Jeremy Fowler, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn. –
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb is embracing his role as a full-time quarterback after serving as a hybrid quarterback/receiver/wildcat option for two seasons.
Coach Leslie Frazier said in February he wanted Webb to concentrate on one position. The team wants to maximize his value at quarterback and lessen his responsibilities. He’ll enter camp as Christian Ponder’s backup.
“It’s a great role to have,” said Webb on Wednesday, May 2, in between sets during an offseason conditioning workout. “Any time you can concentrate on one position, that’s always a positive.”
The Vikings are finally settling on an identity for Webb. Throughout last season, their intentions with him were unclear. Some games he would line up at receiver, some games he wouldn’t. He finished the year with one catch for 9 yards.
In early-season games against Chicago, the Vikings ran the wildcat package with Webb – which the team calls the “blazer” package – only to squander the rhythm of offensive possessions with a combined 1 yard on two carries.
Webb has stood out most when getting a bulk of the snaps at quarterback. In his first two games filling in for the injured Ponder, Webb completed 16 of 28 passes for 168 yards passing and three touchdowns along with 143 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Webb struggled in the season finale against Chicago, completing 17 of 32 passes for 200 yards and two interceptions along with 2 rushing yards.
Webb said he was “in a
way” relieved by Frazier telling him to focus solely on quarterbacking.
“But at the same time, I want to be able to do whatever I can to help the team win,” Webb said. “Any chance I can get on the field, I want to help the offense move the chains and score points. But right now, I’m just focusing on quarterback.”
