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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Vikings Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: StegRock on Mar 4^th, 2005, 12:38pm)

Title: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 4^th, 2005, 12:38pm

From "The REAL Feed":

Agent: Burress 'interested' in Minnesota (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/wires/03/03/2020.ap.fbn.vikings.burress.0388/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (03.03.2005 20:04)

Burress 'interested' in Vikes (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2004425&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233)
ESPN: NFL (03.03.2005 21:13)
Ex-Raven Taylor also visits Minnesota by Associated Press

Burress could be a wonderful replacement for Moss. Taylor... :-/

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 4^th, 2005, 12:51pm

not too sure burress would be much better. we just jetisoned the most talented receiver in football because of attitude and locker room problems. Do we really want to take on the problems again, with less talent (Burress).

Hey bsgsfan, is Burress the cancer I'm hearing he is?

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 8^th, 2005, 9:56pm

The Vikings continue their push to better the D, signing Smoot away from Washington. This is their 3rd addition so far this offseason.

http://vikings.kfan.com/sports/nflguide/local/story.aspx?content_id=EA97F48B-441C-4E20-A28C-A68C38C46128

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 8^th, 2005, 10:09pm

The article in your link talks about this. Wass-up, Cap? Any news?

"Vikings: Darius begs to join Purple
The News
Jaguars' safety Donovin Darius wants to be traded, and on Monday he identified the Vikings as the he would like to join. The 29 year-old veteran wrote a brief email to the Star Tribune in which he expressed his desire to be traded to Minnesota, and then engaged in a 30-minute conversation with one of the newspaper's reporters. 'Tell the fans up there that if I had my choice of any team in the league to play for, it would be the Minnesota Vikings,' Darius wrote. 'I've looked at every team in the league, and it's definitely the best fit for both sides. I promise that I will not ask for more than the market value of a long-term contract.' The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Darius in February.
Our View
Darius is so unhappy with his contract that he actually stormed into the office of Jags' owner Wayne Weaver and accused him of abusing the franchise tag. We can't help but wonder how Darius would get along with Vikings' owner Red McCombs, who is widely regarded as the cheapest owner in the league. The Jags are seeking at least a second-round draft pick in exchange for Darius, who has been given permission to seek a trade."

http://www.fanball.com/fb/playerNewsBreakers.cfm?pid=2434

I understand that the Jags want the #7 pick the Vikes got from the Raiders for Moss.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 9^th, 2005, 9:17am

the 2 scenarios I've heard have Jax asking for: 1) a 2nd rounder, or 2) The #7 overall (OAK) for #21 overall + Darius.

The second scenario is more probable, but the fact that the first one was floated lead me to believe the Jags want him gone period. The second scenario is probably the Jags starting price, and the first is probably the Vikes starting offer.

Don't completely believe in Darius' sincerity to want to play for Minny. He also sent an email to Miami, stating he'd really like to play for them too! I think he's trying to drum up fan support for a trade.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 12^th, 2005, 7:28pm

Vikes get Sharper:

http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=international_feed/05/03/12/GRIDIRON_USA-Minnesota.html

Not bad, Captain Purple ;D

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 14^th, 2005, 9:35am

yeah, it's a very refreshing off-season for Viking fans! This D is nearing viability as a starting fantasy D ! Add another safety or LB and this could be D you may look to ..... gulp... cant believe I'm saying this.... i'm all verklempt..... you may look to draft!

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by KillerKingSting on Mar 14^th, 2005, 11:53am

Wow!!!! what a secondary!!!!!! Winfield, Smoot, Sharper and Chavous. Thats like a dream team defensive backfield that is difficult to attain in this day and age of free agency.
This has got to up the stock of Minny's DLINE as well with so many great cover-men buying them time.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Mar 14^th, 2005, 12:50pm

on 03/14/05 at 09:35:07, captainpurple wrote:

I have (hate) to admit that I drafted the Minny D as a "sleeper" D last season... seems I may have jumped the gun by a year - but the cat is out of the bag this year and they'll be more in demand.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 15^th, 2005, 5:32pm

Not to be outdone, the Vikings Offense signed a FA today. It's only Travis Taylor, but it's another attempt to position the Vikings well coming into April's draft.

Vikes Ink Travis Taylor
http://vikings.kfan.com/sports/nflguide/local/story.aspx?content_id=40E7534A-E142-429F-9693-71F57BA6CDF0

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Mar 16^th, 2005, 9:08am

I think Taylor is a decent WR who would have been a bit better with better QBs in Baltimore - not to mention a less run-happy offense. His numbers will definitely improve in Minnesota and he could be a borderline #2/#3 fantasy WR in 2005.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 16^th, 2005, 1:57pm

Vikings continue to stay extremely active in free agency, today signing Brad Johnson to backup Daunte. This fills the hole left when Ferrotte signed with Miami.

Vikes get BJ ;D (http://vikings.kfan.com/sports/nflguide/local/story.aspx?content_id=95C0B45E-EF40-4176-92D8-D71D44BD09F3)

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 16^th, 2005, 8:47pm

With all of the FA moves, if the Vikes go with more of a balance in the running and passing games in 2005 (like the FF community is predicting all over the place) it looks like Wiggins will benefit a lot!

The stuff I see all over predicts that the Vikings will do more on the intermediate pass, get fast WR's, stretch the field and make Wiggins a very serious TE in 2005.

Thoughts, Captain Purple?

Your guys are looking very good. ;)

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Mar 16^th, 2005, 10:14pm

Yep, the Vikes are definitely going to balance out their attack. They want to get back to being the #1 or 2 rushing team in the league. But w/o Randy to force 2 defenders deep, it'll be alot tougher. Look for Ds to creep 8 and sometimes 9 up in the box until the WRs prove their mettle.

But I wouldn't expect them to cut down on their deep attempts and go to an intermediate route offense. Daunte, though I love him, is not very good if he has to go to 3rd and 4th reads. He also struggles when receivers and QBs have to simultaneously read coverage to determine routes. Alot of that has been taken out of the offense.

I don't see Burleson as a #1; I just don't have the confidence he can handle the increased coverage, i.e. Peerless Price. The Vikes will probably see a lot of man coverage to start off the year, until the WRs can prove they deserve doubles or 2 deep zone. This probably favors the TEs like Wiggins, who has the ability to burn LBs for big gains. But KSass is coming back and will cut into Wiggins' looks.

All in all, I don't see another monster year for Wiggins. Certainly not the 70 catch year of 2004. If healthy, KSass will grab at least 30 of those and 4-6 TDs. Wiggins' #s will suffer accordingly IMO.

GO VIKES!

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 17^th, 2005, 1:38am

From "The REAL Feed"...

Vikings Bring Back QB Brad Johnson (http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=sportsNews&storyID=7925168&src=rss/sportsNews)
Reuters: Sports (16.03.2005 19:44)
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (Sports Network) - Brad Johnson is headed back to where his NFL career began, as the veteran quarterback agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday.

Worth mentioning as I think Culpepper could be due for an injury. He's had a fortunate run. Again, I am not saying this at all because he is injury-prone. I am only saying this because of his somewhat "reckless-abandon" style of play and the fact that he has been pretty lucky on the injury front. On the other hand, he is HUGE! [smiley=pumped.gif]

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 18^th, 2005, 7:50pm

Vikes still working on the D, trade draft picks to Jets for Cowart:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7233945/

Title: 2 important signings for the Purple
Post by captainpurple on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 10:36am

I really like this Cowart trade. The Vikings get a 7th round pick back from the Jets if Cowart is injured in training camp or doesn't make the team. So it basically costs them nothing.

The Vikings are probably hoping Cowart can teach Thomas and Henderson how to take the week's gameplan and implement it on Sunday. But he should be a solid if not spectacular Mike for this year.

In other news...

The Vikings resigned Corey Withrow to be the backup center to Matt Birk. Withrow is not as good as Birk, but he could still start for 50% of the teams in NFL. He's an important backup as Birk missed several games this year due to injury, and with the Vikes looking to refocus on the run, they'll need a solid line.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Apr 21^st, 2005, 11:48am

Hi all! Just a bump to alert ya to the Draft analysis in the Viking Team Report.

And if you want a complete analysis, you have to check out the Gridiron NFL Draft Guide (http://home.comcast.net/~thegridiron)!

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Apr 21^st, 2005, 1:59pm

on 04/21/05 at 11:48:45, captainpurple wrote:

Nice analysis, although I'm not sure burnt-out rocker Ted Nugent is atop the Vikes wish list for kickers. Mike Nugent, however, could be a good choice. ;)

That last rumor is one I've been hearing a lot too - that the Vikes will select a RB if they stay put at #7. It's a bizarre world, this NFL.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Apr 21^st, 2005, 3:52pm

Thanks for the update Captain Purple. I would be amazed if the Vikings took an RB. Wonder who the hell started this rumor? Could they take a runner just to trade the other ones they have and acquire picks that way?

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Apr 21^st, 2005, 4:18pm

on 04/21/05 at 13:59:09, Philly wrote:

Nice analysis, although I'm not sure burnt-out rocker Ted Nugent is atop the Vikes wish list for kickers. Mike Nugent, however, could be a good choice. ;)

LMAO, that was supposed to read Mike "Ted" Nugent.

So much for proof reading!

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 11^th, 2005, 1:16pm

Onterrio Smith just doesn't get it.

He was stopped by airport security when a tube of toothpaste set off an alarm. Security then discovered vials of powder (dried urine) and a drug-masking kit called "The Original Whizzinator", designed to help the user beat a drug test.

Full story:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpZ2NvMjltBF9TAzk1ODYxMDU5BHNlYwN0aA--?slug=ap-vikings-smithdetained&prov=ap&type=lgns

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 12^th, 2005, 3:10pm

[smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]
Just what we need: Whizzinatorgate

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/05/12/SPGT1CNT491.DTL

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on May 12^th, 2005, 6:31pm

I sure hope Bennett has a good spring and wins the starting job. But it is probably going to be RBBC in Minny this season once again...

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 16^th, 2005, 11:50pm

The latest on the Smith-Whizzinator saga from "The REAL Feed":

Smith back on field after 'Whizzinator' incident (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/wires/05/16/2020.ap.fbn.vikings.smith.0476/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (16.05.2005 20:48)

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 17^th, 2005, 11:16pm

Philly, BW & Steg may have a point:

"Embattled Vikings RB misses developmental camp

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith missed the second day of developmental camp on Tuesday for 'personal reasons,' a team spokesman said."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-vikings-smith&prov=ap&type=lgns

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 18^th, 2005, 8:43am

Ciatrick Fason.

Remember the name.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 19^th, 2005, 2:48pm

Onterrio Smith excused from team indefinitely :o

http://www.startribune.com/stories/503/5412675.html

(Or just the rest of developmental camp ?.?.?)

"He's been excused from the rest of the off-season program and he'll be gone indefinitely," coach Mike Tice said Thursday. "I really can't speak about any reasons why or when he'll be back. It's in the league's hands. We'll leave it at that."

http://www.canada.com/sports/football/story.html?id=8f98f955-46db-4744-93ea-d6b5760deafd

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 19^th, 2005, 2:56pm

Now this!!!!

"Onterrio Smith Suspended for One Year! --

WCCO.com reports the National Football league has suspended Minnesota Vikings RB Onterrio Smith for a year. The reason for Smith's suspension was not immediately released. He will miss all of the 2005 football season."

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_139134656.html

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 24^th, 2005, 10:42pm

Vikings sign Edinger:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050524-1729-fbn-vikings-edinger.html

http://www.cbc.ca/story/sports/national/2005/05/24/Sports/edinger050524.html

Had to modify - Edinger in a dome. Wow. Nice for Captain Purple :)

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 31^st, 2005, 6:10pm

"Four-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, a mainstay of the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line, underwent hip surgery Tuesday that could sideline him all of summer training camp and perhaps jeopardize his availability for the start of the regular season."

"Birk is a key to coach Mike Tice's plans to return to the strong inside running game that Minnesota seemed to abandon too easily in 2004, when the Vikings too often turned to the pass and, thus, sacrificed offensive balance. If Birk is not available for the start of the season, five-year veteran Cory Withrow likely would start at center, in what figures to be a largely refurbished interior of the offensive line."

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ESPNSports/story?id=806952

"Birk Out At Least Three Months"

"Doing simple math, if the injury is on the short end of three months, Birk would return just in time for the season opener Sept. 11. If it turns out to be on the long end of the timetable, he would likely be shut down until after the Vikings bye week in Week 5."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=citadel-2_383406_63&prov=citadel&type=story

Week 5??? What's up, Capt. Purple? :o

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 7^th, 2005, 9:20pm

The latest on the Smith whizzing saga from "The REAL Feed". He is now facing a one-year suspension from the league, not just the team:

NFL suspends Smith for 2005 season (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/vikings/2005-06-07-smith-suspension_x.htm?csp=34)
USATODAY.com Sports - Top Stories (07.06.2005 15:45)
Vikings running back Onterrio Smith has been suspended by the NFL for the 2005 season for violating the league's substance ...

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Jun 27^th, 2005, 11:18am

on 05/31/05 at 18:10:20, Callie wrote:

Birk says he'll be ready for the opener:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/507/5473571-2.html

Birk is pretty important to the Viking OLine. The Vikings did resign Corey Withrow, who could start at C for many teams, so they're covered if Birk goes down again. But Withrow has had some poor games in pass protection and isn't as good as Birk at recognizing and audibling at the line.

If the Vikings are to return to power running game, they really want Birk leading the line.

The Capn

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Jul 22^nd, 2005, 10:31am

Some very interesting stuff coming out of an interview with Mike Tice this week!

At the top of the list for me is his assurance the Vikings will NOT become a power running team, but will remain a vertical passing team that runs the ball more effectively when they need to. WHAT!? This is a reversal from what he said earlier this off-season. Most likely, he used the running game comment to calm the outrage at trading Moss. Why trade the best vertical threat in the game if you plan on staying a vertical passing team?!

Anyway, stay tuned as training camp starts to see what reports come in, and check out the Viking Team report for individual news on Williamson & Bennett.

The Capn.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 22^nd, 2005, 12:34pm

What about Ciatrick Fason, capt.? What do you think about him?

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Jul 22^nd, 2005, 2:42pm

Fason is still a work in progress. He's got the raw ability to be a 2nd rounder, and could've been a top 15 pick if he'd have stayed at Florida for another year.

As is, he needs work at blitz pickup. [offtopic] Is it just me or does it seem like more and more talented RBs simply have no idea how to block anymore? And don't even get me started on tackling! WRAP UP PEOPLE! YOUR SHOULDER ISN'T BRINGING DOWN A 235# GUY AT TOP SPEED[/offtopic]

I don't expect him to see much more than special team play this season. Mewelde Moore is pleasing a lot of people and will probably see action as a starter this year when (yes WHEN) Bennett gets hurt. Moe Williams is still the goal line feature.

The Capn.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Jul 22^nd, 2005, 3:44pm

on 07/22/05 at 14:42:06, captainpurple wrote:

As is, he needs work at blitz pickup. [offtopic] Is it just me or does it seem like more and more talented RBs simply have no idea how to block anymore?[/offtopic]

The problem is that so many of the guys that do know how to block generally learn that skill because they aren't toting the rock and are blocking for another (feature) back or are involved in a passing offense where a stud RB won't get as much work. If they don't tote the rock enough (and they aren't a 250 lb. mauling FB), then they don't get noticed by the better colleges and the pro scouts. It's sort of a catch 22 situation. Occasionally you'll get a Ronnie Brown who has the opportunity to carry the ball, catch the ball, and block for another feature back, but those situations are rare.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 22^nd, 2005, 4:59pm

Philly, I'd like to hear your counterpoint to cp's position that Ciatrick Fason is not likely to be a fantasy factor. I know you like Fason. Many sources do, as well, such as Pro Football Weekly. I have come to, too.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Jul 24^th, 2005, 7:52am

I like Fason as a RB, as I'm sure the Cap'n does too. He's a hard-runner with good speed and enough shiftiness to make people miss. (I also agree that Fason would have been much better had he stayed in college an extra year.) But I think Fason can become a fantasy performer (in the latter stages of) this year. Let's face it, Michael Bennett is anything but durable. I think this could be his best shot as a pro because he is the clear #1 guy. His backup, Mewelde Moore, another guy I love (and rode a bit last year in a couple fantasy leagues), also does not have the right repellent to keep the injury bug away. Moe Williams (a third guy I love) is not going to be your feature back. He'll be the goal-line guy and a guy to catch some passes for you. So, if Bennett and Moore are hurt, Fason becomes the #1 back.

I believe if (when) Bennett gets hurt, then Moore is the #2 guy, but will share some carries with Fason. If Moore also gets hurt, Fason could put up some very nice numbers.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 1^st, 2005, 5:50pm

Another key rookie signs... From "The REAL Feed":

Vikings agree to deal with Williamson (AP) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-vikings-williamson&prov=ap&type=lgns)
Yahoo! News: Democratic Party (01.08.2005 09:18)
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a contract with receiver Troy Williamson, the seventh pick in the NFL draft. The agreement with Williamson means that defensive end Erasmus James, the 18th overall selection, is the only Minnesota first-rounder without a deal. Williamson's agent, David Canter...

Given the situation he is entering, Williamson is one of the more intriguing rookies fantasy football-wise. Now that he's in camp, we'll see how "slow" they bring him along,... really!

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 4^th, 2005, 3:33pm

on 08/01/05 at 17:50:14, StegRock wrote:

Given the situation he is entering, Williamson is one of the more intriguing rookies fantasy football-wise. Now that he's in camp, we'll see how "slow" they bring him along,... really!

All indications are they're bringing Troy on quite slowly. As promised, they do not want, nor expect him to replace Moss. That's a good thing IMNSHO. I think that kind of pressure would hurt Tory just as much as a rookie QB getting lit up would.

I don't expect to see Troy starting until week 9-10, unless there's some injury problems. Maybe not even then if Taylor plays as well as Viking coaches are telling us he will.

Vikings will still run a lot of 3 receiver sets, and Troy is currently sitting #4 behind Burleson, Taylor & Robinson. If Robinson gets hurt (probable), we'll see a lot more of Williamson. But for now, they're content bringing him along as a rookie WR normally would be.

The Capn

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 8^th, 2005, 1:35am

This is good news for fantasy footballers who have Culpepper in keeper fantasy leagues and for Vikings fans... From "The REAL Feed":

Culpepper cashes in with new contract (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/8714043/rss)
CBS SportsLine.com NFL News (07.08.2005 18:32)
Daunte Culpepper has become one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, and the Minnesota Vikings wanted to make sure he's getting paid like one, too.

They're treating him right.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 8^th, 2005, 7:16pm

Everyone has pointed to Pepp as the undisputed leader on the team with Moss gone. I think this was done to reinforce that.

This has been in the works since January, which I believe would indicate the decision to let Moss go was probably decided by then as well.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 9^th, 2005, 11:09am

Vikings finally got Erasmus James into camp. This is really the last piece to the defensive puzzle. The Vikings hope James can be the elite pass rusher he has potential to become. With Kevin and Pat Williams in the middle and Udeze on one end, they are very tough vs. the run. Kevin Williams is a double digit sack man, so if James and Johnstone can combine for another 10-12, along with 6-9 from Udeze, they Vikings should rival Carolina for one of, if not THE best DLine in the NFL.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 10^th, 2005, 8:46pm

"Mewelde Moore spent time working with the top punt and kickoff returns units on Tuesday morning"

Just a tidbit for those setting the deeper draft boards. Avion Black, Troy Williamson and Ciatrick Fason are the other guys in the hunt for the kickoff return duties. [smiley=hellyeafunny.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] _{i said doodies}

Keenan Howry is having a nice camp, and could land the punt return job. Burleson did a lot of that last year, but surely won't this year as a #1 WR. It'll probably be Howry or Williamson returning punts.

The Capn

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 17^th, 2005, 8:05am

To follow up on something cp was discussing,... this is a curious read in the least... From "The REAL Feed":

The next Wes Chandler? Chandler sees it in Taylor (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/wires/08/16/2020.ap.fbn.vikings.taylor.0715/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (16.08.2005 17:44)

I always thought much... most of Taylor's slow start in the NFL was attributable to the team he was on. I think there is real merit to the opinion herein expressed.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 23^rd, 2005, 9:23pm

check out the Viking report....Bennett already doubtful for the opener!

Bennett a "long shot" for opener vs. Tampa Bay (http://www.vikings.com/news_detail_OBJECTNAME_TiceQuotes82305.html)

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 24^th, 2005, 6:45am

cp, everywhere I look, at the interview you linked to, on "The REAL Feed" and in your FF-specific Vikings Report, the discussion of Bennett's injury and the likelihood that he will miss their game Week One only talks about Mewelde Moore, who will start in his place. No talk of Ciatrick Fason at all! Where does he stand on the totem pole right now? How would an injury to Bennett that puts him out for an extended period of time affect Fason's role in the tailback mix?

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 24^th, 2005, 1:04pm

on 08/24/05 at 06:45:34, StegRock wrote:

Fason is out 2-3 weeks with an ankle. But he's not cruising up the depth chart as some had hoped anyway. He's still mired down as #4 behind M&M and Moe. If both Bennett and MM go down, Moe will start.

That may have changed had CF been able to showcase in the preseason more, but this injury will keep him buried for at least the first month of the season, and then Bennett is back. As such, don't expect Ciatrick to be more than a special teams guy til maybe late season. Even then, he'll probably need injuries to get a chance to show what he can do.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by prm on Aug 24^th, 2005, 8:30pm

i watched a bit of the vikes' game last week - oh my goodness - williamson is a BURNER - as fast a kid as i've seen in awhile...but i've also read taylor is looking good in camp - any insight on who would be the smartest nab off waivers for a #3 wr slot???

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Aug 24^th, 2005, 8:55pm

For what it's worth, this is the quote that is pretty much out there:

"Aug 20 2005 4:12PM

Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings WR Travis Taylor started at wide receiver ahead of WR Marcus Robinson for the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 19, which head coach Mike Tice said was more than coincidence. "I'd read into it," Tice said. "I put Travis Taylor ahead of Marcus Robinson three days ago. I didn't make an announcement about it. We've got to find ways of getting our playmakers the ball."

http://www.rtsports.com/php/draft-guide-player.php?PN=6860

In other words, nobody knows yet.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Aug 24^th, 2005, 9:13pm

on 08/24/05 at 20:55:49, Callie wrote:

In other words, nobody knows yet.

I'd almost guarantee Taylor will eclipse MRob's #s this year. Last year, MRob posted 8 TDs and 47 recs. I expect Taylor to hit 60-70 recs and 11 TDs.

To answer your ? prm, I'd be :o to find Taylor undrafted. He'll be the starting #2 by Week 3 if not to start the season. Williamson will probably elevate to 3rd by week 5 or so, and stretch the field for Burleson and Taylor. Taylor should go off the board around the 8th, maybe even the 7th in receiver heavy leagues, but if he slips....GRAB HIM!

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Sep 1^st, 2005, 2:32am

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Finally, from a LOCAL source, a report, currently topping "The REAL Feed", about promising rookie RB Ciatrick Fason, who will be starting the Vikes final preseason game:

Opportunity knocks for quick-healing Fason (http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/12518815.htm?source=rss)
St. Paul Pioneer Press: Football (01.09.2005 00:19)
Most college football players are thrilled to hear their names called on NFL draft day. When Ciatrick Fason, a running back out of Florida, heard he was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round, he looked toward the heavens.

Really,... if this guy gets some PT at RB, the Vikes are gonna have a hard time justifying taking him off the field.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Sep 5^th, 2005, 9:25pm

KRob may go to the Vikes! :o

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/5598034.html

Not official yet. But it looks like it could happen.

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Sep 7^th, 2005, 1:14am

K-rob has gone to the Vikes... according to what's currently atop "The REAL Feed":

ROBINSON GETS CHANCE WITH VIKINGS (http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/05/09/06/GRIDIRON_USA-Minnesota_Vikings.html)
Sporting Life: NFL (06.09.2005 22:49)
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed a deal with troubled wide receiver Koren Robinson.

What does this do to the respective values of their current fairly-well-stocked receiving corps of Burleson, Taylor, M-Rob and Williamson? ?.?.?

Title: Re: Vikings Offseason Report
Post by captainpurple on Sep 7^th, 2005, 11:39am

on 09/07/05 at 01:14:39, StegRock wrote:

What does this do to the respective values of their current fairly-well-stocked receiving corps of Burleson, Taylor, M-Rob and Williamson? ?.?.?

Well, my slightly perplexed FF guru, you can check out the Viking Team Report for my analysis!