Minnesota still out of the fad when it comes to player-only workouts
Image courtesy of The Jersey Journal
Zoobas, Yo-Yos, Mullets, Pogs, Tamagotchi, pet rocks and player-only workouts. Just trying to list the most ridiculous fads that will all soon be forgotten. Recently, the media has been in love with the player-only workouts. I am sure fans of teams that aren’t doing these are slightly worried their teams may fall behind. I am here to say don’t worry.
So far, teams that I have heard that are doing these workouts include Cowboys, Saints, Dolphins, Raiders, Giants, Lions & Redskins. Out of those 7 teams only 2 made the playoffs last year. Should we expect all 7 to make the playoffs next year? Not exactly. In fact, A.J. Hawk, a player from my most hated team but Superbowl winner had this to say about the workouts (from Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel):
”The most the defense can do when we get together is seven-on-seven,” said Hawk. “I can understand quarterbacks throwing to receivers and stuff like that. I think it’s more of a camaraderie thing. “I’ve heard that different guys’ workouts from different teams have just been a disaster. They’re working out at bad high school fields and equipment and all that kind of stuff. We’re all ready to come back. We never got out of shape, The player gatherings are a good thing to get together and be with your teammates – that’s the most I would take from it.”
While it may be good from the stand point of getting together with players and building relationships with them, it really won’t translate to much on the field. Especially with a team like the Vikings considering they have almost all new offensive coordinators and several new defensive coordinators. Another worry some fans may have is that players fall out of shape. Every year, we hear of a dozen players showing up to camp out of shape. To put that in perspective that is out of about 1,700. It is a very small percentage. I have said before I am for players doing extra work in the offseason, especially our young QBs but if the Vikings don’t have a successful season next year I won’t put much weight on us not having player-only workouts.
Vikings fans are you worried at all? Leave a comment because I would love to hear your opinion.