Q&A with Leslie Frazier

[Mothman]

I'm glad that Frazier feels this way. I couldn't agree more. Good to know they're looking at the CBs in the draft.

On another note, what the heck is vague about this? Seems like a direct answer with a defnite opinion to me.

I have no idea. Apparently, he was supposed to say something provocative or perform "Puttin' on the Ritz". I realize nothing in the interview was dramatic, breaking news but to me, it's interesting to read direct comments from the head coach about his players, his priorities and the team's needs. Even if some of it is information we've already received from beat reporters, I think it carries more weight when it comes straight from the coach. I liked how frank Frazier was about some of his personnel. For example, it was interesting to get his opinion on players like Robinson, Henderson and Ballard and I didn't realize he had taken such a substantial role in coaching the defense last season. I know that after 2011 he wanted to get more involved with it but it sounds like he was pretty "hands on" at times (at least that's the impression I had after reading the interview).

He really placed a lot of emphasis on the importance of offseason workouts, didn't he?

[Purple bruise]

I have no idea. Apparently, he was supposed to say something provocative or perform "Puttin' on the Ritz". I realize nothing in the interview was dramatic, breaking news but to me, it's interesting to read direct comments from the head coach about his players, his priorities and the team's needs. Even if some of it is information we've already received from beat reporters, I think it carries more weight when it comes straight from the coach. I liked how frank Frazier was about some of his personnel. For example, it was interesting to get his opinion on players like Robinson, Henderson and Ballard and I didn't realize he had taken such a substantial role in coaching the defense last season. I know that after 2011 he wanted to get more involved with it but it sounds like he was pretty "hands on" at times (at least that's the impression I had after reading the interview).

He really placed a lot of emphasis on the importance of offseason workouts, didn't he?

Frazier did fine, it is just those same old "fans" finding anything and everything to be negative about

[Eli]

News Flash: The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a middle linebacker! May target one in the 2013 NFL Draft! Leslie Frazier confirms! No longer a mystery!!!

Oh brother... slow news day, guys?

[losperros]

News Flash: The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a middle linebacker! May target one in the 2013 NFL Draft! Leslie Frazier confirms! No longer a mystery!!!

Oh brother... slow news day, guys?

News Flash: The Minnesota Vikings head coach is Leslie Frazier and not the media! Leslie Frazier confirms! No longer a mystery!!!

Oh brother...slow to catch on, Eli?

What's wrong with reading what Frazier says on things? What, you prefer the media talking heads? No ####?

Nobody is saying Frazier is divulging CIA secrets. But at least he's saying the Vikings are going one way rather than the other on some topics.

And yes, this time of the year is slow. As Vikings fans, even coach-speak can provide us with more information than most of the media outlets.

[PurpleKoolaid]

News Flash: The Minnesota Vikings head coach is Leslie Frazier and not the media! Leslie Frazier confirms! No longer a mystery!!!

Oh brother...slow to catch on, Eli?

What's wrong with reading what Frazier says on things? What, you prefer the media talking heads? No ####?

Nobody is saying Frazier is divulging CIA secrets. But at least he's saying the Vikings are going one way rather than the other on some topics.

And yes, this time of the year is slow. As Vikings fans, even coach-speak can provide us with more information than most of the media outlets.

What did Fraizer say that you already didnt know? Or that your high school coach couldnt have told you in half the time?

[Mothman]

Oh brother...slow to catch on, Eli?

What's wrong with reading what Frazier says on things? What, you prefer the media talking heads? No ####?

Nobody is saying Frazier is divulging CIA secrets. But at least he's saying the Vikings are going one way rather than the other on some topics.

And yes, this time of the year is slow. As Vikings fans, even coach-speak can provide us with more information than most of the media outlets.

...and even if it's not breaking news or startling new information (why would anyone expect those things from a sit down talk with a coach at the owner's meetings?), we get to read the coach's perspective on things, in his words, which some of us find interesting.

[losperros]

What did Fraizer say that you already didnt know? Or that your high school coach couldnt have told you in half the time?

First off, the Vikings were a completely different team with a different coaching staff when I went to high school, so my high school coach is irrelevant. Secondly, what the heck difference does it make? You do understand that, right?

Again, I didn't say Frazier was enlightening my life about personal happiness or providing me with a fool proof get rich quick scheme. He's the coach of my favorite team and I'd like to hear or read what he has to say. I may not agree with it or maybe I will. Maybe it isn't headline news. But so what?

While we're on the subject of Frazier, what exactly was the OP’s reason for starting this thread and what direction did he say he wanted it to go with it? Why do you think it should go in a different direction and why the conniption over Frazier's interview?

[Purple bruise]

First off, the Vikings were a completely different team with a different coaching staff when I went to high school, so my high school coach is irrelevant. Secondly, what the heck difference does it make? You do understand that, right?

Again, I didn't say Frazier was enlightening my life about personal happiness or providing me with a fool proof get rich quick scheme. He's the coach of my favorite team and I'd like to hear or read what he has to say. I may not agree with it or maybe I will. Maybe it isn't headline news. But so what?

While we're on the subject of Frazier, what exactly was the OP’s reason for starting this thread and what direction did he say he wanted it to go with it? Why do you think it should go in a different direction and why the conniption over Frazier's interview?

Good point

People sitting around conjuring up anything to be negative about, as per usual

[DanAS]

I actually think this Q&A answered some questions on whether they are comfortable with the D Line more than the secondary, which like I believed, they seem to be headed that way. To me this interview makes me believe CB and LB are higher priority than DT. Sounds like Frazier is counting on Ballard and Guion, as well as seeing how much longer KWill is going to last.

Great Q&A, thanks for posting Mothman

Totally agree. This Q&A was more informative than most.

Frankly, when you think about it, we're paying big bucks to Kevin Williams so I sure hope the Vikes think he can still play for a little while longer. And even though the second DT position is no longer manned by the other Williams (Pat), I wouldn't call it a glaring weakness either -- certainly, it's not the decent sized hole we have at MLB or WR, and it isn't even as much of a worry as what we have at the CB position, where you kind of need three starters these days and not just two, or even the guard position. (People tend not to talk much about the play of Charlie Johnson, but were you impressed? I wasn't.)

Anyway, I'm a BPA guy, and if we feel that a future Pro Bowler is available at DT, then sure, take him. One draft mag I own says that this draft is unusually strong at that position, and who am I to pretend that I'm some sort of draft expert. But I'm hardly frustrated that we haven't addressed the position during free agency and would be fine to see us use the same guys as last year -- you can't have Pro Bowlers at every position.

[jackal]

I don't doubt that Fraiser and company are more concerned with out LB core and DB

which is why I don't understand getting rid of Winfield in FA

The guy was a stud for us last year against the run especially..

[ViciousBritishVike]

Good point

People sitting around conjuring up anything to be negative about, as per usual

Damn straight, I think his positive approach is refreshing and it's great that he only focuses on what's important, the team.

If you don't like what he has to say, can always ignore!

[Funkytown]

Good point

People sitting around conjuring up anything to be negative about, as per usual

Really? This site is like that, too? Wonderful. I'll feel right at home then. 90% of the people on the Vikings.com message board were negative.

I don't know how many times I simply said, "Put your big-boy pants on and deal with it!"

Positivity is where it's at!

[losperros]

I don't doubt that Fraiser and company are more concerned with out LB core and DB

which is why I don't understand getting rid of Winfield in FA

The guy was a stud for us last year against the run especially..

And we need to keep in mind that Winfield did NOT allow a TD last year.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Winfield returns. At least we know that Frazier wants him back. I guess it's a contract issue now.

[Purple bruise]

Really? This site is like that, too? Wonderful. I'll feel right at home then. 90% of the people on the Vikings.com message board were negative.

I don't know how many times I simply said, "Put your big-boy pants on and deal with it!"

Positivity is where it's at!

Please do not get me wrong, this is a great board with a whole lot of great, knowledgeable fans. My comments about the naysayers are that there are just a few but they constantly find the worst side of almost everything about the team, it's management, coach etc.. After a while make your own determination as to what you think but all in all there is no better board that I have found

[Funkytown]

Please do not get me wrong, this is a great board with a whole lot of great, knowledgeable fans. My comments about the naysayers are that there are just a few but they constantly find the worst side of almost everything about the team, it's management, coach etc.. After a while make your own determination as to what you think but all in all there is no better board that I have found

I understand. If what you are saying is true, about there being "just a few" naysayers--that is great! I was one of about ten positive people on the entire message board on Vikings.com. Everyone was always complaining about something. I suppose "complaining" would be a severe understatement.

Most people said this: "Frazier needs fired, Ponder sucks, start Webb (just until they watched their boy play in the playoff game LOL), we'll never win a Super Bowl, etc." It. Was. Constant.

So far--I haven't seen a whole lot of THAT on here but I haven't explored much. I'll know more after I witness how people handle things during the season. That's when I'll know the true energy of this board. lol. People tend to "let the ugly out" when things aren't looking so hot.

But all in all--I would say that this is a pretty solid message board. I see that there are some really loyal posters on here. That is pretty cool.