“Ask Vic” will publish on Mondays and Thursdays through the offseason.
Brad from Jacksonville, FL
“Championship teams have one common denominator,” Coughlin said. “They’re comprised of individuals who have a burning desire to win, to be champions. Championship teams are dominated by selfless individuals who recognize the welfare of the team must always be paramount to any other consideration.” After this statement, I find it hard to believe Coughlin wants to keep Ramsey around. Am I reading too much into this?
Tom Coughlin sees the need to take control of what was a sinking ship in Jacksonville last season. His efforts began with his rebuke of Leonard Fournette’s sideline behavior in the 2018 season finale. Now he’s taking aim at Jalen Ramsey, who became a terribly negative force last season. If Coughlin wanted to get rid of Ramsey, drawing attention to his seeming lack of commitment isn’t going to increase his value. Coughlin is acting as a leader should. I guess he’s going to play bad cop and Doug Marrone is going to play good cop. Somebody needs to lay down the law in Jacksonville. Coughlin appears to be the guy.
David from Silver Spring, MD
Do you think it’s possible the Packers take a QB if one of the top prospects falls to them? It’s not like the Packers needed a QB when they drafted Rodgers.
That ship sailed when Rodgers got a new contract. When the Packers picked Rodgers at 24, the next five players selected were Jason Campbell, Chris Spencer, Roddy White, Luis Castillo and Marlin Jackson. There’s usually a big difference between the quality of talent available at 12 as compared to 24. The Packers made a huge financial commitment to Rodgers. They need to give him every possible resource in the team’s attempt to win one more Super Bowl before Rodgers’ career ends.
Logan from Lino Lakes, MN
Would the football world be as forgiving of Peyton Manning’s first year if it happened in 2019? Or was his talent that noticeable? I ask as it seems to me a quarterback must a be a star out of the gates to have a fighting chance to keep his confidence in tact.
Manning probably wouldn’t have thrown as many interceptions in his first season if it was 2019. It was a different game back in 1999. Manning’s first season was viewed as better than what was expected of a rookie quarterback. That was 20 years ago. I covered John Elway’s first game in 1983. He was benched at halftime. The NFL has made it easier to play the position. The result is a player who would’ve probably had to make a position switch in the ’70s — Freddie Solomon did — is the likely first overall pick of this year’s draft.
Ron from Mitchell, SD
Vic, is the Packers’ arrow pointing up, down or sideways?
With two first-round picks and after spending the money they did in free agency, it’s absolutely pointing up.
Sandy from Austin, TX
Flying water tankers? Really? That’s all you got? President Trump was right about dumping water on Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s a common practice in skyscrapers gone ablaze. The Paris Fire Department was almost two hours late and didn’t have tall enough ladders or hoses to reach the fire. It certainly was divine intervention that Notre Dame Cathedral was not 100 percent destroyed. Your left-leaning anti-Trump (baloney) is getting old. Try a new path. Give credit to the hardest working President America has had in a very long time, who donates all his wages to charity.
OK.
David from San Francisco, CA
Vic, can I get your take on Tom Coughlin’s comments regarding the two missing players? On one hand, I very much like what I read in his comments, but I also felt the written response from the NFLPA was strong. I like unions. Who’s right in this one?
There’s no wrong. The union was supporting its players and their CBA right to not attend voluntary workouts. Coughlin was exercising his right to express his opinion. The CBA is not a gag order. Of all people, Ramsey should be sensitive to the right of free speech; he’s certainly exercised his.
Jim from Maple Grove, MN
Vic, whose bust greets fans as they enter the Hall of Winners, Starr’s or Brady’s?
Starr’s bust is in the form of a statue that greets you outside the front door.
Dan from Cedar Rapids, IA
What are your pre-draft predictions for your three teams’ records this year? My predictions: Pitt 7-9, Jags 9-7, GB 12-4.
I think you’re close on the Steelers and Jaguars, but four losses for the Packers? I can’t see more than one or two. I think the 2019 Packers could become the greatest team in the history of the world.
Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, which draft class had the most success and who was in it?
Is this a trick question? Steelers 1974: Swann, Lambert, Stallworth, Webster. And Donnie Shell was an undrafted free agent.
Dennis from Indianapolis, IN
Does the way the Patriots are handling their WR depth suggest they agree the position is not overly difficult to fill?
In a conversation with Bill Belichick prior to the 2011 draft, Thomas Dimitroff said he was considering making a big trade up to draft Julio Jones. Belichick said don’t do it.
Barry from Hayward, WI
Vic, who are your top five greatest draft picks of all time?
Tom Brady (sixth round), Johnny Unitas (ninth), Bart Starr (17th) Joe Montana (third), Roger Staubach (10th).
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