Freeman Unsure Why He’s Not Starting

Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) huddles his offense during the final minutes of their loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won the game 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Every week, the Vikings seem to make a decision about who their starting quarterback is going to be.  Every week, it seems like Josh Freeman isn’t a part of that discussion.  Recently, Freeman was asked why by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

"Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O“I don’t think there’s any concrete reason,” Freeman said. “I think they want me to get more fluent and continue to understand the system, and I’m continuing to do that, learning a lot. I’m watching a lot of film and staying in these game plans. If you ask coach and he feels he wants to go with the other guy, . . . coaches are paid to coach, and players are paid to play.”"

Freeman danced around questions as to whether or not he will stay with the Vikings after this year.

"“Who’s to say — it’s out of my control, so I’m just controlling what I can control,” he said. “If they call on me, I think I’d be ready to go. But at the same time, it’s not really my call. I’m here to support Matt or Christian, whoever’s in, and continue to just grow in the system. An NFL offense — I know you guys really haven’t been around them — but they’re pretty complex. There’s a lot of ins and outs, different layers, stuff they might have run earlier in the year that’s a pretty hard concept. They adjust for a certain week. There’s a lot to take in. It’s been fun learning it. Of course, as a competitor I want to play. But I’m a guy who’s just going to work my butt off until that opportunity comes. Will that opportunity come again? I’m not to say. I hope it does, but you never know.”"

It has yet to be seen if the Vikings will move forward with Freeman, Cassel, or look to the draft for next year’s starting quarterback.  In the meantime, Minnesota will continue to evaluate Freeman in practices and non-game situations.