Read the Bleacher Fan’s argument that the Cincinnati Bengals’ Marvin Lewis is on the hottest seat and Loyal Homer’s argument that the Dallas Cowboys’ Wade Phillips is on the hottest seat.
Anyone who has a brain knows that “retired” quarterback Brett Favre is going to be donning the Minnesota Vikings’ purple and gold for the 2009 NFL season. With that out of the way, allow me to present you with facts point to Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress has his rump planted squarely on the hottest seat in the NFL as training camps open across the country.
Here is the scene up in Childress’ office in Minneapolis:
The scene opens with Brad Childress sitting behind a large, darkly stained wooden desk. Across the desk from Childress is a chair containing a bunch of eggs. A shadowy outline lurks in a darkened back corner of the office.
Childress: “Thank you for coming today.”
Eggs: “It’s our pleasure, we’re really happy to be on board with you this year.”
Childress: “Yea, I really hope this relationship works out. I can’t foresee any issues.”
Eggs: “Us either, that sounds great.”
Childress: “Well eggs, shall we get introductions out of the way?”
Eggs: “Yea, by all means, take it way. But, you can call us Brett Favre.”
Childress: Casually points to the shadows in the corner of the office as a shift in the room’s light reveals what is lurking in the back.”Okay, great. Eggs, er, Brett Favre, meet your basket.” The eggs calmly jump into the basket without a second thought.
and… SCENE!!
Childress has mortgaged his entire future on the success of Favre’s aging right arm. It’s a risky proposition (just as Eric Mangini). Especially for a coach who is an even 24-24 in the regular season during his tenure in Minneapolis, not including an 0-1 record in the post-season after the team lost at home in the first round of the 2008 playoffs to an average Philadelphia Eagles team 26-14. Though the Vikings have progressed under Childress each season (starting 6-10 in his first season, 8-8 in his second season, and 10-6 last year), many believe the talent at Childress’ disposal is well ahead of the results.
Consider the powerful running game headed by former rookie of the year Adrian Peterson, one of the best running backs in all of football. Many believe the offensive line continues to improve despite the departure of aging center Matt Birk thanks to an already solid left side of the line with left guard Steve Hutchinson and left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Highly-touted draft pick Phil Loadholt is expected to start at right tackle and anchor a side of the line that was troublesome last season. First round draft pick Percy Harvin is expected to add needed athleticism to the wide receiving corps, and the heart of last year’s team – the defense – is expected to maintain their level of play.
In the weakest division in football (thanks, Detroit Lions), winning the division should not be a goal, it should be an expectation.
Brett Favre, though, is the key to the entire operation. Childress has bet his future the quarterback situation, since his questionable handling of Tavaris Jackson – and the even more questionable decision to acquire journeyman quarterback Sage Rosenfels – only brings further scrutiny to the quarterback position and Childress’ decision making. Favre must have another great year to secure owner Zigy Wilf’s confidence in his coach. And the definition of “great” has been expanded to include winning the division and the NFC.
Posted by Sports Geek 
