Sam Bradford trade shows Vikings won’t give in

By Marc Sessler

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000695031/article/sam-bradford-trade-shows-vikings-wont-give-in

The Vikings could have used Teddy Bridgewater’s ghastly knee injury as an airtight excuse against any ugliness Minnesota encountered during the season ahead.

If we’ve learned anything about coach Mike Zimmer and his team, though, the concept of lying down isn’t part of this regime’s operation manual.

Saturday’s surprising trade for Sam Bradford isn’t the equal of Denver bringing a peak-performance Peyton Manning to town in 2012 — not even close — but Minnesota aimed as high as this year’s shaky quarterback market would allow.

Instead of settling for an aging Shaun Hill or a warmed-over Mark Sanchez, the Vikings have landed a quarterback who many coaches around the league — if not the fans — still believe in.

The price is high and easily criticized — a first-rounder next year and a fourth in 2018 — but Minnesota wouldn’t make this trade if it didn’t see itself in the clear light of day as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Why they might be right

One reason the Vikings crept into public consciousness as a threat in the NFC, prior to Bridgewater’s injury, was the team’s layered roster surrounding the quarterback spot.

Minnesota boasts an attractive duo of young wideouts in Stefon Diggs and rookie Laquon Treadwell and a top-three running back in future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson, Bradford’s former college teammate and still the centerpiece of this offense.

The defense is a layered beast at every level with pass-rusher Everson Griffen, young linebacker Anthony Barr and emergent safety Harrison Smith leading the way for a well-coached crew sprinkled with veteran anchors and up-and-coming talent.

This is the best NFL team Bradford has ever played for. His career has been underwhelming, frustrating and dotted with drab play, but he is capable of outshining Bridgewater’s totals from last season: 14 touchdowns to nine interceptions for an offense that rarely tested the field deep.

It’s easy to question the cost. Just ask the Rams, who also used a first-round pick on Bradford and paid for that decision in full. Jeff Fisher’s clubs in St. Louis, though, were a talent-poor dead-zone on offense. Bradford, of course, didn’t help by refusing to escape the trainer’s room.

Learning this offense in mere days won’t be an easy challenge for the team’s new signal-caller, but talented coordinator Norv Turner can do more with Bradford than he could have accomplished with Hill, whose arm strength hovers at the bottom of the league.

The Vikings were a playoff team with Teddy — with a chance for much more — and Bradford gives them an equal shot to win the NFC North.

Where this gets interesting

Bradford is more than just a one-year (hyper-expensive) patch: He’s security for what comes next with Bridgewater.

If the Vikings learn that Bridgewater’s gruesome knee injury is something he can’t overcome by next season, Minnesota has Bradford through 2017. Instead of having to toil through this year with Hill and a cast of no-namers, the Vikings have a quarterback they can lean on well into next season if they must.

As much as Zimmer and the Vikings believe in Bridgewater, the injury renders him a burning question mark at the most important position in sports. You don’t give up a first-round pick for Bradford unless there are concerns about what the future holds under center.

If the Vikings surge deep into January — as Zimmer believes they can — will this trade have been worth it? Absolutely.

What this tells us about Zimmer

Minnesota’s coach was crushed by Bridgewater’s injury, but Zimmer’s overriding message to reporters last week was clear: The Vikings are much more than just their quarterback.

Zimmer preached on the overall strength of his roster and the locker room’s innate desire to press on. He vowed, almost tearfully, that Minnesota wouldn’t view the setback as a final and fatal blow.

Zimmer also noted that he called up longtime mentor and friend Bill Parcells, the Hall of Fame coach who always hammered home the importance of riding into the fray with a signal-caller you can trust.

As colleague and pained Jets fan Dan Hanzus pointed out this week, Parcells saw his own 1999 Jets team — a stacked club — crash and burn when veteran Vinny Testaverde was lost one game into the campaign. Stuck with the inglorious combination of Ray Lucas and Rick Mirer, Gang Green quickly spiraled to earth.

Zimmer was also in Dallas for many up-and-down seasons under Parcells, watching his mentor deftly transition the team from veteran passer Drew Bledsoe to an undrafted fellow by the name of Tony Romo.

There’s no young Romo in this scenario, but Parcells — who famously crafted his own list of 11 quarterback commandments — certainly has pointed takes on the position.

His first commandment? “Ignore other opinions — Press or TV, agents or advisors, family or wives, friends or relatives, fans or hangers on — ignore them on matters of football, they don’t know what’s happening here.”

Zimmer must agree, because plenty of people will criticize shipping a first-round pick to an NFC rival for Bradford. The Vikings, though, don’t care what you think about this trade. Zimmer, especially, isn’t interested in mass-market opinions on Bradford.

Like Parcells before him, Zimmer is proving to be an instinctive, risk-taking coach who refuses to sit around and wait for “next season.”

Minnesota’s window to do damage in the NFC is wide open — and Saturday’s trade tells us that swapping a few picks in exchange for January dreams is entirely worth it to this long-suffering franchise and their no-nonsense leader.

nittany ram wrote:

One thing Bradford wasn’t that I think (hope) Goff is, is someone who can adlib and turn a busted play into a positive. Bradford wasn’t much of a an improviser – which is ok – he has other skills, but I picture Goff as a QB that can move around well, buy time, throw on the run…be creative when he needs to be.

Yes. I agree with that. Well put.

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David Arkin

Position: Offensive guard

Height: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: 306 lb

College: Missouri State

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Professional career

Dallas Cowboys
Arkin was drafted with the 110th pick of the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011 NFL Draft, with the intention of playing him at offensive guard. After being inactive for every game as a rookie, in his second season he was forced to learn the center position in training camp, after the team suffered a series of injuries. His lack of strength and experience, kept him again inactive in every game despite being healthy.

In 2013, the team decided to have him focus on the right guard position. As he has done in previous training camps, he proved to be one of the most durable players on the team and was activated for the first regular season game of his career in the season opener against the New York Giants. He was released on October 26, to make room for Jakar Hamilton and later signed to the team’s practice squad.

Miami Dolphins
On November 5, 2013, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. The signing was a direct result of the issues the Dolphins where having on their offensive line, after Richie Incognito alleged role in the harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin. He was active in only one game (against the Carolina Panthers). The following season after being tried at center, he was waived on August 30, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks signed him to their practice squad on September 3, 2014, but was waived five days later.

Indianapolis Colts
Arkin was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 16, 2014. He was promoted to the active roster on December 31, when Gosder Cherilus was placed on the injured reserve list.[8] On September 5, 2015, he was released and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was cut on September 23, and re-signed to the practice squad on October 26. On November 3, Arkin was released.

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OVERVIEW
Arkin’s an experienced, durable offensive guard prospect with the intelligence, work-ethic and toughness to make it in the league as a reserve and possibly a starter down the line. Improving his overall technique as a pass and run blocker would go a lot way in moving him up a depth chart. Needs to do a better job with his hands, sink his hips more and watch his pad level. Displays good awareness. Has the killer instinct that can’t be taught and we don’t expect him to be afraid of the jump in competition.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Arkin has a mean streak. Plays angry and always finishes his blocks but still has a cool head, helps out in blitz pickup when free, and isn’t baited by defensive line play. Legs are always driving while run blocking and gets some movement. Can take on the bull rush.
WEAKNESSES Pass blocking technique needs improvement. Doesn’t sink his hips and hand play is a bit sloppy. Quicker, athletic defensive tackles can beat him laterally. Doesn’t have great burst off the ball, needs to watch his pad level and can lean and lunge. Footwork out in space is only adequate.

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2011 NFL Draft Picks: Cowboys Select David Arkin, T/G, Missouri State – Beefing Up The Line

By Dave Halprin  @BloggingTheBoys on Apr 30, 2011

[www.bloggingtheboys.com]

With the #110 pick in the NFL draft (#13 in the 4th round), the Dallas Cowboys selected offensive lineman David Arkin from Missouri State. A tackle at a lower-level school, Arkin will likely move inside to guard. A versatile guy that could swing between tackle and guard if needed. Versatile is a word that goes with Arkin. 6′ 5″, 300 lbs. Wasn’t projected by most services to go this high in the draft.

It was hard to find solid scouting reports on the guy but jump below to read some. Also, Rick Gosselin had him as his #100 player, so that’s good.

The best review I found was from Scott Wright at NFL Draft Countdown, he had him as his #8 guard:

Strengths:
Has experience at guard and tackle. Great size. Thick thighs. Adequate strength and lateral quickness. Had a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game. Anchors well. Has strong hands and uses them quickly. Does a good job of sustaining blocks.

Weaknesses:
Struggled early in the year at a new position as he would keep a poor base when drive blocking, didn’t always finish, and was too high on first contact to the second level. Needs to bend more. Lunges at defenders on the second level. Needs to get stronger.

Outlook:
Arkin has dominated his entire career at MSU and is one of the most versatile linemen in this draft with good tape at both tackle and guard for at least one full season. I like his ability to swing from guard and tackle as a backup early in his career and believe he could eventually start at guard with improved strength and some coaching. His ability at both positions could draw him up boards as high as 4th or 5th round.

Here’s what Sideline Scouting says:

Positives: Smart… Good pass blocker… Reasonably quick pass set… Good short area quickness… Very solid lateral movement and slide… Good footwork and agility… Does a nice job changing direction… Plays with good balance… Can pull and get to the second level… Good flexibility and body control… Blocks reasonably well on the move… Good strength at POA… Can control once locked on… Solid drive blocker… Takes good angles… Does a nice job turning defenders from the running lane… Has some suddenness to his game, flashes some explosion… Physical… Relentless, gives a good effort, competitive.

Negatives: Needs to bulk up a bit… Plays too upright… Can be beat by outside speed.

So the Eagles _ what were they thinking? _ paid Bradford an $11 million signing bonus via extension just for offseason and preseason.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 3, 2016

Minnesota's on the hook only for a modest $7 million base salary for Bradford this season, which is guaranteed.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 3, 2016

A bold move for the Vikings who are going for it all this year. https://t.co/JUMmu6f7GT

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 3, 2016

off the net from alyoshamucci

game 4 recap and some roster thoughts before cuts …

I know Williams, Hill, Seau, and Fox have all been cut already, just saying up front I’d be happy to have any of them on the PS.

The Good

1) Forrest had a Monster game … this is what I expected of him, he had 4 plays behind the LOS, and I have him with 2 sacks … no idea how he got scored a half sack.

2) The Mike Thomas crosser, 3 WRs made great plays .. Mike relaxed and then accelerated into open space … Duke came back and DESTROYED a Viking with a block .. wow .. and Austin Hill was blocking 20 yards downfield.

3) Fox should be on our PS … he had a great game.

4) Hav looked comfy first game back.

5) Goff’s first drive was a thing of beauty.

6) Hill getting that first down with power … yeah I want him on the PS. I will always be rooting for the kid.

7) Christian Bryant has great instincts … I see him taking McLeod’s old FS spot as soon as Mo makes some bad reads. He also looked great in coverage.

8) Jordan flashed really well. I hope we can keep him on the PS, I just can’t see him making the 53.

9) McRoberts TD was a big time play. Contested catch. Basically the same play that Britt made in the 1st, but tougher. I know we’re at 6 WRs with Marquez, but I wouldn’t cut this kid, his tape in the PS is too good.

10) Duke Williams showing off the hands …

11) Mike Thomas as a gunner making a play on the PR when no one else was around … way to make the team dude.

The Bad

12) Some poor footwork by Goff and sailing passes as a result.

13) Roberson giving too much cushion.

14) After the top 7 O linemen, there is a real drop off. I still have hope for Battle, but not a lot. Rhaney I would try to replace … but he’s got quick feet.

The Ugly

15) Special teams TD again? Ugh.

16) Quick’s drop was bad, but there was a play on a WR screen where he just phoned in the block against Jayron Kearse (who I loved coming out) .. and dude, if he can’t block? He has nothing he’s really good at.

17) Goff’s body language after some bad play … I get it bro, you’re bummed you didn’t earn the starting job for week one, but remember everyone is watching you all the time … get your head on straight.

I’d keep McRoberts, I’d cut Sensabaugh. I’d keep Green (did I see he was cut? I doubt he clears waivers).

Also I like Chubb and Littleton for PS players … they have heart and athleticism, just need some time.

Zooey wrote:

I thought Bradford had a one-year deal, and was a FA after this season.

It’s a 2 year deal, but structured so the Eagles could jettison it after year 1 if they wanted.

Jared Goff is the Rams No. 3 QB, and yes, you should be freaking out

Jared Goff is the Rams No. 3 QB, and yes, you should be freaking out

if the Rams really are close as Fisher and Snead repeatedly have said the loss of those picks is costly IF Goff can not provide an upgrade at the all important QB position for this team.

I did not like the trade up when it happened because IMHO Goff was simply not worth it. He was not in the same class as the Staffords, lucks, Winsons, Mariotas, Newtons in the classes before.

Now if Goff can not provide that upgrade now the picks really hurt in the presence and probably the near future.

In the NFL it is so tough to hold a team together for an extended time. Injuries and free agency practically make it impossible.
Rams have a pretty good D and a super RB in place right now but who nows how long they can hold onto Gurley, Donals, Quinn and some others ? We have already seen this offseason with Jenkins and McLeod and a couple others how fast the complexion of a unit can change.

Rams for some years now are always the youngest team in the league, always building for the future. For what future ? More mediocre seasons at or under 0.500?
As it looks now it would have been much wiser for success in the present and the near future to hold onto the picks and not draft an overrated QB who now will not contribute in any way on the field for the unforeseen future.
Maybe some day he will become a franchise QB, maybe not. But if that happens chances are not bad other stars who right now make this team go will be on the downtrend of their careers or have left for other destinations.

.@Rams rookie @AaronGreen22 goes untouched into the end zone.

The @Vikings lead is now 27-25. #LAvsMIN https://t.co/pIyjK6cpwp

— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2016

bnw wrote:

Who wears 34?

34 is Chase Reynolds.