The debut of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman on Monday against the New York Giants didn't go well. In light of Freeman getting another start on Sunday, the Vikings appear set to use the season to evaluate whether Freeman is worth signing to a new contract next year.
Minnesota's offense failed to score, and Freeman struggled to connect with receivers in his first game as a Viking. The 25-year-old signal caller completed just 20 of 53 passes for 190 yards and one interception; 16-of-33 passes were overthrown, according to ESPN.
"The ball kind of sailed on him a few different times, but I don't think it was a lack of preparation," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said, via ESPN.
Frazier attributed Freeman's poor performance to throwing mechanics, citing a number of passes thrown with the quarterback's shoulders not squared.
Frazier added (via NFL.com): "There was nothing I look back at that week in preparation that would have indicated that we would have come up with zero points from an offensive standpoint. One of my concerns was how he'd be able to get information in the huddle, relay plays at the line of scrimmage. We didn't have any mental errors in that area. It was more mechanical things."
Although Freeman will start again on Sunday, Frazier declined to commit to the Ex-Buccaneer as the starter for the remainder of the season. Still, Freeman is auditioning for a new contract next season.
Signed to a one-year deal, the Vikings (1-5) will use the season to evaluate whether Freeman is a fit in their system and can become their franchise quarterback - something Christian Ponder proved not to be.
