Oh Bernard Berrian- Quit Babbling & Earn Your Benjamins

Bernard Berrian in an interview today talked about the struggles he as well as the team are having getting off to a putrid 0-2 start. He talked on how the Vikings could make play for Vincent Jackson, stated that him and Sidney Rice are different wide receivers and even talked of that there is too much pressure from outside the organization to produce. While I agree with some of what Berrian said, each question was answered briefly and at times Berrian came across as defensive. And a couple of points have me on the defensive being a Vikings fan.

What exactly is “outside” the organization Bernard? Is it coming from us, the fans? If so, you’re the same Viking who signed a 6-year, $42 million contract with $16 million guaranteed from our team in 2008. That’s #1 WR money! Someone who should be the first read for a QB on the majority of passing plays and have a puncher’s chance of making the Pro Bowl a time or two throughout a multi-year deal. Checking the contracts of WRs who make between $5.5 million to $7.5 million this year puts you in the same arena as Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Chad Ochocinco, Deion Branch, Reggie Wayne, Devin Hester, Hines Ward, Santana Moss and Anquan Boldin. Do the majority of those guys have a defined role to “stretch the field?” Call me crazy Bernard, but you have to produce to justify this contract. I loved the 99-yard TD you scored against our rival the Chicago Bears in 2008, understand we haven’t had the greatest of QBs until we were able to convince a certain someone to come out of “retirement” and appreciate the contributions you had to our KAO in 2009 while dealing with a nagging hamstring injury.

That being said, 2 games with 3 receptions for 27 yards and no touchdowns on an 0-2 team isn’t cutting it. Neither is bobbling punts when you were handed the role because Jaymar Johnson is hurt and Darius Reynaud now plays in the Big Apple. Plus our legit #1 WR, Sidney Rice, wants a new deal and all of your guaranteed money has been paid out.

Yep Bernard, it’s time to quit babbling and earn your Benjamins.

Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig