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National Football League

Vikings' Quarterback Situation: A Look at Johnson, Cunningham, and the Rookies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

With Brad Johnson expected to return to form after a rehabilitation-filled offseason, the Minnesota Vikings are confident in their quarterback situation. Johnson was among the league's passing leaders before a herniated cervical disk ended his 1997 season, and he finished fourth among NFC passers with a quarterback rating of 84.5. Despite missing the last three games of the season, Johnson completed 275 of 452 attempts for 3,036 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in just 13 games. He has a 13-8 record as a starter in the NFL and expects to return to form during training camp.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brad Johnson, the projected starter, has completed 275 of 452 attempts for 3,036 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in just 13 games.
  • Randall Cunningham, who stepped in for Johnson, posted a 2-3 record as a starter but led the Vikings to their first playoff victory in nine years.
  • Cunningham signed a two-year, $2 million deal in March to remain with the Vikings as an insurance policy for Johnson.
  • Jay Fiedler, a veteran backup, will compete with Todd Bouman for the third-string job, while Bouman, a rookie from St. Cloud State, was activated as the team's third quarterback for its last three regular season games.
  • Green's best quarterback pick ever is Brad Johnson, who was drafted by the Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 draft.
  • The Vikings have selected several quarterback busts, including Gino Torretta in the 1993 draft and Chad May in the 1995 draft.
  • In the 1998 NFL draft, the Vikings are facing a decision between quarterbacks Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning, with Leaf's raw talent and confidence making him the more interesting pick.

Statistics:

  • Brad Johnson has a 13-8 record as a starter in the NFL.
  • Johnson completed 275 of 452 attempts for 3,036 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 13 games.
  • Cunningham signed a two-year, $2 million deal with the Vikings in March.
  • The Vikings have drafted several quarterback busts, including Gino Torretta and Chad May.
  • The top five quarterbacks in the 1998 NFL draft are ranked as follows:

+ Ryan Leaf (6-5 3/8, 245)

+ Peyton Manning (6-5 1/4, 230)

+ Brian Griese (6-0 1/2, 210)

+ Charlie Batch (6-2, 217)

+ Thad Busby (6-2 1/4, 222)

Sources:

  • NFL Draft (1992)
  • NFL Draft (1993)
  • NFL Draft (1995)
  • NFL Draft (1998)
  • ESPN (no date)
  • NFL.com (no date)
  • Vikings' official website (no date)

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