Moon Not Ready To Be Eclipsed Vikings Counting On Old Qb For Spark Against Seahawks
Warren Moon plans on retiring in the Seattle area someday.
Seattle defenders would like to subtly push the soon-to-be 40-year-old Moon closer to a work stoppage this afternoon.
Moon returns to Minnesota’s lineup for today’s Kingdome clash with the Seahawks after a week of mending.
The former Washington Husky has been dinged up all season, which is about normal on the curve for NFL quarterbacks.
“When a guy’s hurt in the first game of the season, two ankles and a foot, you know it’s going to be a tough season because it won’t heal until the off-season,” Vikings coach Dennis Green said. “There is no time to heal.”
Nope, just enough time to get back in the 80- to 90-percent range and take more punishment.
Moon and the Vikings have been taking their lumps lately. The momentum of a 4-0 start has dissolved with a three-game losing streak. Backup quarterback Brad Johnson directed September wins over Detroit and Atlanta, leading some Vikings backers to hope for a permanent change.
Johnson started and went 22 of 42 with two interceptions as the Vikings lost 21-6 to Kansas City last week. Moon was sidelined by a nagging ankle injury.
“I think it (Moon’s return) will be a big lift for the team and the offense,” defensive tackle John Randle said. “He’s a leader on offense and a lot of guys look up to him. Our confidence level has been shaken a little bit.”
Moon’s, too.
“I just haven’t been myself,” said Moon, who has only six touchdown passes after tossing a team-record 33 last season. “I haven’t been able to move as well as I want to.
“I can drop back and set, but if I have to make a quick move and set up again, that’s where I don’t have the mobility.”
None of it is age-related. It’s injury related, Green stressed. “He still has the physical body of a 29-year-old man.”
How? Moon takes better care of his body than he did when he was in his 20s.
“My wife’s a vegetarian, so I eat really good food. I have a personal trainer in the off-season who keeps me in great condition,” Moon said.
Minnesota’s production seemingly rises and falls with the running game. When Robert Smith trotted into the training room two weeks ago, the ground attack also left.
Minnesota has relied on Amp Lee (3 yards per carry) and Scottie Graham (1.3) before signing Leroy Hoard earlier this week. Two years removed from the Pro Bowl, Hoard’s with his third team this season.
“With the three backs, hopefully it’ll give us a chance to control the ball,” Green said.
Added Moon: “We have to throw more than we want to, probably 30-35 times and run 20-25 times.”
The Vikings are the league’s worst red-zone team. Minnesota’s 24 possessions inside the enemy 20-yard line have resulted in seven touchdowns and 12 field goals. The Vikings have scored five TDs in five games.
“We’re really sharp in practices and we get great effort from guys,” Moon said. “but it hasn’t been translating into games.”
Moon sounds as if he’s not quite ready for retirement.
“I’m not worried about that right now,” he said. “There’s a great chance I might not play anymore (after the season) on my own terms. But if I still wanted to play and they decide on Brad, I’m sure other teams would want me.”
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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Hawks vs. Vikings The game: 1 p.m. at Kingdome, Seattle Coaches: Seattle - Dennis Erickson, 12-13, second season. Minnesota - Dennis Green, 43-30, fifth season. The records: Seattle is 4-5. Minnesota is 5-4. The series: Seattle leads 3-2. Last week: Seattle beat Houston 23-16 as Michael McCrary blocked a kick, recovered the ball and lateraled to Robert Blackmon for a 61-yard touchdown return with 4 seconds remaining. Minnesota’s offensive woes continued in a 21-6 loss to Kansas City. The line: Seattle by 1-1/2. On the air Television: Fox, with Kenny Albert and Tim Green. Radio: KXLY (920 AM) with Steve Thomas and Steve Raible.