Fantasyfootballer.com's Gridiron
        (https://www.fantasyfootballer.com/cgi-bin/theGridiron/YaBB.cgi)
      

        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Vikings Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: StegRock on Mar 14th, 2003, 12:32pm)
Title: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 14th, 2003, 12:32pm
Don't know who will perpetuate this thread or how it will remain maintained.  But, I, nonetheless, thought that the piece linked to below from "the Gridiron Newsstand" is a great way to kick off such a thread:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/3754795.html.

Anyone out there wanna' pick up the ball and run with it here, have at it! [smiley=bow.gif]
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 15th, 2003, 2:59pm
Okay... I will go ahead and update this sucker. :-/

It looks like Jeff George is finally on someone's radar screen, and I, for one, believe deservedly so.  In any event, he had some of his greatest success in Minnesota, both statistically and as far as leading a team is concerned.  Randy Moss really likes Jeff, and we all know about the "sugar-coated-over" acrimony between Culpepper and Moss.  I tell ya' right now, I prefer George's going to Baltimore where I think he would be the starter, but Minnesota is probably his best choice as far as being a backup.  If Culpepper falters (again) or he gets injured and George gets a chance to hit the field there, they might not get him off.  Here is the LATEST on the sitch by way of "the Gridiron Newsstand" and ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0314/1523926.html;

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/3756679.html;

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/5398715.htm.

Any takes, fellas (besides just trash-talkin' 'n hatin' [smiley=spcartman.gif] )?
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 17th, 2003, 3:10pm
Looks like I am becoming the honorary Vikings fan/correspondent 'round here.  As many of you might know, I have always stood up for Jeff George, who I believe has gotten a bad rap much worse than he has deserved.  Anyway, as per the latest report out of "the Gridiron Newsstand", Moss ain't goin' nowhere; George could very well be on his way in along with Cris Carter [smiley=ohshit.gif] , a reunion tour of the '98 Vikings may be in the works: [smiley=hmmmm.gif]

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/5411965.htm.

Any thoughts, guys?
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 18th, 2003, 1:48am
The Vikings are leaning more and more toward signing George as their backup.  Makes sense, though I would rather see George make a push for the opening in Baltimore.  Here is the LATEST HOT off "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/3762675.html.

As for filling that vacant #2/3 receiver hole they have, contrary to the piece brought up in my prior post, this article reports about the Vikings interest in free-agent WR Oronde Gadsden.  I actually think that could be a nice fit.
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 19th, 2003, 1:14pm
Well, as ripped off "the Gridiron Newsstand", Jeff has a contract on the table from the Vikes:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/5425185.htm.

They prefer him to Gus Frerotte.  I would, too!
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 19th, 2003, 8:30pm
Preference aside...  The Vikes end up with the more economical guy.  George is now free to go hound his agent to pursue the Baltimore job.  In any case, here is the latest out of "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/3767586.html;

http://www.vikings.com/News/GusFrerotteSigns319.htm.

Whatever!  I suppose he'll make a nice backup in this system.  Vikings fans, just pray he doesn't have to start for any extended period of time.  He's junk... couldn't even do what he was brought in to do last year, beat out Kitna, and he barely staved off Akili.  Hopefully, George will take advantage and move on... to testing the waters in Baltimore. [smiley=yes.gif]
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Mar 25th, 2003, 7:23pm
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-vikings-claiborne&prov=ap&type=lgns

A little something to add to the fray, the Vike sign LB Chris Claiborne, who has the potential to be a very good LB in the NFL and is an instant boost to a porous Vike's D.
Title: Re: Vikings Early Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Mar 27th, 2003, 1:53pm
Big news in the Land of 10,000 Lakes...

http://www.theredzone.org/news/032703.asp

Michael Bennett has a broken foot.  Prognosis is 6 weeks to full recovery.  Probably shouldn't affect his draft status too much...
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Apr 16th, 2003, 1:37am
Vikes 2003 Draft Preview off the Real Feed!


http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN2545323.htm
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Apr 17th, 2003, 11:12am
What is that piece currently second on "The REAL Feed"?  Are my eyes deceiving me?  The words "Culpepper" and "trade" actually in the same sentence!  Here is the story as it was ripped off "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/3831071.html.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Apr 18th, 2003, 12:52am
:o Mind boggling...
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Jun 5th, 2003, 6:19pm
http://espn.go.com/nfl/overview/vikings2002.html

Off-Season Overview
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Jul 9th, 2003, 9:26pm


Just got this email from KKFL...will try to find some more info on the Gridiron Newstand asap!!!

VIKINGS' BENNETT'S SEASON IN JEOPARDY?
Updating ongoing reports, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports Minnesota Vikings RB Michael Bennett (foot) sought a second opinion on his surgically repaired left foot on Wednesday, July 9. According to sources, the results weren't promising. An examination by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C., showed Bennett's recovery from a "Jones fracture" isn't going as quickly as anticipated. Anderson hasn't recommended a second operation yet, and will attempt to help the healing speed up through non-surgical treatments. Depending on how the foot responds between now and the beginning of the season will dictate whether or not Bennett could miss a portion - or all - of the upcoming season.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 9th, 2003, 10:01pm
Well, HOT off "the Gridiron Newsstand", here is the original report on Bennett's foot injury from a LOCAL source covering the Vikes:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/6260753.htm.

This is HUGE news!  WOW!  Different injury, but this is like Robert Smith all over again!
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Cirrinone on Jul 9th, 2003, 10:38pm
Obviously Onterrio's value goes up big time but anyone think Chapman's value goes up to the point he may actually get touches this season? I pick soon; it's the 21st round in a 16 team league.

Would you take

Chapman (see above)
Burleson (expected to get 35-50 catches THIS year)
Eric Parker (may get the #2 as Dwight was officially moved to the slot and he has the inside track on Reche)
Aveion Cason (with Hambrick on roster and Wiley gone, Cason showed flashes last year and was brought in by the same offensive coordinator he played for last year... hmmmmm)
James Fenderson (one of the only backups to a stud left-McAllister)
Jesse Chatham (the other backup to a stud left- Tomlinson)
Robert Holcombe (I can't help but think they'll play him before Chris Brown if George struggles)
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Jul 9th, 2003, 10:51pm

on 07/09/03 at 22:38:50, Cirrinone wrote:
Chapman (see above)
Burleson (expected to get 35-50 catches THIS year)
Eric Parker (may get the #2 as Dwight was officially moved to the slot and he has the inside track on Reche)
Aveion Cason (with Hambrick on roster and Wiley gone, Cason showed flashes last year and was brought in by the same offensive coordinator he played for last year... hmmmmm)
James Fenderson (one of the only backups to a stud left-McAllister)
Jesse Chatham (the other backup to a stud left- Tomlinson)
Robert Holcombe (I can't help but think they'll play him before Chris Brown if George struggles)


Is this a keeper league?  If so, take Burleson.  I honestly don't know who I would take in a redraft league.  Just playing a hunch, I'd go ahead and give Chapman a try...
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 9th, 2003, 11:04pm
Depends on your needs, but I would suggest the same thing Philly suggests if this is a keeper league.  As for the RB's, though, I would go with Holcombe over Chapman or any of the others.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Cirrinone on Jul 9th, 2003, 11:22pm
Well it's a keeper league but we only keep 3 so that's almost irrelevant.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Jul 9th, 2003, 11:32pm
I love Burleson, but not to really help a team much this year.  Next year he could be huge!  Best case scenario for Burleson this year is to grab 30 passes and maybe get a couple TDs.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by DOLFAN on Jul 10th, 2003, 12:18am
I read yesterday that Bennett had "soreness." THANK GOD that he doesn't play for the Chiefs. [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif] I still am amazed at the lack of ANY news from the KC camp about Priest...anyway, back to the order at hand.
I never had any intentions of have Bennett  on any of my rosters. I moved O. Smith up into the top 20 RBs. I did not know that his injury was this bad, but a foot is not like a knee ala Javon Kearse. How long did he miss, and will he ever be the monster that he was before???
I like Bennett, but O. Smith will do just fine. I sincerely believe that the Vikes did not think it was a major issue, or they would have taken a RB much earlier in the draft. Not to be mean to anyone, but i had kinda hoped that some RB would have issues on a team that drafted the rookie RBs at BARGAIN levels in the draft. That way they get a fair shot to produce and gives us FFLers someon to get hyped about besides the QBs and WRs. O. Smith will be the talk of the FF sites now the rest of the summer. I like most of the rook RBs, O. and Musa Smith, Suggs(inj), Willis(inj), LJ and Pinner. Unfortunately we prolly were going t have to wait 2-3 yrs down the road to how good this class really is/could be. I saw Barlow/Lamont Jordan all over again.
I would also be willing to bet that some guys will take backup Rbs earlier than usual now just on this news. The "sleeper" list just got a bit longer.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 12th, 2003, 1:48am
How 'bout this report that is currently toppin' "The REAL Feed"?

Ephedra costs Vikings TE Chamberlain four games
NFL.com (11.07.2003 23:10)  
Minnesota tight end Byron Chamberlain tested positive for ephedra and the NFL suspended him for the first four games of the regular season.

Things are really startin' to go downhill for the Vikes here in this sunset of the offseason.  I will say this, though.  They are proovin' the genius of us Gridironers, especially the CBFLers.  First, Tony smartly has a hunch to back up Bennett with Onterrio Smith, and Moe Williams gets drafted to boot.  Also, we ALL avoided B. Chamberlain like the plague.  I said that I did not like that guy (he was one of the two I was referring to during the CBFL draft, the other being Eric Johnson).  We got it goin' on on "the Gridiron"! [smiley=thumbsup.gif] [smiley=groove.gif]
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 22nd, 2003, 1:43pm
How's about this morsel found on "the Gridiron Newsstand"? ...

Former Carolina running back Tim Biakabutuka will work out today at Winter Park. Biakabutuka, selected eighth overall in the 1996 draft, ran for 718 yards and six touchdowns in 1999, his best season. Highland Park High School graduate Ben Coleman and cornerback Travis Coleman also will work out.

Here is a link to the whole piece, but that is the only excerpt that regards Biakabutuka as it is a general Vikings report:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/6354499.htm.

What do you guys think here?  I personally have always felt that Timmy did have the skills to be a top-flight NFL back if he could just stay healthy.  He may be too far-removed at this point, but if he does still have those skills, I think he would be a GREAT fit in Minnesota's offense.  Of course, on the other hand, that turf in the dome probably won't be easy on his fragile knees and feet. [smiley=shrug.gif]
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by DOLFAN on Jul 22nd, 2003, 11:48pm
You can never have enough depth, just ask GB and the Bills. Why not i always liked Timmy B, he just couldn't stay healthy. With the guys taken/signed this year ya never know. This appears to be a sign about Bennett already. Maybe they get someone, maybe not. Either way i think they get another RB in next years draft.

Hell i think Cecil COllins gets out in 10 yrs or so, maybe someone will sign him too in 2013 season!  [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif]
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by PrimeTime on Jul 23rd, 2003, 12:28am
This situation gets worse and worse from a Fantasy Football perspective.  I have a feeling that Smith is going to go way too early in most drafts.  I think he and Chapman will be splitting time most of the season.

I wonder what this does for Culpepper and Moss? [smiley=uh.gif] [smiley=uh.gif] [smiley=whatever.gif]

I, for one, am expecting big things from both of them this year and I would love to have either one on my team.  I have Culpepper ranked as my #2 QB (my scoring system does not deduct for INTs) and Moss as my #2 WR.  (I know, I'm really going out on the ledge with those two rankings ) [smiley=hellyeafunny.gif]


I don't think the loss of Bennet hurts either player and may actually give their production a boost!!
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 23rd, 2003, 2:09am

on 07/23/03 at 00:28:13, PrimeTime wrote:
I think he and Chapman will be splitting time most of the season.


The only thing I am going to say here, and not that I completely disagree with PrimeTime at all, quite the contrary, Doug Chapman sucks.  They ought to and will give Smith every chance to win the job, and unless he is quite incompetent, he will be their starting tailback come Week 1.  If not, I think they should really consider Timmy B. seriously, though I don't think it will come to that.  As for Onterrio's value come draft day if he is the clear-cut starter, mmmm... similar to Bennett's.  He'll get the yardage, maybe not quite as much, but touchdowns will come few and far between.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by PrimeTime on Aug 7th, 2003, 12:50pm
Bennett to miss whole year??


Quote:
According to St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter Bill Williamson, the Vikings have pushed back the timetable on Michael Bennett's return this season as a precautionary measure.
That's if the team's starting running back returns at all this season.

With that possibility looming large, the team has delayed the removal of the cast on his left foot, which will delay his rehabilitation. The Vikings originally wanted the cast removed next week; instead it will be closer to the end of the month.

The Vikings will wait until Bennett begins rehabilitation to set a timetable on his return. Head coach Mike Tice said the best-case scenario is the end of October, meaning he would miss at least seven games. The team had hoped Bennett would be back after the Vikings' Oct. 12 bye.

Bennett hasn't had a setback since a surgical procedure last month, but he said physicians want to ensure he is completely healthy before getting him back on the field.

"We just decided to go slow, slow, slow,'' he said. "I feel I'm on the same timetable and there hasn't been any problems, but we want to make sure I get healthy. There is no point of rushing it, although I can't wait to get back on the field... . But each time the doctors have looked at the foot recently they say things are coming along fine.''

Tice said the team is planning as if Bennett might miss the season, but added that the slower approach is aimed at enhancing his chance to return.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by komments on Aug 7th, 2003, 1:05pm
MANKATO -- The summer-long competition to replace injured tailback Michael Bennett will move to the next level when the Vikings' preseason schedule opens Saturday at the Metrodome.

Doug Chapman, who returned to practice Wednesday after missing two days with a sore hamstring, will start against Jacksonville. Coach Mike Tice said he will play his top four running backs -- Chapman, Moe Williams, Onterrio Smith and Larry Ned -- behind the first-team offensive line.

"Doug is going to get a lot of work," Tice said.

Chapman's injury allowed the Vikings to get extensive looks at Smith and Ned during an intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday night. The two combined for 16 yards on 10 carries. Williams, the team's short-yardage and third-down back, will play briefly Saturday, Tice said.

+++

Ned looked very good in an earlier scrimmage (70 yards - 10 carries) and Smith has had his moments.  Right now popular opinion is that Smith will get the nod eventually.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 7th, 2003, 1:35pm
Great post there right above by our newest member and LEGENDARY FF Great [smiley=bow.gif] (by the way, friend, make sure to check your "private messages"; link is in the upper right-hand corner)!

Anyway, enough [smiley=moon.gif] :-* ! ;D

My quick take is that Chapman is simply just not that good of a football player.  Whenever I watch him, I just think he's not fast nor does he have any kind of burst; he doesn't have good field-vision; he's not agile; he runs too straight up; he goes down [smiley=gettinridden.gif] to easily; etc., etc.

As for Smith, Ned and Williams, well, Smith will get every chance in the world to be "their guy" this year, period.  He'll either succeed or not.  If he doesn't, Ned might get a chance.  But, again, don't get to "starry-eyed" with offseason workouts.  I recall guys like Ben Gay and many others, who were offseason wonders, but may never see an NFL uni ever again.  To me the biggest benefactor and slyest pick-up may actually be Moe Williams.  He has been with Minnesota for years, except the one he spent with former Minnesota offensive coordinator Brian Billick in Baltimore, and, as such, knows the system inside-and-out.  He will at least be their main rushing touchdown threat and his TD-vulture numbers should only go up this year, and if Smith doesn't work out, I think Williams would get the first look over Ned, despite their being different kinds of backs.

Smith will go high in fantasy drafts; he probably should, but NOT TOO high as his TD numbers will be limited.  Williams is a nice late pick, a REALLY nice one in TD-heavy leagues.  Ned will probably be available in free-agency.  Chapman is an eternal waiver-wire pick-up and a poor one at that; he will do nothing more this year than in years past.  Draft accordingly!
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 14th, 2003, 3:29am
Not the newest of news, but thought it needed reporting here in "the Red Zone".  As per local sources from "the Gridiron Newsstand", it looks like another lost soul is going to join the unemployment lines:  the D.A. experiment is finally over and I am fairly certain that we will never see him in a football uni ever again.  Here are the stories, which also include some other training-camp notes:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/6519186.htm;

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/4039313.html.

In other newsworthy news, here is a Viking RB update for ya's:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/nfl/minnesota_vikings/6519188.htm.

Bottom line, Onterrio will be the starter by Week 1. [smiley=yes.gif]
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Aug 25th, 2003, 2:39pm

on 08/14/03 at 03:29:48, StegRock wrote:
Bottom line, Onterrio will be the starter by Week 1. [smiley=yes.gif]


Just to follow up on this...

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/4059550.html

This story indicates that Mike Tice has decided that Moe Williams will start at RB in week one.  He said he was leaning that direction all along and that Onterrio Smith is not yet ready and needs some more work.  Moe Williams will not play in the final pre-season game while Smith will get a lot of carries.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Razzak on Aug 25th, 2003, 3:19pm

on 08/25/03 at 14:39:02, Philly wrote:
Just to follow up on this...

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/4059550.html

This story indicates that Mike Tice has decided that Moe Williams will start at RB in week one.  He said he was leaning that direction all along and that Onterrio Smith is not yet ready and needs some more work.  Moe Williams will not play in the final pre-season game while Smith will get a lot of carries.


Could be a Barlow type situation, where Smith is probably the better runner but if he's on the field he's a liability in the passing game.

Just speculation, at this point.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by mattman on Aug 26th, 2003, 5:52am
Moe simply is not an "Every Down" back, but he is a heck of a 3rd down/short
distance guy. especially around the goal line as he was proven last year, something
similar was done in Jacksonville last year by stacy mack.

OK so Moe has been named the starter, I still see Smith taking most of the
carries.... a definite RBBC....
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by DOLFAN on Aug 26th, 2003, 7:35am
IT sure looks that way. O. SMith prolly still needs work on his blocking, as does Barlow. I wonder where Chapman fits into the mix? Either way it will be O/Smith before too long.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Aug 26th, 2003, 8:43am

on 08/26/03 at 07:35:00, DOLFAN wrote:
IT sure looks that way. O. SMith prolly still needs work on his blocking, as does Barlow. I wonder where Chapman fits into the mix? Either way it will be O/Smith before too long.


Chapman is injured right now, albeit not too seriously, but that takes him out of the immediate mix.
Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 28th, 2003, 12:38pm
Elling wins the kicker battle for the Vikings: http://startribune.com/stories/503/4061479.html

Not a big deal, but good to know just in case.


Fantasyfootballer.com's Gridiron » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.1!
YaBB © 2000-2002, Xnull. All Rights Reserved.