Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Draft Day Pessimism
I look forward to the NFL draft every year. I have an interest in where former Hawkeye players will wind up as well as the hope of the Vikings building their franchise.
As the years have gone by, I have become more pessimistic about what the Vikings will do. A lot can be attributed to the coaches they have had through the years. However, I believe a majority of the blame rests upon Scott Studwell's shoulders.
Now, I don't want to take the time to thoroughly document Studwell's ineptitude but I do want to provide a small foundation for my dissatisfaction. As a Viking fan, I am sure you will understand where I am coming from.
After establishing himself as one of the top players in team history during his 14 seasons (1977-90) at linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, Scott Studwell enters his 17th year in the team’s Player Personnel department. He retired from his playing career after the 1990 season and spent a year as the Vikings Assistant to the President/Player Relations before being named the Player Personnel Coordinator from 1992-2001. Studwell was named to his current post as Director of College Scouting in April 2002. His new responsibilities include overseeing all college scouting efforts and preparation for the annual NFL Draft.
Studwell has been a part of successful drafts that have included Pro Bowlers or Pro Bowl alternates Robert Smith (1st round, ’93), Todd Steussie (1st, ’94), Randy Moss (1st, ’98), Matt Birk (6th, ’98), Daunte Culpepper (1st, ’99), Michael Bennett (1st, ’01), Bryant McKinnie (1st, ’02), Kevin Williams (1st, ’03) and Adrian Peterson (1st, ‘07). In 2004 Kevin Williams, in just his second season, was selected to the Pro Bowl and named 1st-Team All-Pro. The Vikings 2007 draft class was highlighted by RB Adrian Peterson being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year along with a starters spot in the Pro Bowl and MVP honors in the game.
( http://www.vikings.com/TeamFrontOfficeProfile_scott_studwell.aspx )
Compare that information to the actual draft results from the Scott Studwell era.
( http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=3000&type=team )
Grabbing a first round pick that turns out to be a Pro Bowl player is not the definition of a successful draft. Let alone when compared to such organizations as the Colts (Tony Dungy era), Patriots( Bill Billicek era), Steelers (great drafts since their existence), 49ers (Bill Walsh era), Cowbys (Jimmy Johnson era) and Giants (Bill Parcells era)
The drafts between 2003-2005 since Studwell has been Director of College Scouting in April 2002 have been particularly horrible. Since 1992 when Studwell became involved with the Vikings scouting the drafts have produced very little success.
For the very rare wisdom of drafting Brad Johnson (9th Rd, 1992), and Matt Birk (6th Rd,1998). The Studwell era has drafted John Gerak (3rd Rd, 1993), Dwayne Rudd (1st Rd, 1997) Dimitrius Underwood (1st Rd,1999), Marcus Johnson (2nd Rd, 2005)
And how about all those number one picks who attained Pro Bowl status that the Vikings did not or could not(Robert Smith) keep on their roster. [Todd Steussie (1st, ’94), Randy Moss (1st, ’98), Matt Birk (6th, ’98), Daunte Culpepper (1st, ’99)]
I honestly believe the only reason the Vikings are not in the same chaotic state such as the Lions, Raiders, Browns, Texans, Bengals and Redskins(?) is because of the brilliance of Rob Brzezinski. If it were not for the additions of great free agents because of the skills of Brzezinski has in working the salary cap, the Vikings would be competing with the teams listed above for a top 5 draft pick every year. After all the coaching hasn't been much better than the scouting at times during this period, but that is another rant for another day.
As Rob Brzezinski enters his 17th season in the NFL and 11th with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009, the team is positioned for long-term success with a favorable salary cap situation and several core players recently signed to long-term contracts. Brzezinski joined the Vikings in 1999 as Director of Football Administration and was promoted to Vice President of Football Administration in 2001. He was elevated to his current position as Vice President of Football Operations in 2002.
In 2008, the Vikings capitalized on the strategic salary cap management from the past several years. Armed with the highest net salary cap in the NFL, and core potential free agents already re-signed, the team filled key needs by trading for 2007 NFL sack leader DE Jared Allen and signed proven unrestricted free agent playmakers WR Bernard Berrian and S Madieu Williams.
The Vikings have had success in recent free agency, adding future Pro Bowlers in consecutive off seasons with CB Antoine Winfield (2004), DT Pat Williams (2005), G Steve Hutchinson (2006) and Allen in 2008. The Vikings also acquired key players on the 2008 NFC North title team through free agency with LB Ben Leber, RB Chester Taylor and K Ryan Longwell all joining Hutchinson in the 2006 free agent class and TE Visanthe Shiancoe joined the club in 2007. ( http://www.vikings.com/TeamFrontOfficeProfile_rob_brzezinski.aspx )
Anyways, I have spent too much time on this 'rant' and this note will not change Studwell's skills at grading talent or the Vikings ability to draft. Unfortunately, this 'rant' won't even affect Studwell's employment. Perhaps this is just a note that will remind the fans of other organizations to be thankful for the success their team has had in years past. Or this note will draw a 'sympathy' from fans of some of the dysfunctional organizations listed previously in this note. Ultimately, all this note will do is save my wife and kids from having to listen to me verbalize these opinions and perhaps get a few nods of agreement from other Viking fans.
As the years have gone by, I have become more pessimistic about what the Vikings will do. A lot can be attributed to the coaches they have had through the years. However, I believe a majority of the blame rests upon Scott Studwell's shoulders.
Now, I don't want to take the time to thoroughly document Studwell's ineptitude but I do want to provide a small foundation for my dissatisfaction. As a Viking fan, I am sure you will understand where I am coming from.
After establishing himself as one of the top players in team history during his 14 seasons (1977-90) at linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, Scott Studwell enters his 17th year in the team’s Player Personnel department. He retired from his playing career after the 1990 season and spent a year as the Vikings Assistant to the President/Player Relations before being named the Player Personnel Coordinator from 1992-2001. Studwell was named to his current post as Director of College Scouting in April 2002. His new responsibilities include overseeing all college scouting efforts and preparation for the annual NFL Draft.
Studwell has been a part of successful drafts that have included Pro Bowlers or Pro Bowl alternates Robert Smith (1st round, ’93), Todd Steussie (1st, ’94), Randy Moss (1st, ’98), Matt Birk (6th, ’98), Daunte Culpepper (1st, ’99), Michael Bennett (1st, ’01), Bryant McKinnie (1st, ’02), Kevin Williams (1st, ’03) and Adrian Peterson (1st, ‘07). In 2004 Kevin Williams, in just his second season, was selected to the Pro Bowl and named 1st-Team All-Pro. The Vikings 2007 draft class was highlighted by RB Adrian Peterson being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year along with a starters spot in the Pro Bowl and MVP honors in the game.
( http://www.vikings.com/TeamFrontOfficeProfile_scott_studwell.aspx )
Compare that information to the actual draft results from the Scott Studwell era.
( http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=3000&type=team )
Grabbing a first round pick that turns out to be a Pro Bowl player is not the definition of a successful draft. Let alone when compared to such organizations as the Colts (Tony Dungy era), Patriots( Bill Billicek era), Steelers (great drafts since their existence), 49ers (Bill Walsh era), Cowbys (Jimmy Johnson era) and Giants (Bill Parcells era)
The drafts between 2003-2005 since Studwell has been Director of College Scouting in April 2002 have been particularly horrible. Since 1992 when Studwell became involved with the Vikings scouting the drafts have produced very little success.
For the very rare wisdom of drafting Brad Johnson (9th Rd, 1992), and Matt Birk (6th Rd,1998). The Studwell era has drafted John Gerak (3rd Rd, 1993), Dwayne Rudd (1st Rd, 1997) Dimitrius Underwood (1st Rd,1999), Marcus Johnson (2nd Rd, 2005)
And how about all those number one picks who attained Pro Bowl status that the Vikings did not or could not(Robert Smith) keep on their roster. [Todd Steussie (1st, ’94), Randy Moss (1st, ’98), Matt Birk (6th, ’98), Daunte Culpepper (1st, ’99)]
I honestly believe the only reason the Vikings are not in the same chaotic state such as the Lions, Raiders, Browns, Texans, Bengals and Redskins(?) is because of the brilliance of Rob Brzezinski. If it were not for the additions of great free agents because of the skills of Brzezinski has in working the salary cap, the Vikings would be competing with the teams listed above for a top 5 draft pick every year. After all the coaching hasn't been much better than the scouting at times during this period, but that is another rant for another day.
As Rob Brzezinski enters his 17th season in the NFL and 11th with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009, the team is positioned for long-term success with a favorable salary cap situation and several core players recently signed to long-term contracts. Brzezinski joined the Vikings in 1999 as Director of Football Administration and was promoted to Vice President of Football Administration in 2001. He was elevated to his current position as Vice President of Football Operations in 2002.
In 2008, the Vikings capitalized on the strategic salary cap management from the past several years. Armed with the highest net salary cap in the NFL, and core potential free agents already re-signed, the team filled key needs by trading for 2007 NFL sack leader DE Jared Allen and signed proven unrestricted free agent playmakers WR Bernard Berrian and S Madieu Williams.
The Vikings have had success in recent free agency, adding future Pro Bowlers in consecutive off seasons with CB Antoine Winfield (2004), DT Pat Williams (2005), G Steve Hutchinson (2006) and Allen in 2008. The Vikings also acquired key players on the 2008 NFC North title team through free agency with LB Ben Leber, RB Chester Taylor and K Ryan Longwell all joining Hutchinson in the 2006 free agent class and TE Visanthe Shiancoe joined the club in 2007. ( http://www.vikings.com/TeamFrontOfficeProfile_rob_brzezinski.aspx )
Anyways, I have spent too much time on this 'rant' and this note will not change Studwell's skills at grading talent or the Vikings ability to draft. Unfortunately, this 'rant' won't even affect Studwell's employment. Perhaps this is just a note that will remind the fans of other organizations to be thankful for the success their team has had in years past. Or this note will draw a 'sympathy' from fans of some of the dysfunctional organizations listed previously in this note. Ultimately, all this note will do is save my wife and kids from having to listen to me verbalize these opinions and perhaps get a few nods of agreement from other Viking fans.
An Angry Letter Demanding World Peace
"But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose to ignore international standards, if they put the pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security and opportunity of their own people, if they are oblivious to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East Asia and the Middle East, then they must be held accountable."
"The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future does not belong to fear. " Barak Obama 09.23.09
The historic resolution we just adopted enshrines our shared commitment to a goal of a world without nuclear weapons,” Mr Obama said. “And it brings Security Council agreement on a broad framework for action to reduce nuclear dangers as we work toward that goal.” Barak Obama 09.23.09
How does Obama propose to keep Iran, Korea or anyone else accountable? With 'hope and change'? With more apologies? With speeches that emphasize his self importance?
Perhaps his inspiration for a new world order is based upon the United Nations in the movie Team America? Perhaps rogue nations everywhere will comply with bureaucratic threats? Perhaps the world's greatest fear shouldn't be rogue nations with nuclear weapons but those with indoor shark tanks?
Blix: "I'm sorry. But the U.N. must be firm with you. Let me see your whole palace or else."
KIM: "Or else what?"
Blix"Or else we will be very, very angry with you. And we will write you a letter telling you how angry we are."
"The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future does not belong to fear. " Barak Obama 09.23.09
The historic resolution we just adopted enshrines our shared commitment to a goal of a world without nuclear weapons,” Mr Obama said. “And it brings Security Council agreement on a broad framework for action to reduce nuclear dangers as we work toward that goal.” Barak Obama 09.23.09
How does Obama propose to keep Iran, Korea or anyone else accountable? With 'hope and change'? With more apologies? With speeches that emphasize his self importance?
Perhaps his inspiration for a new world order is based upon the United Nations in the movie Team America? Perhaps rogue nations everywhere will comply with bureaucratic threats? Perhaps the world's greatest fear shouldn't be rogue nations with nuclear weapons but those with indoor shark tanks?
Blix: "I'm sorry. But the U.N. must be firm with you. Let me see your whole palace or else."
KIM: "Or else what?"
Blix"Or else we will be very, very angry with you. And we will write you a letter telling you how angry we are."
Supertastic Totus
Since I have been married, I have yet to watch an entire football game uninterrupted. Honestly, it doesn't bother me, it is more of a running joke in my house that Nikki has watches more football and MMA than I have. I usually get bored during a game or match and decide that there are more pressing things to do than to be entertained. Because of our routine around the house Nikki often winds up watching the games as she folds laundry and she will keep me updated of each games progress. Nikki has actually become such a fan of football and MMA that she has corrected me of player's and fighter's names and information. I gotta admit, it is pretty cool how knowledgeable and passionate Nikki is about the two sports I enjoy the most.
It was a slow day at work and I was contemplating what approach I could take that would ensure that I would be able to watch a game in its entirety. Sorta preparing for the more important games later in the seasosn. And it occurred to me that my approach may be wrong. I thought about how eloquent the Teleprompter, errr, Barak Obama is and how persuasive it, errr, he is with his speeches.
It was a slow day at work and I was contemplating what approach I could take that would ensure that I would be able to watch a game in its entirety. Sorta preparing for the more important games later in the seasosn. And it occurred to me that my approach may be wrong. I thought about how eloquent the Teleprompter, errr, Barak Obama is and how persuasive it, errr, he is with his speeches.
It does seem that it is just Americans that are easily swayed by Barak Obama's speeches. He has recently addressed the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee without garnering the same level of praise and results from abroad that he has had lavished upon him in the U.S. Considering that my audience will be American I figure I will try my hand at a speaking like Obama and trying to use flowery words to get the results I intend.
Even though I will be without a teleprompter I think that the following speech will be enough to persuade my family of the importance of football season.
**Ladies and gentleman: it is my honor to address you and I come before you humbled by the responsibility that you have placed upon me; mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history; and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of our family. It has been two years since we came together as a family. Two years since a Grandstaff, a Puentes, a Ridenhower and a Tvedt came together as individuals and became the Supertastics. During these past two years we have adapted to each person's weaknesses and we have become unified by accentuating each person's strengths. We have also welcomed into our arms and our hearts a fifth member, Jensen Curry, who has fortified us as Supertastics.
I am well aware of the expectations that I have chosen to bear are enormous. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted - I believe - in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope - the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that we can be individuals that promote such change.
In the past, my statements have been met with skepticism and distrust. Part of this was due to misperceptions and misinformation about my motivations and my approach or my choice of words. Part of this was due to opposition to specific agendas, and a belief that on certain critical issues, some have acted unilaterally, without regard for the interests of others. And I must remind you that this can no longer be.
Like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my faith and my family, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 - more than at any point in human history - the interests of all of us is shared.
In this room, we each come from different perspectives, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. Because the time has come for all of us to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interests and mutual respect, and our work must begin now.
We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this family to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat negativity and its harmful effects. I am outlining a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a house without strife this weekend and for weekends yet to come. I am putting forth an idea so that we can all realize contentment this very day and in the days that lie ahead. The choice is ours and if each one of us moves forward with an unshakable determination we will realize greatness, we will realize what is most important in this house.
Since my first day in this family, I prohibited - without exception or equivocation -tattling, pinching and biting. I ordered that all parties would be held responsible for the words and actions, as well as their lack of appropriate words and actions. I have subjected myself to the same discipline as others. In return I am asking that I be allowed the the same liberties that have been rewarded to the rest. Each one of us must know: The time has come to realize that the old habits and arguments are irrelevant to the challenges faced by each Supertastic.
I am not naïve. I know this will be difficult. But all of us must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we only lend it lip-service. To break the old patterns - to break the cycle of insecurity and despair - all of us must say believe in a goal greater than our own self interest.
We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems - it will take persistent action. So for those who question the character and cause of my demands, I ask you to look inward and determine to overlook my own hypocrisy. I ask that you adhere to the new rules of the road and strengthening regulations so that we all can eradicate self centeredness and selfishness.
Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. The changes that I am speaking about today will not be easy to make. And they will not be realized simply by coming together in forums like this. All of us need to promote harmony that can be sustained and shared. And we can obtain that harmony by allowing Dad to watch this week's football games. As we head into this weekend let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future. Let us all resolve that this weekend will be the weekend that Dad gets to watch an entire football game from beginning to end without interruption, without questions, without demands upon him.
We have reached a pivotal moment. The Supertastics now stand ready to begin a new chapter of cooperation - one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of Dad to enjoy football season. Yes, in the future there will be games of greater significance, but we must begin somewhere. We must establish an attitude of tolerance and understanding now rather than later. With confidence in our cause, and with a commitment to our values, I call on all members of this family to join me in building the future that we all deserve. Thank you.**
**Ladies and gentleman: it is my honor to address you and I come before you humbled by the responsibility that you have placed upon me; mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history; and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of our family. It has been two years since we came together as a family. Two years since a Grandstaff, a Puentes, a Ridenhower and a Tvedt came together as individuals and became the Supertastics. During these past two years we have adapted to each person's weaknesses and we have become unified by accentuating each person's strengths. We have also welcomed into our arms and our hearts a fifth member, Jensen Curry, who has fortified us as Supertastics.
I am well aware of the expectations that I have chosen to bear are enormous. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted - I believe - in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope - the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that we can be individuals that promote such change.
In the past, my statements have been met with skepticism and distrust. Part of this was due to misperceptions and misinformation about my motivations and my approach or my choice of words. Part of this was due to opposition to specific agendas, and a belief that on certain critical issues, some have acted unilaterally, without regard for the interests of others. And I must remind you that this can no longer be.
Like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interest of my faith and my family, and I will never apologize for defending those interests. But it is my deeply held belief that in the year 2009 - more than at any point in human history - the interests of all of us is shared.
In this room, we each come from different perspectives, but we share a common future. No longer do we have the luxury of indulging our differences to the exclusion of the work that we must do together. Because the time has come for all of us to move in a new direction. We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interests and mutual respect, and our work must begin now.
We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this family to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat negativity and its harmful effects. I am outlining a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a house without strife this weekend and for weekends yet to come. I am putting forth an idea so that we can all realize contentment this very day and in the days that lie ahead. The choice is ours and if each one of us moves forward with an unshakable determination we will realize greatness, we will realize what is most important in this house.
Since my first day in this family, I prohibited - without exception or equivocation -tattling, pinching and biting. I ordered that all parties would be held responsible for the words and actions, as well as their lack of appropriate words and actions. I have subjected myself to the same discipline as others. In return I am asking that I be allowed the the same liberties that have been rewarded to the rest. Each one of us must know: The time has come to realize that the old habits and arguments are irrelevant to the challenges faced by each Supertastic.
I am not naïve. I know this will be difficult. But all of us must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we only lend it lip-service. To break the old patterns - to break the cycle of insecurity and despair - all of us must say believe in a goal greater than our own self interest.
We know the future will be forged by deeds and not simply words. Speeches alone will not solve our problems - it will take persistent action. So for those who question the character and cause of my demands, I ask you to look inward and determine to overlook my own hypocrisy. I ask that you adhere to the new rules of the road and strengthening regulations so that we all can eradicate self centeredness and selfishness.
Certainly, it will be tempting to sit back and wait for others to move first. But we cannot make this journey unless we all move forward together. The changes that I am speaking about today will not be easy to make. And they will not be realized simply by coming together in forums like this. All of us need to promote harmony that can be sustained and shared. And we can obtain that harmony by allowing Dad to watch this week's football games. As we head into this weekend let us resolve to focus on what each of us can do for the sake of our common future. Let us all resolve that this weekend will be the weekend that Dad gets to watch an entire football game from beginning to end without interruption, without questions, without demands upon him.
We have reached a pivotal moment. The Supertastics now stand ready to begin a new chapter of cooperation - one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of Dad to enjoy football season. Yes, in the future there will be games of greater significance, but we must begin somewhere. We must establish an attitude of tolerance and understanding now rather than later. With confidence in our cause, and with a commitment to our values, I call on all members of this family to join me in building the future that we all deserve. Thank you.**
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
