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Originally posted by Rastak
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In that event, we just might lose Bretsky.I can't run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
A thundercloud
They're going to hear from me - Leonard Cohen -
Yea, so it might be best for him to just ride off to Houston......Originally posted by JoemailmanComment
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Robert Ferguson: Pros and Cons
Phil Mackey
KFAN dot com
On Sunday, Brad Childress acknowledged that the Vikings are indeed pursuing former Green Bay Packer wide receiver Robert Ferguson. The Vikings had Ferguson in for a physical and to catch a few passes. By the end of the week, Ferguson will likely choose between the Vikings and the Houston Texans.
Ferguson was taken by the Packers in the second round (41st) of the 2001 draft. He was taken before Chris Chambers and Steve Smith, both of whom have had much more success in the NFL. Although he never fully lived up to expectations, Ferguson showed flashes of talent with Green Bay. Viking fans likely have vivid memories of Brett Favre hitting Ferguson on various third-and-long passes over the past five years.
Ferguson is strong, but not tall (6’0”). He’s quick, but not fast. He’s experienced, but he’s also underachieved. Even with his flaws, Ferguson might be able to help the Vikings’ offense. But his presence may also hinder the growth of a young wide receiver or two.
Pros:
- Ferguson is a better deep threat than Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson. Wade’s longest reception since 2004 is 25 yards, and he’s had a few problems dropping passes in practice, and in games (i.e. third-and-six against the Jets on Friday). Williamson has worked hard to improve, but he’s still not an adequate option down the field.
- Ferguson is a veteran at a position that severely lacks veterans. Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson are the only veteran wide receivers on the team. Wade has two career touchdowns, and Williamson is still trying to fix his own problems.
- Ferguson isn’t afraid to catch passes over the middle. The Vikings’ offense requires receivers to catch the ball over the middle, in traffic. Adding an experienced guy to the mix who catches passes over the middle could be very beneficial.
- The Vikings play the Packers twice, and Ferguson might be able to divulge some information --although probably not very much information, considering the coaching change in Green Bay.
- Ferguson has the ability to return kicks. In 2004, he returned 21 kicks for an average of 25 yards.
- Darrell Bevell was an assistant with the Packers from 2000-2005. He spent his last three years in Green Bay as the quarterback coach, which means he has a good feel for the receivers.
Cons:
- If the Vikings do bring in Ferguson, it will likely be at the expense of Billy McMullen or Martin Nance, who has proven himself worthy of a roster spot with a solid training camp.
- Ferguson’s presence would also likely take away any significant playing time from rookie Aundrae Allison.
- Ferguson doesn’t have break away speed. He won’t make many plays after the catch, and he won’t burn defenders on deep routes.
- Ferguson’s last three seasons have been tarnished by injuries. In 2004, he missed one game with a calf injury, and the final two games of the season after taking a questionable hit from Jaguars safety Donovin Darius. In 2005, Ferguson missed five games with a knee injury, suffered against the Vikings on the longest catch (51 yards) of his career. Last year, Ferguson suffered a sprained arch in his foot and missed 12 games.
- Ferguson's entire career has been one giant underachievement. He was a high-second round draft pick and had Brett Favre as a quarterback for five years, yet he's never caught 40 passes, and he's never gained more than 520 yards."My problems with him are his vision and tendency to dance instead of pounding a hole." - Harvey WallbangersComment
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That about sums it all up. Fergie.... <sigh>Comment
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