How does the DeFilippo hire affect the Vikings’ 2018 quarterback decision?
By Adam Patrick
Are the Minnesota Vikings less likely to re-sign one of their 2017 quarterbacks this offseason after hiring an offensive coordinator outside of the organization?
When the annual round of predictions for the 2017 NFL season from various publications were making their way out a few months ago, it’s highly unlikely that anyone envisioned second-year quarterback Carson Wentz playing himself into MVP consideration. Why would they?
Wentz was coming off a rookie year with the Philadelphia Eagles that saw him throw just 16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and average just over 235 yards per game.
But thanks to the relentless work done by Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo each week, Wentz was a 2017 MVP candidate right up until he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 14.
Wentz is the latest young signal caller to experience success under the guidance of DeFilippo, who will reportedly be hired as the new offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings’ new leader of their offense has worked with a number of young quarterbacks in his NFL coaching career including Wentz, Derek Carr, JaMarcus Russell, Mark Sanchez, and Johnny Manziel.
In 2009, he prepared Sanchez in his rookie season as much as he could and it resulted in the signal caller helping the New York Jets get all the way to the AFC Championship. Under DeFilippo’s guidance in 2014 with the Oakland Raiders, Carr went on to lead all rookie quarterbacks in passing yards and touchdown passes.
With DeFilippo as his offensive coordinator in 2015, Manziel showed a tremendous amount of improvement from what he did during his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns in 2014. And most recently, the work done by Minnesota’s new assistant coach in Philadelphia this past season allowed the team to still capture a Super Bowl win with backup Nick Foles as the their starting quarterback.
Based on his coaching history, it would be a safe assumption to make that DeFilippo may want to work with a younger signal caller for the upcoming season with the Vikings. Perhaps someone like Teddy Bridgewater, who is just 25-years old.
Most who follow the team know that Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer would love to see Bridgewater exceed his full potential and succeed as an NFL quarterback. It’s even possible that Zimmer and Vikings general manager Rick Spielman brought DeFilippo on board so that hope for Bridgewater can become something more of a reality.
If Minnesota’s choice for their new offensive coordinator says anything, it’s that the team will more than likely select a quarterback at some point during the 2018 draft. Based on DeFilippo’s recent success in working with Wentz and Carr as rookies, it seems like an opportunity would be missed if the Vikings did not draft a signal caller this year.
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For those pulling for Case Keenum to return as Minnesota’s starting quarterback next season, that scenario is not out the door yet either. DeFilippo has mentioned in the past that he wants his signal callers to be film junkies, always be looking for more ways to improve, and have strong character.
Zimmer may not be interested in bringing Keenum back next season (or Spielman based on the quarterback’s potential price tag). But perhaps DeFilippo sees something in the quarterback that he can work with and can help develop into more of a complete player.
No matter who the Vikings’ starting signal caller will be in 2018, they will definitely be in good hands with their new offensive coordinator.
Next: Where will Case Keenum end up in 2018?
DeFilippo may not be handed a quarterback next season with the most talent in the NFL. But Minnesota’s new offensive coordinator will work well into the night to make sure whoever is starting under center for the team in 2018 is given the best chance to succeed each and every week.