National Football League: Joe Webb’s place with the Minnesota Vikings uncertain
The Minnesota Vikings have been in quarterback conundrum since the last time Brett Favre announced his decision to retire. He did not retire then, but they should have done something just in case the Iron man actually retired some day.
That day has come and the Vikings are no more prepared now than they were in 2009. Tarvaris Jackson was the likely choice to replace Favre, but that probably is not going to happen anymore. The Vikings refused to tender a contract to Jackson which likely
means that they will not have their backup in the 2011 season.
Minnesota’s third string quarterback, Joe Webb’s name came up as a possible starter for the Vikings. Webb made his National Football League debut as a starter in week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles and led the Vikings to an unexpected victory. Webb has
scored two rushing touchdowns as a quarterback but has not yet thrown a touchdown pass in the NFL.
Upsetting the NFC East title winners in regular season put Webb in serious contention for the starting position. “I've been impressed with Joe,” Minnesota’s newly appointed offensive coordinator, Bill Musgrave said about Webb. “He's a great athlete and looks
like he's got some composure and poise to him as well. He made some good decisions and some good judgments. I like the way he climbs up in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield.”
Webb himself thought that he was ready for the challenges of a starting quarterback and said that he would compete for the starting position in camps. Though this year there might not be any organized team activities, as the NFL is locked in a labour dispute
with the players union and has threatened to lockout players if a new deal is not signed before the current deal ends. The collective bargaining agreement was set to expire on the 3rd of March but has been extended until Friday. That gives the NFL
five days to resolve labour issues or face a lockout.
If teams are locked out, the draft will no longer be a viable option for the Vikings or any other team which is looking for a quarterback. The Vikings have the 12th overall pick in April’s draft which could land them Jake Locker, but they cannot
have any contact with him until there is a labour agreement. Draft picks will not be at camps, talk to coaches or learn playbooks until they are signed to particular teams.
Even if the labour deal is done before the preseason, it probably will not be enough time for a quarterback out of the draft to fit into Minnesota’s offense. Webb already knows the Vikings and could take over without having to learn a whole new offensive
scheme. The Vikings still feel that it does not give Webb enough of an advantage to warrant allowing him to start.
Reports have suggested that the Vikings tried to trade with the Denver Broncos for quarterback Kyle Orton. Of course there can be no trades until there is a new CBA, but having the groundwork in place for an Orton trade could help expedite the process once
the trading window opens.
Orton can fill the quarterback position for a season, but the Vikings still need a long term solution for their quarterback problem. Webb might not be that quarterback yet, but he certainly can grown into a franchise quarterback given the right opportunities.
The Washington Redskins are expected to release Donovan McNabb. If the Vikings take McNabb they not only solve their quarterback problem, they get a mentor for Webb and have an opportunity to develop a franchise quarterback at home.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: