Whenever I thought of Brad Johnson this season, I would think a few things. Old. Boring. Uninspiring. Average. After recent events, I can now think of other words to describe Brad Johnson. Unemployed. Cut. Done. Washed up. The Vikings cut Johnson on Wednesday, ending his second tenure with the team.
But according to countless announcers this past season, he was solid. A great leader. ESPN’s Joe Theismann made October 30th’s game against the Patriots “Brad Johnson Night.” A simple three yard swing pass was great. Nevermind Johnson’s three interceptions in that game and his 15 this season. He’s solid, alright. He’s also unemployed.
“Brad has been a true pro throughout his career and we wish him the best as he moves forward,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said. “Brad was an important part of the team and a guy who led by example on and off the field. He’s a class act and a guy younger players could learn a lot from about what it takes to play in the NFL.”
That statement describes the Vikings’ situation from a year ago. Johnson can certainly serve as a tutor for younger quarterbacks. But that wasn’t his role in 2006. It was the starting quarterback, something he clearly doesn’t have the consistency for anymore. He had a nice comeback in 2005, throwing 12 touchdowns to just four interceptions but looked out of sorts all season long.
This leaves the Vikings with second year player Tavaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger to battle for the quarterback spot. With the 7th pick in the draft, Childress hasn’t ruled out drafting a quarterback. The Vikings have some pretty decent pieces in place, they just need to grow a pair and install a more exciting offense. Then I’ll start caring about this franchise again.
