The Minnesota Vikings can’t catch a break. You’d think a team
that played its first season way back in 1961 would receive one by
now.

The Vikings haven’t had much to get excited about this
season.

There was the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals (34-10).

There was the 24-21 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 8 and
the 33-26 win over the Washington Redskins on Christmas Eve.

And that’s it.

The other 13 weeks on the schedule are marked with the letter
“L.”

The 3-12 Vikings are suffering through their worst season in
decades.

You have to go back to 1984 to find a Vikings team that only won
three games. That team was 3-13.

You have to go back to 1962 to find a Vikings team that won two
games. That team finished 2-11-1.

The initial Vikings of 1961 were 3-11 and have a better winning
percentage than this year’s bunch.

So the Vikings pick up their third win of the season and in the
process lose their franchise running back Adrian Peterson to a
devastating knee injury.

Go figure.

Safe to say, the Vikings would give back that win for a healthy
Peterson in a heartbeat.

Who knows if Peterson will be able to return for the 2012
season?

Who knows if he’ll ever be the same when he does return?

Some are questioning why Peterson was playing in a basically
meaningless game this late in the season. After all, he’d been
hampered with an ankle injury.

So no one could have blamed him or the Vikings if they’d just
shut him down until the 2012 season.

But that’s not how Adrian Peterson is wired.

He’s a competitor, and guys like that want to play.

Guys like that want the ball every down, no matter if the team
is 12-2 or 2-12.

So if Peterson was healthy enough to play, he was going to
play.

No one, however, expected him to rip up his knee in the
process.

But Viking fans have grown accustomed to disappointment.

It’s been happening for decades and there’s not enough column
space to go into much detail.

Viking fans can recite the history from memory.

There’s the four Super Bowl losses.

There was the Cowboys’ Drew Pearson push-off.

There was the Herschel Walker debacle with the Cowboys, as
well.

There was the 1998 NFC championship game heartbreaking loss to
the Atlanta Falcons.

There was the 2003 last-second loss to the Arizona Cardinals on
a fourth and 25 that knocked the Purple out of the playoffs.

There was the crushing 2009 NFC title game loss to the New
Orleans Saints.

And now the knee injury to quite possibly the most exciting
player in franchise history.

But don’t feel sorry for Vikings fans — they don’t need your
sympathy.

True Vikings would never think of jumping ship.

I mean, what’s the alternative — cheer for another team?

That’d be the easy way out and wouldn’t be any fun.

 

Did you know?

That Peterson is 66 yards shy of becoming the Vikings’ all-time
leading rusher. Peterson has 6,752 career yards.

Robert Smith is the all-time leader with 6,818 yards.

Reach Kirk Hardcastle at 421-0540 or
kirk.hardcastle@globegazette.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read More: Joe Webb (QB – MIN), Christian Ponder (QB – MIN), Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins, Dec 24, 2011 12:00 PM CST

The Minnesota Vikings spent their first round draft pick on Christian Ponder last year, but the team’s past couple of games are apparently making the coaching staff re-think that decision. The reason being, of course, that Joe Webb may have been the quarterback of the future all along.

Webb was selected in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, but has been looked at as more of a gadget guy who can provide different looks rather than a prototypical quarterback. His ability to lead a second Vikings comeback in as many appearances has apparently made head coach Leslie Frazier re-think that, however, according to statements made to 1500 ESPN.

“Some of the things he does, man, and what it does to the rest of our team — you can’t ignore it,” Frazier said after Webb led three touchdown drives in relief of injured Christian Ponder and the Vikings beat the Washington Redskins 33-26.

“It’s something we’re going to take a real hard look at as we go forward. He definitely lifts our team. He’s done it. He did it a season ago as well.”

Few fans will be happy if Webb earns the starting spot over Ponder heading into next season — though that’ll be more due to the drafting of Ponder than the starting of Webb — but it’ll be worth keeping an eye on as Minnesota continues looking forward to next season.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 24, 2011

LANDOVER, Md. — Out for the game — and possibly much longer — with a knee injury that looked and felt serious, Adrian Peterson was on his way back from the X-ray room in the depths of the stadium when he looked at a television monitor.

“I see Toby break up the sideline,” Peterson said. “So, `Go, Toby, go.”‘

What else could happen to the Minnesota Vikings in one of the worst seasons in franchise history? How about losing Peterson to a direct hit on the left knee and Christian Ponder to a possible concussion on back-to-back plays to start the second half? It just didn’t seem fair.

But here’s a twist: They won the game. Toby Gerhart and Joe Webb answered the call, leading Saturday’s 33-26 victory over the Washington Redskins, breaking a six-game losing streak that helped make up for the fact that their best player was standing on crutches in the locker room.

“I can enjoy my Christmas now,” coach Leslie Frazier said.

Gerhart scampered for a 67-yard run — the play Peterson saw on TV — to start Minnesota’s next series after the Peterson-Ponder injuries and finished with 109 yards on 11 carries. Webb again made a case to be a starting quarterback by throwing for two touchdowns and running for another as the Vikings (3-12) kept alive their hopes to not finish with the worst record in team history. A win next week against Chicago would put them ahead of the dubious 1984 Minnesota team that went 3-13.

Asked if it’s time to give the option-running Webb a look at the No. 1 job, Frazier didn’t hesitate.

“Some of the things he does, and what it does to the rest of our team, you can’t ignore,” Frazier said. “So it’s something we’re going to have a real hard look at as we go forward. He definitely lifts our team.”

He might get the start next week, at least, because of Ponder’s injury, but Webb surely was an inspiring presence Saturday, completing 4 of 5 passes for 84 yards and rushing five times for 34 yards. His 9-yard touchdown run came on the option, and he put a perfect 17-yard scoring pass into the arms of rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph, a touchdown appropriate for Christmas Eve, to give the Vikings a 23-20 lead late in the third quarter.

“When they bring in a weapon like that,” Redskins linebacker Perry Riley said of Webb, “not a secret weapon – we’d seen him on tape and we had a feeling – but it’s hard to prepare fully on a short week for two quarterbacks. … It’s hard to change it mid-stream like that.”

Webb’s 8-yard pass to Percy Harvin broke a 23-all tie early in the fourth quarter, and rookie Mistral Raymond’s first career interception set up Ryan Longwell’s 23-yard field goal to give the Vikings a 10-point lead with 4:05 to play. Minnesota had gone nine games without a pick before Raymond’s big play.

The Redskins pulled within a touchdown on Graham Gano’s 47-yard field goal with 1:25 remaining. They got the ball back after a punt, but Rex Grossman’s final long fling to the end zone fell incomplete to give Washington (5-10) a sixth straight home loss, its longest such skid since 1994.

Peterson said he knew “it was something bad” the moment he was hit by safety DeJon Gomes at the end of a 3-yard gain on the first offensive play of the second half. The X-rays were negative, but Peterson was scheduled for an MRI late Saturday after the team returned to Minnesota.

“It’s such a special person that you want to be right before you prognosticate on what might be,” Frazier said.

A torn ACL, the worst case scenario, would likely sideline Peterson for some nine months and make it difficult for him to return for the start of next season.

“Anytime you take a blow to the knee like that, you’re concerned about the ACL, MCL,” Peterson said. “I’m trying to stay as positive as I can.”

On the play after Peterson was hurt, Ponder suffered a head injury when sacked by Adam Carriker and London Fletcher. Ponder remained in the game for one more play – a third-down incomplete pass – before heading to the locker room.

Frazier said Ponder had “concussion-like symptoms.” The coach said he’s uncertain whether the quarterback will play in next week’s season finale against the Bears.

“We’ll have to weigh it when we get back,” Frazier said, “and I’ll follow the doctor’s lead.”

With the way Webb is playing, Ponder might get the week off anyway.

Notes

• Grossman had two more giveaways — a lost fumble and interception — to put his total at 24 for the season. He was already tied for the most turnovers in the NFL entering the game.
• Washington’s Evan Royster, getting the start with fellow rookie Roy Helu out with an injury, ran for 132 yards on 19 carries.
• Minnesota’s Jared Allen had one sack to raise his total to 18 1/2.
• The Vikings were also short-handed along the offensive line, with guard Steve Hutchinson inactive with a concussion and guard Anthony Herrera sidelined for part of the game with a lower back injury.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Out for the game – and now much longer – with a serious knee injury,
Adrian Peterson
was on his way back from the X-ray room in the depths of the stadium when he looked at a television monitor.

“I see Toby break up the sideline,” Peterson said. “So, `Go, Toby, go.”‘

What else could happen to the
Minnesota Vikings
in one of the worst seasons in franchise history? How about losing Peterson to a direct hit on the left knee and
Christian Ponder
to a possible concussion on back-to-back plays to start the second half? It just didn’t seem fair.

And the news only got worse as Saturday went on. The Vikings said an MRI showed that Peterson tore the anterior cruciate ligament
in his left knee, and coach Leslie Frazier will provide a further update at his news conference Monday.

But here’s a twist: They won the game.
Toby Gerhart
and
Joe Webb
answered the call, leading Saturday’s 33-26 victory over the
Washington Redskins
that snapped a six-game losing streak and helped make up for the fact that their best player was standing on crutches in the
locker room.

“I can enjoy my Christmas now,” Frazier said.

Gerhart scampered for a 67-yard run – the play Peterson saw on TV – to start Minnesota’s next series after the Peterson-Ponder
injuries and finished with 109 yards on 11 carries. Webb again made a case to be a starting quarterback by throwing for two
touchdowns and running for another as the Vikings (3-12) kept alive their hopes to not finish with the worst record in team
history. A win next week against Chicago would put them ahead of the dubious 1984 Minnesota team that went 3-13.

Asked if it’s time to give the option-running Webb a look at the No. 1 job, Frazier didn’t hesitate.

“Some of the things he does, and what it does to the rest of our team, you can’t ignore,” Frazier said. “So it’s something
we’re going to have a real hard look at as we go forward. He definitely lifts our team.”

He might get the start next week, at least, because of Ponder’s injury, but Webb surely was an inspiring presence Saturday,
completing 4 of 5 passes for 84 yards and rushing five times for 34 yards. His 9-yard touchdown run came on the option, and
he put a perfect 17-yard scoring pass into the arms of rookie tight end
Kyle Rudolph
, a touchdown appropriate for Christmas Eve, to give the Vikings a 23-20 lead late in the third quarter.

“When they bring in a weapon like that,” Redskins linebacker
Perry Riley
said of Webb, “not a secret weapon – we’d seen him on tape and we had a feeling – but it’s hard to prepare fully on a short
week for two quarterbacks. … It’s hard to change it mid-stream like that.”

Webb’s 8-yard pass to
Percy Harvin
broke a 23-all tie early in the fourth quarter, and rookie
Mistral Raymond
‘s first career interception set up
Ryan Longwell
‘s 23-yard field goal to give the Vikings a 10-point lead with 4:05 to play. Minnesota had gone nine games without a pick
before Raymond’s big play.

The Redskins pulled within a touchdown on
Graham Gano
‘s 47-yard field goal with 1:25 remaining. They got the ball back after a punt, but
Rex Grossman
‘s final long fling to the end zone fell incomplete to give Washington (5-10) a sixth straight home loss, its longest such
skid since 1994.

Peterson said he knew “it was something bad” the moment he was hit by safety
DeJon Gomes
at the end of a 3-yard gain on the first offensive play of the second half. The X-rays were negative, but Peterson had an
MRI late Saturday after the team returned to Minnesota.

“It’s such a special person that you want to be right before you prognosticate on what might be,” Frazier said before the
exam.

The torn ACL, the worst-case scenario, will likely sideline Peterson for some nine months and make it difficult for him to
return for the start of next season.

“Anytime you take a blow to the knee like that, you’re concerned about the ACL, MCL,” Peterson said before the diagnosis.
“I’m trying to stay as positive as I can.”

On the play after Peterson was hurt, Ponder suffered a head injury when sacked by
Adam Carriker
and
London Fletcher
. Ponder remained in the game for one more play – a third-down incomplete pass – before heading to the locker room.

Frazier said Ponder had “concussion-like symptoms.” The coach said he’s uncertain whether the quarterback will play in next
week’s season finale against the Bears.

“We’ll have to weigh it when we get back,” Frazier said, “and I’ll follow the doctor’s lead.”

With the way Webb is playing, Ponder might get the week off anyway.

Notes: Grossman had two more giveaways – a lost fumble and interception – to put his total at 24 for the season. He was already
tied for the most turnovers in the NFL entering the game. … Washington’s
Evan Royster
, getting the start with fellow rookie
Roy Helu
out with an injury, ran for 132 yards on 19 carries. … Minnesota’s
Jared Allen
had one sack to raise his total to 18 1/2. … The Vikings were also short-handed along the offensive line, with guard
Steve Hutchinson
inactive with a concussion and guard
Anthony Herrera
sidelined for part of the game with a lower back injury.

—

© 2011 STATS LLC

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Out for the game – and now much longer – with a serious knee injury,
Adrian Peterson
was on his way back from the X-ray room in the depths of the stadium when he looked at a television monitor.

“I see Toby break up the sideline,” Peterson said. “So, `Go, Toby, go.”‘

What else could happen to the
Minnesota Vikings
in one of the worst seasons in franchise history? How about losing Peterson to a direct hit on the left knee and
Christian Ponder
to a possible concussion on back-to-back plays to start the second half? It just didn’t seem fair.

And the news only got worse as Saturday went on. The Vikings said an MRI showed that Peterson tore the anterior cruciate ligament
in his left knee, and coach Leslie Frazier will provide a further update at his news conference Monday.

But here’s a twist: They won the game.
Toby Gerhart
and
Joe Webb
answered the call, leading Saturday’s 33-26 victory over the
Washington Redskins
that snapped a six-game losing streak and helped make up for the fact that their best player was standing on crutches in the
locker room.

“I can enjoy my Christmas now,” Frazier said.

Gerhart scampered for a 67-yard run – the play Peterson saw on TV – to start Minnesota’s next series after the Peterson-Ponder
injuries and finished with 109 yards on 11 carries. Webb again made a case to be a starting quarterback by throwing for two
touchdowns and running for another as the Vikings (3-12) kept alive their hopes to not finish with the worst record in team
history. A win next week against Chicago would put them ahead of the dubious 1984 Minnesota team that went 3-13.

Asked if it’s time to give the option-running Webb a look at the No. 1 job, Frazier didn’t hesitate.

“Some of the things he does, and what it does to the rest of our team, you can’t ignore,” Frazier said. “So it’s something
we’re going to have a real hard look at as we go forward. He definitely lifts our team.”

He might get the start next week, at least, because of Ponder’s injury, but Webb surely was an inspiring presence Saturday,
completing 4 of 5 passes for 84 yards and rushing five times for 34 yards. His 9-yard touchdown run came on the option, and
he put a perfect 17-yard scoring pass into the arms of rookie tight end
Kyle Rudolph
, a touchdown appropriate for Christmas Eve, to give the Vikings a 23-20 lead late in the third quarter.

“When they bring in a weapon like that,” Redskins linebacker
Perry Riley
said of Webb, “not a secret weapon – we’d seen him on tape and we had a feeling – but it’s hard to prepare fully on a short
week for two quarterbacks. … It’s hard to change it mid-stream like that.”

Webb’s 8-yard pass to
Percy Harvin
broke a 23-all tie early in the fourth quarter, and rookie
Mistral Raymond
‘s first career interception set up
Ryan Longwell
‘s 23-yard field goal to give the Vikings a 10-point lead with 4:05 to play. Minnesota had gone nine games without a pick
before Raymond’s big play.

The Redskins pulled within a touchdown on
Graham Gano
‘s 47-yard field goal with 1:25 remaining. They got the ball back after a punt, but
Rex Grossman
‘s final long fling to the end zone fell incomplete to give Washington (5-10) a sixth straight home loss, its longest such
skid since 1994.

Peterson said he knew “it was something bad” the moment he was hit by safety
DeJon Gomes
at the end of a 3-yard gain on the first offensive play of the second half. The X-rays were negative, but Peterson had an
MRI late Saturday after the team returned to Minnesota.

“It’s such a special person that you want to be right before you prognosticate on what might be,” Frazier said before the
exam.

The torn ACL, the worst-case scenario, will likely sideline Peterson for some nine months and make it difficult for him to
return for the start of next season.

“Anytime you take a blow to the knee like that, you’re concerned about the ACL, MCL,” Peterson said before the diagnosis.
“I’m trying to stay as positive as I can.”

On the play after Peterson was hurt, Ponder suffered a head injury when sacked by
Adam Carriker
and
London Fletcher
. Ponder remained in the game for one more play – a third-down incomplete pass – before heading to the locker room.

Frazier said Ponder had “concussion-like symptoms.” The coach said he’s uncertain whether the quarterback will play in next
week’s season finale against the Bears.

“We’ll have to weigh it when we get back,” Frazier said, “and I’ll follow the doctor’s lead.”

With the way Webb is playing, Ponder might get the week off anyway.

Notes: Grossman had two more giveaways – a lost fumble and interception – to put his total at 24 for the season. He was already
tied for the most turnovers in the NFL entering the game. … Washington’s
Evan Royster
, getting the start with fellow rookie
Roy Helu
out with an injury, ran for 132 yards on 19 carries. … Minnesota’s
Jared Allen
had one sack to raise his total to 18 1/2. … The Vikings were also short-handed along the offensive line, with guard
Steve Hutchinson
inactive with a concussion and guard
Anthony Herrera
sidelined for part of the game with a lower back injury.

—

© 2011 STATS LLC

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings need to win their final two games to avoid the worst record in the franchise’s 51-year history.

Whatever happens, coaches and players know many jobs are on the line as the Vikings (2-12) limp toward the end of the season.

There is turnover every year in the NFL, but the rate increases exponentially on a team that is going through the kind of season the Vikings are experiencing right now. They have lost six games in a row, each one seemingly more painful than the next, including last weekend’s 42-20 embarrassment at home against New Orleans.

After fighting so admirably for most of the season despite having little to show for it, Minnesota finally appeared to hit a wall.

“At some point you just have to say, ‘What the heck’ we’re 2-12, what do we have to lose?’ ” defensive end Jared Allen said after the game. “Try to make every play. A lot of people are probably going to get fired at this point anyways.”

Coach Leslie Frazier is widely believed to be safe after a long first season on the job. The Wilf family has a lot of respect for Frazier and likely wouldn’t be too pleased with paying three head coaches next year since Brad Childress is still on the payroll for another two years.

But if the Vikings are completely outclassed in the final two games — at Washington and home against Chicago — all bets are off.

Frazier said the team can’t afford to think about what’s going to happen after the season. They clearly need to put all their attention on this weekend’s game to have a chance of winning.

“I’m really optimistic about the future, as difficult and as crazy as that may sound,” Frazier said. “I think I have a good idea of what we need to do to not be in this situation in the future. So no, I’m not concerned about 2012 at this point.”

The coaches aren’t the only people under the gun as the season draws to a close. Roster spots are on the line as well.

“There’s a lot at stake,” linebacker Erin Henderson said. “They’re watching closely right now to see who’s still fighting, who’s still coming out here trying to give their best and give it their all, and look to see who they can build this team with next year and continue to move forward with.”

That includes quarterback.

The Vikings drafted Christian Ponder with the 12th pick in the first round and he had a promising start when he took over for Donovan McNabb in Week 7. But Ponder has regressed the last three weeks, and with the Vikings likely picking very high next April, a strong finish would help Ponder solidify his spot as the team’s quarterback heading into next year.

“With Christian, like so many young quarterbacks, you don’t want to base your judgment on one or two games,” Frazier said. “Give him a chance to have an off-season to get with our coaches in OTAs that are going to help him. I think it’s a little bit too early to panic about Christian.”

After not getting an off-season to prepare because of the lockout, Ponder said this one will give him a chance to catch his breath, examine his game and get on the same page with his coaches and receivers.

“Last summer I had the playbook but didn’t really know how things are run,” Ponder said. “Now being through a full season, there will be a lot of time to spend on the small details and working all the time at getting better at the things I need to get better at.”

Ponder said he played too conservatively last week, trying “to play not to lose” rather than going for the win.

Allen thinks the rookie wasn’t alone.

“What are you going to lose? Go out, make plays and try to put your best effort out there and win games,” Allen said. “Sometimes we get in a back-pedal mode and just try to maintain so we don’t get beat too bad.”

Notes: Cornerback Asher Allen and guard Steve Hutchinson did not practise Wednesday after getting concussions in the game against the Saints. Frazier said both would be evaluated throughout the week before determining if they will be available against the Redskins. … Frazier said he talked with cornerback Cedric Griffin, who was benched last week, and anticipated that he would be back on the field this week.

There is turnover every year in the NFL, but the rate increases exponentially on a team that is going through the kind of season the Vikings are experiencing right now. They have lost six games in a row, each one seemingly more painful than the next, including last weekend’s 42-20 embarrassment at home against New Orleans.

After fighting so admirably for most of the season despite having little to show for it, Minnesota finally appeared to hit a wall.

“At some point you just have to say, ‘what the heck’ we’re 2-12, what do we have to lose?’” defensive end Jared Allen said after the game. “Try to make every play. A lot of people are probably going to get fired at this point anyways.”

Coach Leslie Frazier is widely believed to be safe after a long first season on the job. The Wilf family has a lot of respect for Frazier and likely wouldn’t be too pleased with paying three head coaches next year since Brad Childress is still on the payroll for another two years.

But if the Vikings are completely outclassed in the final two games — at Washington and home against Chicago — all bets are off.

Frazier said the team can’t afford to think about what’s going to happen after the season. They clearly need to put all their attention on this weekend’s game to have a chance of winning.

“I’m really optimistic about the future, as difficult and as crazy as that may sound,” Frazier said. “I think I have a good idea of what we need to do to not be in this situation in the future. So no, I’m not concerned about 2012 at this point.”

The coaches aren’t the only people under the gun as the season draws to a close. Roster spots are on the line as well.

“There’s a lot at stake,” linebacker Erin Henderson said. “They’re watching closely right now to see who’s still fighting, who’s still coming out here trying to give their best and give it their all, and look to see who they can build this team with next year and continue to move forward with.”

That includes quarterback.

The Vikings drafted Christian Ponder with the 12th pick in the first round and he had a promising start when he took over for Donovan McNabb in Week 7. But Ponder has regressed the last three weeks, and with the Vikings likely picking very high next April, a strong finish would help Ponder solidify his spot as the team’s quarterback heading into next year.

“With Christian, like so many young quarterbacks, you don’t want to base your judgment on one or two games,” Frazier said. “Give him a chance to have an offseason to get with our coaches in OTAs that are going to help him. I think it’s a little bit too early to panic about Christian.”

After not getting an offseason to prepare because of the lockout, Ponder said this one will give him a chance to catch his breath, examine his game and get on the same page with his coaches and receivers.

“Last summer I had the playbook but didn’t really know how things are run,” Ponder said. “Now being through a full season, there will be a lot of time to spend on the small details and working all the time at getting better at the things I need to get better at.”

Ponder said he played too conservatively last week, trying “to play not to lose” rather than going for the win.

Allen thinks the rookie wasn’t alone.

“What are you going to lose? Go out, make plays and try to put your best effort out there and win games,” Allen said. “Sometimes we get in a back-pedal mode and just try to maintain so we don’t get beat too bad.”

Notes: CB Asher Allen and LG Steve Hutchinson did not practice on Wednesday after getting concussions in the game against the Saints. Frazier said both would be evaluated throughout the week before determining if they will be available against the Redskins. … Frazier said he talked with CB Cedric Griffin, who was benched last week, and anticipated that he would be back on the field this week.

___

Follow Jon Krawczynski at http://www.twitter.com/APkrawczynski

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Minnesota Vikings need to win their final two games to avoid the worst record in the franchise’s 51-year history.

Whatever happens, coaches and players know that many jobs are on the line as the Vikings (2-12) limp toward the end of the season.

There is turnover every year in the NFL, but the rate increases exponentially on a team that is going through the kind of season the Vikings are experiencing right now. They have lost six games in a row, each one seemingly more painful than the next, including last weekend’s 42-20 embarrassment at home against New Orleans.

After fighting so admirably for most of the season despite having little to show for it, Minnesota finally appeared to hit a wall.

“At some point you just have to say, ‘what the heck’ we’re 2-12, what do we have to lose?’” defensive end Jared Allen said after the game. “Try to make every play. A lot of people are probably going to get fired at this point anyways.”

Coach Leslie Frazier is widely believed to be safe after a long first season on the job. The Wilf family has a lot of respect for Frazier and likely wouldn’t be too pleased with paying three head coaches next year since Brad Childress is still on the payroll for another two years.

But if the Vikings are completely outclassed in the final two games — at Washington and home against Chicago — all bets are off.

Frazier said the team can’t afford to think about what’s going to happen after the season. They clearly need to put all their attention on this weekend’s game to have a chance of winning.

“I’m really optimistic about the future, as difficult and as crazy as that may sound,” Frazier said. “I think I have a good idea of what we need to do to not be in this situation in the future. So no, I’m not concerned about 2012 at this point.”

The coaches aren’t the only people under the gun as the season draws to a close. Roster spots are on the line as well.

“There’s a lot at stake,” linebacker Erin Henderson said. “They’re watching closely right now to see who’s still fighting, who’s still coming out here trying to give their best and give it their all, and look to see who they can build this team with next year and continue to move forward with.”

That includes quarterback.

The Vikings drafted Christian Ponder with the 12th pick in the first round and he had a promising start when he took over for Donovan McNabb in Week 7. But Ponder has regressed the last three weeks, and with the Vikings likely picking very high next April, a strong finish would help Ponder solidify his spot as the team’s quarterback heading into next year.

“With Christian, like so many young quarterbacks, you don’t want to base your judgment on one or two games,” Frazier said. “Give him a chance to have an offseason to get with our coaches in OTAs that are going to help him. I think it’s a little bit too early to panic about Christian.”

After not getting an offseason to prepare because of the lockout, Ponder said this one will give him a chance to catch his breath, examine his game and get on the same page with his coaches and receivers.

“Last summer I had the playbook but didn’t really know how things are run,” Ponder said. “Now being through a full season, there will be a lot of time to spend on the small details and working all the time at getting better at the things I need to get better at.”

Ponder said he played too conservatively last week, trying “to play not to lose” rather than going for the win.

Allen thinks the rookie wasn’t alone.

“What are you going to lose? Go out, make plays and try to put your best effort out there and win games,” Allen said. “Sometimes we get in a back-pedal mode and just try to maintain so we don’t get beat too bad.”

Notes: CB Asher Allen and LG Steve Hutchinson did not practice on Wednesday after getting concussions in the game against the Saints. Frazier said both would be evaluated throughout the week before determining if they will be available against the Redskins. … Frazier said he talked with CB Cedric Griffin, who was benched last week, and anticipated that he would be back on the field this week.

___

Follow Jon Krawczynski at http://www.twitter.com/APkrawczynski

Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier

Conference Call With New Orleans Media

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

 

Who will start at quarterback on Sunday?

“Christian (Ponder) is our starting quarterback. Barring an injury, he will remain our starting quarterback.”

Can you discuss the status of Adrian Peterson?

“We will get our first chance to see him today at practice but we are optimistic that this is the week that we will get him back.”

Can you discuss how the team is dealing with being in a rebuilding mode?

“It is tough anytime you are going through the things that we have experienced this season but our guys have battled. We are definitely in a transition. They have battled each week and we are going to fight the good fight again this week.”

Can you discuss the attitude of the team this year?

“The resiliency of our players has been incredible. We are down 21-0 in the first quarter of the game last Sunday (at Detroit) and they could have easily tanked that game but they didn’t. There we are on the last play of the game on the 1-yard line with a chance to win the game. They have been very resilient throughout this season. It is a testament to our leadership. We just have some things that we will have to address this offseason to get some things corrected.”

What factors have contributed to the struggles of the team this year?

“There are a lot of different factors. You guys (New Orleans media) have been in it a long time and we are not the first team to play in the NFC Championship game and then disappear for a while – it happens in our league. It also happens where teams you didn’t expect all of a sudden jump up and are playing in the NFC Championship game. Things can change fast in our league. Especially in this age of free agency, this year particularly with so many things that happened in the offseason that had an effect on the regular season. There are a lot of factors that go into where we are now and where we were in 2009.”

Is New Orleans’ loss to the Rams something that you are looking closely at in film study?

“That’s a tape we will take a look at. The Tampa game also. The Green Bay game is a little different with them being a 3-4 team and it was the first game of the season. You are always trying to look for something that will give you some hope that will give you a chance against such a prolific offense and a very good football team. We will search through the tapes and try to find something that will hopefully give us an edge.”

Can you discuss how the defensive line continues to be a strength of the team?

“It has without question been the strength of our defense. We have had some troubles on the backend but our defensive line has consistently played hard for us and played well. Jared (Allen) has led the way and is having an MVP-type season.”

Can you discuss the comments that Jared Allen made to the cities of Detroit and New Orleans last week?

“I talked with him about those comments this morning. I am hoping that we won’t have any more comments like that going forward.”

Can you talk about the progress of Christian Ponder?

“He has had his ups and downs like most rookie quarterbacks that come into our league. He is battling through those things that every young quarterback goes through. Whether you are Peyton or Eli Manning – whoever it may be. Even Joe Montana. We think our team will be much better going forward as he goes through some of the growing pains of being an NFL quarterback. It’s difficult for him and difficult for our team at times but you have to look at the bigger picture. It’s an investment for our future and he is handling it pretty well.”

MINNEAPOLIS — Jay Small, a seventh grader at Hinton, competed at the Minnesota Vikings Punt, Pass and Kick (PPK) Team Championship held at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Small, the son of Joel and Sandy Small, of Hinton, was making his third trip to the Team Championships. He had competed in three of the last four Team Championships. Two years ago, Small advanced to the national PPK Finals in San Diego, where he placed second in the country.

On Sunday, Small had his overall best performance of the year, winning his second Vikings Team championship.

Unfortunately his efforts were not quite enough to make a return trip to the national finals.

Small had a total of 348 feet and one inch. His punt measured 103-11, his pass 134-5 and his kick measured 109-9.

Small’s total of 348-1 has him currently in sixth place and the top four qualify for the National PPK Championship to be held at a playoff site yet to be determined.

Small and his family enjoyed a great day of football that saw the Broncos defeat the Vikings on a game-ending winning field goal. Small plans to work hard to improve his kicking skills so he can compete again next year.

The Minnesota Vikings visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon but they won’t have their full complement of offensive weapons to throw at the Lions.

As previously posted, Adrian Peterson is listed on the team’s official inactive list for the game, missing his third straight game with a high ankle sprain. Bruising running back Toby Gerhart will continue starting in place of Peterson in the Vikings backfield. Peterson is with the team in Detroit and hoped to wake up Sunday morning feeling good enough to go, but that wasn’t the case. 

Quarterback Christian Ponder will be active and ready to start after spending the week listed as questionable while tending to a hip injury.

Here is the full list of inactive players for the Vikings.

#Vikings Inactives vs. Lions – 28 RB Adrian Peterson, 31CB Chris Cook, 57 LB Xavier Adibi, 63 C Brandon Fusco, 75 OT DeMarcus Love, 89 TE Allen Reisner, 91 DE D’Aundre Reed.

By Ali Mohamadi

– SB Nation Medical Expert

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Dec 10, 2011 – Quarterbacks

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings (hip – questionable)
MIN (2-10) @ DET (7-5), 1pm

The Vikings’ rookie QB played well overall in his team’s loss to Denver last week, but suffered a hip injury during the game and was spotted limping on the sidelines. As a result, he has missed most of the week’s practices and backup Joe Webb has taken the majority of the snaps with the first team. At this point, it appears unlikely that Ponder would get the start on Sunday against Detroit, although neither he nor Webb are likely to factor in your fantasy plans either way.

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (ankle – questionable)
MIN (2-10) @ DET (7-5), 1pm

Peterson missed the Vikings’ Week 13 loss to Denver due to a high ankle sprain and has been limited in practice all week. Peterson himself has stated he wants to play and claims he’s at about 80% health after taking last week off. Although Detroit’s defense has been stout most of the year, Peterson has historically done well against the Lions, and it would be tough to sit him on your fantasy roster if he is able to play. If not, Toby Gerhart would once again get the start at running back for the Vikings.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions (ankle – questionable)
DET (7-5) vs. MIN (2-10), 1pm

Smith, who left last week’s loss to New Orleans after aggravating an ankle injury, has been limited in practice this week. Reports out of practice on Friday were that Smith was having difficulty cutting on running plays, and if Smith suits up on Sunday don’t be surprised if Maurice Morris gets the bulk of the carries.

Wide Receivers

Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys (hamstring – questionable)
DAL (7-5) vs. NYG (6-6), 8:20pm

Austin has missed most of the season thus far due to a nagging hamstring injury that has been an issue since the preseason, but despite being limited in practice this week it appears he will get the nod on Sunday night against the Giants. Given the emergence of Laurent Robinson at WR (himself questionable due to a shoulder injury) and the frequency with which hamstring strains tend to recur, Austin fantasy owners may want to tread lightly this week.

Linebackers

Von Miller, Denver Broncos (thumb – questionable)
DEN (7-5) vs. CHI (7-5), 1pm

Miller, who missed last week’s win over Minnesota after tearing ligaments in his right thumb the prior week, has been wearing a cast this week in his limited action in practice. It appears he will play on Sunday against the Bears, but his time may be limited to pass-rushing situations.

Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers (hamstring – questionable)
SF (10-2) @ ARI (5-7), 4:05pm

Willis suffered a right hamstring injury in the first quarter of the 49ers’ Week 13 win over the Rams and has missed practice the entire week. Although he is officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury list, his not having practiced – along with the fact that the team has already clinched the NFC West – makes it seem unlikely that he will suit up on Sunday at Arizona. LB Larry Grant is likely to get the start in Willis’ place.

Read More: Miles Austin (WR – DAL), Kevin Smith (RB – DET), Joe Webb (QB – MIN), Christian Ponder (QB – MIN), Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants

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It is becoming almost expected that
Tim Tebow
will engineer a fourth-quarter comeback in a
Denver Broncos
victory.

A late rally against the struggling
Minnesota Vikings
, however, might not be necessary.

Tebow looks to lead the Broncos to a fifth consecutive win Sunday when they visit a Vikings team that will be without
Adrian Peterson
for a second straight game.

Since becoming Denver’s starting quarterback, Tebow has directed three fourth-quarter comebacks, two of which set up overtime
wins. He also rallied the Broncos (6-5) from a halftime deficit in a 38-24 victory over Oakland on Nov. 6.

In the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s game at San Diego, Tebow led Denver on a 68-yard drive, setting up
Matt Prater
‘s 24-yard, game-tying field goal with 1:34 remaining. Denver went on for a 16-13 victory in overtime, its fourth straight
win.

“I’d say our mentality changed to where it’s not, ‘Oh-oh, here we go again,’ it’s, ‘OK, give us the ball, we’re going to go
and score,” ‘ said
Eric Decker
, who has caught four of Tebow’s eight TD passes.

The Broncos are 5-1 since Tebow became the starter and have won all four road games. They’re one game back of Oakland in the
AFC West race and are seeking their first five-game streak away from Denver since winning six in a row in 1998.

“This is a special team, a special team when you have a bunch of guys that when things aren’t going good we get closer instead
of pulling apart,” said Tebow, who passed for 143 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers. “The No. 1 reason we are like
that is because we believe in each other.”

Tebow is making a believer out of some of his critics.

With the former Heisman Trophy winner running the offense, the Broncos have scored 11 times in the fourth quarter or overtime
compared to 10 scoring drives in the first three quarters combined. Tebow’s first-half passer rating of 64.9 is fourth-worst
among the 37 quarterbacks with at least 50 first-half attempts, but his fourth-quarter QB rating of 107.8 trails only
Eli Manning
,
Aaron Rodgers
and
Tom Brady
.

Minnesota’s opponents have a 97.2 QB rating in the fourth-quarter, fifth-worst in the NFL.

But the Vikings have also been quite vulnerable early. During a three-game losing streak, Minnesota has been outscored 58-7
in the first half.

The Vikings (2-9) were down 17-0 at halftime last Sunday to Atlanta, and despite pulling within three early in the fourth
quarter, lost 24-14.

“It doesn’t feel good,” said quarterback
Christian Ponder
, who is now backed up by
Joe Webb
after Minnesota released benched veteran
Donovan McNabb
on Thursday. “It’s getting repetitive, but I have to say that I am proud of the team. They played for four quarters. … We
are going to improve. We’ve got guys doing everything possible to win games.”

The Vikings placed four players on injured reserve Tuesday – receiver
Michael Jenkins
, long snapper
Cullen Loeffler
and safeties
Husain Abdullah
and
Tyrell Johnson
– but Peterson’s injury is the most significant.

The four-time All-Pro, who is seventh in the NFL with 872 rushing yards and enters Week 13 tied for the league lead with 11
rushing touchdowns, will miss a second straight game due to a sprained left ankle.

Peterson said Thursday he was feeling better and that the soreness was “winding down,” but he was unable to practice Friday
and the team announced he will be inactive Sunday.

Toby Gerhart
took Peterson’s place against the Falcons and rushed for 44 yards with a touchdown on 17 carries.

Percy Harvin
also missed practice Friday due to an illness, but coach Leslie Frazier said it’s not related to the migraine issues that
have plagued his career and listed the team’s leading receiver as questionable.

While Tebow is receiving most of the attention for Denver’s surge, a strong running game and stingy defense have perhaps even
more to do with the Broncos’ surprising playoff push.

Denver rushed for 208 yards last week, the third time during the winning streak it eclipsed the 200-yard mark. Running the
option, Tebow gained 67 yards on 22 attempts – the most carries by a quarterback since at least 1950 – and
Willis McGahee
finished with 117 yards on 23 carries.

The Broncos will be facing a Minnesota defense that is ninth against the run, allowing an average of 99.6 yards.

Denver’s defense has been at its best lately, keeping the score close to give Tebow a chance to orchestrate a comeback. The
Broncos haven’t allowed more than 13 points in their last three games.

“We would love to go and blow a team out, but if not, we’re going to fight and scratch and claw to pull (out) these so-called
ugly victories,” safety
Brian Dawkins
said. “I’ll tell you what, though … we’ll take ugly victories any day.”

Rookie linebacker
Von Miller
underwent a surgical procedure to repair a strained ligament in his left thumb on Wednesday, and returned to practice Friday.
He’s listed as questionable, but even if he does play, it’ll likely be with a cumbersome cast.

Miller is a key piece of Denver’s defense and, with 10 1/2 sacks and 58 tackles, is a favorite for the Defensive Rookie of
the Year award.