill at the helm.
From what I've read it was a visceral reaction to seeing the injury. A lot of us don't have the stomach to view a person's lower leg flopping around looser than a pool noodle! From what I've read quite a few players lost their lunch. I think the cussing and throwing of helmets had little to do with Hill at that time.
CoolBreeze44 wrote:I think some of you are overestimating our window of opportunity. Yes, we have a lot of good young players, but windows in the NFL are short. Nothing is guaranteed in a league defined by parity. Waiting for Teddy to get back to where he was would be a colossal mistake in my opinion,. AD may only have a couple good years left. Griffen and Joseph aren't going to last forever. I think you have to go for it when you have the chance. There's a few guys out there who could give us a chance to win this year. Too many organizations perpetually build for a promising future that never arrives. Look at the Wolves for example. The old bud Grant Vikings with Jim Finks would make a bold move in a time like this. Moves like re-acquiring Tarkenton, bringing John Gilliam in just before the start of the season. These moves paid off greatly. I hope the organization looks at this situation aggressively. Sadly, I think they will play it conservatively and that will be too bad.
We are in agreement, I hope that worries you as much as it should!
PorkChop wrote:I realize it was in the heat of the moment but when the players are cussing and throwing their helmets around its a real indictment on what they think the teams chances are with Hill at the helm.
From what I've read it was a visceral reaction to seeing the injury. A lot of us don't have the stomach to view a person's lower leg flopping around looser than a pool noodle! From what I've read quite a few players lost their lunch. I think the cussing and throwing of helmets had little to do with Hill at that time.
I think a lot of it had to do with knowing all the offseason work might be for not since their guy is out before the season began. Gotta believe they've all seen their share of serious sports injuries.
