Are the Vikings Bad Recruiters?
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 15, 2010 4:24 PM CDT
in Vikings
99 comments
Dateline, March 2009: After visiting with Vikings brass at a swanky downtown steakhouse, a coveted Vikings free agent (T.J. Houshmandzadeh) decides to sign with the next team he visits on his free agency tour (the Seahawks).
Fast forward one year...
Dateline, March 2010: After visiting with Vikings brass at a swanky downtown steakhouse, a coveted Vikings free agent (LaDainian Tomlinson) decides to sign with the next team he visits on his free agency tour (the Jets).
Am I sensing a pattern here?
It seems the wine-and-dine treatment from Brad Childress & Co. doesn't work too well. Do free agents dislike the food at Manny's? Does Chilly only talk at the table with the menu covering his mouth like he does with the play chart during games? Does Pat Williams steal food off everyone's plates without asking? Does the fact that Childress looks like Mr. Noodle and Zygi Wilf looks like Wario work against them? I MUST KNOW!
Last year with Housh, the decision seemed to come down to one thing: money. Seattle offered more of it, so T.J. signed with the Seahawks. Fair enough, although Housh later admitted that he regretted settling for money and mediocrity over the chance at contending with Minnesota.
This year, the reasoning isn't as cut and dry. LDT's contract is for two years at $5.1 million, with incentives possibly pushing up the salary another $500k. Not exactly breaking the bank, especially when the reason the Vikings sat down with Tomlinson in the first place (Chester Taylor) garnered 4 years and $12.5 million from Chicago.
Perhaps LDT wanted a better chance at more playing time. AP is the man in Minnesota--hands-down, fumblitis be damned. Since New York just jettisoned Thomas Jones (pun intended), their running back situation is decidedly more up in the air (pun also intended). Tomlinson may have to share time with both Shonn Greene and Leon Washington in New York, but that share may be larger than the split he would have received with the Vikings.
(Note: I'm aware of Childress' "1 and 1A" comment regarding AP and Tomlinson, but I just can't buy that. LDT would have been strictly a third down back with occasional appearances split out wide.)
Or maybe he wanted to run behind a better offensive line. While Minnesota's o-line is still among the upper echelon in the NFL and an improvement over what LDT had in San Diego, they had some extremely sub-par moments and games throughout the season. The Jets' line is among the best in the NFL, as their #1 rushing offense in 2009 will attest to.
Either way, the Minnesota front office needs to work on their recruiting skills. They obviously aren't Mack Brown or Nick Saban when it comes to wooing people to join the team. If the NFL was a bar, the Vikings seem to be the horribly awkward guys from "The Pickup Artist" before Mystery has taught them any flirting tricks. (But seriously VH1, you chose the guy from the picture above to show nerds how to get women? I'm sure his techniques are proven, but I'm pretty sure his stuff works despite all the guy-liner and goofy clothes, not because of it.)
You can now stop dreaming of the potential "2007 Fantasy Super-Backfield" with Peterson and Tomlinson. It's 2010 now anyway. The Vikings have to move on to their next option, whatever that may be. Only time will tell...along with your voting in the poll and comments below of course!
Do we go after Brian Questionable Westbrook? Do we stick with Albert Young as AP's backup and focus our efforts (and money) on improving other areas of the team? Do we draft a running back?
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Disclaimer
I stole that “Childress menu over the mouth” joke from somewhere, but I couldn’t remember/find where I stole it from…if it was you or you saw it where I did, please take credit for it here.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 15, 2010 4:26 PM CDT reply actions
it was either Florio or Seifert
I remember seeing it too, but can’t find it. Which ever one it was, was saying their favorite reader comment was “I wonder if Chilly covers his mouth with the menu when he talks?”
If you can't laugh at yourself... Who can you laugh at?
The Packers, that’s who.
-- The almighty Manimal
Sounds right
I think it was Seifert, because I tend to glance over most of Florio’s “did I make this up or not?” stories.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 15, 2010 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Isn't it Obvious.
When the Vikings dish out their menu, which includes honesty and forthrightness ,the flavors pale in comparison to the dinners at the other establishments.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
next time
Just have Jared bring you something, LT=Housh=douche
No matter, brad is on his next mission, to snag the best RB available. Maybe the NFL store will start selling viking Westbrook Jersey’s next week too
I'm sure playing in a new stadium didnt hurt the jets chances either
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Questionable?
Brian Westbrook has never gained less than 4.0 ypc in an NFL season.
Brian Westbrook has never fumbled more than twice in an NFL season.
Brian Westbrook is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield, if not the very best in the NFL.
If Albert Young was really that good, he’d have been active more often and legitimately challenging CT for the 3rd down back role. Nobody is saying get rid of Young and/or Ian Johnson when voting for Westbrook, but assuming that either of those guys may be among the very best 3rd down backs in the NFL is unfounded at this point. Albert Young only managed 3.3 ypc vs. 3rd stringers and never-weres in the 2008 preseason and didn’t even get on the field in the 2009 preseason, so I doubt that he’s able to step up and fill CT’s role nearly as well.
I can understand why an NFL RB may not want to play on turf given the option of playing at least 1/2 his games on grass.
Questionable, as in health status
He has been listed as questionable for just about his entire career.
Yeah, he’s a good player when he’s not hurt.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Exactly
I L-O-V-E Westbrook when he’s on the field. Unfortunately it hasn’t been that often lately.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 15, 2010 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions
OK
So, logically, wouldn’t that one negative be minimized or eliminated altogether as the 3rd down/backup RB?
I hope so
Which is why I voted for the Westbrook option in the poll. :)
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 15, 2010 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I always marvel when people complain about Young not being good enough
I mean he may well not be, but to say that if he were better he would be taking Chesters spot on third downs is sort of laughable. I mean he sure as heck isn’t going to spell AD. and according to the Bears and 12 million little reasons Chester is obviously thought of as a damn good back, and I would say one of the best third down backs in the league. So your saying this guy a couple years out of college is supposed to take the spot of the best RB in the league and arguably the best third down back in the league.
I think you might be holding that candle a bit to high mate.
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
Seriously
You don’t think that Albert Young should have managed more than 3.3 yards per carry vs. 3rd stringers and guys who got cut from NFL rosters altogether?
Remember when the Vikes had Bennett, Moe Williams, and Mewelde Moore? Or the other version of that triple-headed monster with Onterrio Smith? Even Ciatrick Fason was able to grab more playing time in preseason and in the regular season than Albert Young has.
To many posters on this site, Albert Young is assumed to be a hidden gem because Chilly the Great found him in the supplemental draft and no amount of information about stats or lack of playing time can change certain peoples’ minds. There is no real basis to say that AY is good.
On the other hand, Brian Westbrook or LT2 were more effective starters than CT who also have the skill set to be a 3rd down back.
At least you acknowledge that AY may not be good.
Undrafted free agent, I think. Albert Young couldn’t take playing time away from Adrian Peterson. No big deal.
by medicineball on Mar 16, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I voted other
I keep saying to get Justin Fargas. Under-rated, released from Oakland and will come at a decent price.
by Odin on Mar 15, 2010 6:27 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree
He’s to be a decent RB too.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on Mar 15, 2010 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
One question...
Maybe I’m out of the loop, but who the hell is that guy in the picture?
by noblepete on Mar 15, 2010 7:21 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I was wondering the same thing
Apparently he is called “Mystery”. Do a google search for him and “pick-up artist”. Weird dude.
"I have seen women walk right past a TV set with a football game on and - this always amazes me - not stop to watch, even if the TV is showing replays of what we call a "good hit," which is a tackle that causes at least one major internal organ to actually fly out of a player's body."
It was a terrible show on VH1
That my fiancee made me watch when it was on. THAT guy told nerdy guys how to get chicks, and amazingly, it worked most of the time.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 17, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Is Willie Parker still available?
I keep hearing about Westbrook, LT, Fargas, and a handful of other RBs tat the Vikings should sign… yet I haven’t heard “Fast” Willie Parker’s name brought up yet. IMO, he would be the perfect back-up to AD. He’s only 29, is fast, and can catch out of the backfield. Not sure why this guy hasn’t been brought up yet…
by PurplePeopleEaters09 on Mar 15, 2010 7:47 PM CDT reply actions
Because now he's called:
“not as fast” Willie Parker and he doesn’t run that well between the tackles anymore.
The one thing that CT had above all the other RBs, that were available in FA, is that he pass blocks exceptionally well.
by midnightwonder on Mar 15, 2010 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Bad recruiters?
So that means Winfield, Allen, Shaincoe, Longwell, Hutchinson and Favre are to be included? Were these folks not brought in by the current leadership? Ok, so we didn’t get Houshman……….if we did, you can forget about having Harvin. No T.J., no biggie. Thats two against 6. Though I know Allen came in a trade, but they still pulled that off. Sure, I would have loved to see L.T. here, but realistically, knew it was far fetched beyond reality. I mean honestly, who remembers the guy that backed up Payton, Emmitt Smith or even Marcus Allen without looking it up? You have a great back, and have decent guys to block, do an occasional down or good enough to cover a few games. Now, as far as Westbrook, no. But I don’t mind the thought of Fargas or trying our guys waiting to step up. Whether or not L.T. does anything in N.Y. don’t matter and it won’t just like not having Housh here didn’t matter. Well, it did, we got Harvin.
"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"
Hopefully this works out for the best too
There’s no doubt that not landing Housh changed the makeup of our 2009 squad, almost certainly for the better. But seriously, Manny’s just isn’t getting it done these days! :)
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 15, 2010 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes
Winfield was brought in during the Tice years.
Shiancoe didn’t have very many teams pursuing him as a backup let alone as a starter. Also, he and Hutch were signed as RFAs, so it was purely a numbers game to get them. Favre had to be begged well past the deadlines that Childress had announced, which only underscores the lack of recruiting ability since Favre had initially wanted out of GB to play in MN. Jared Allen was also a trade acquisition who didn’t sign with the Vikings because he was won over.
This is not only about a backup position. The Vikings want RB#2 to be the 3rd down back. You may look up the backup RBs in recent NYG history (Jacobs and Derrick Ward backed up Barber, Bradshaw backed up Jacobs…all 3 are quality backs) as an example of what the Vikings’ backfield should aspire to be.
If LT fails...
It will become known as “The Housch Dousch Plague” You pass on the Vikings and a good situation and get burned in the end. In the meantime our other FA’s have shown great success. Well, Bernard-mediocre, Mad Cap Williams-a waste.
I favor inking Westy but he not only passes a physical, he runs a workout. He signs lower than what we would LT. Way lower. but with incentives. Maybe a bump to the head won’t hurt as bad if a million $ were involved in how many games he played and if he is healthy for the playoffs.
Other options were ineresting. What about signing Fargas and then going to the draft. Would Toby Gerhardt be a match for the Vikings as a 3rd down back. Seems he is not listed high on the draft board. Fargas could be a vet that could help.
Interesting the Westbrook reps don’t seem to be making any moves for visits. It makes me wonder if they are hiding something or is he getting in workout shape knowing teams are going to want to see how his legs are working???
well put
Williams was a bust, and if you look where we pick we might be in position to get Taylor Mays from USC he is a linebacker playing FS, just a thought and second has everyone forgotten we have ian johnson he had solid years all his time at Boise st he can play ball dont forget that
by mad_wacker39 on Mar 17, 2010 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Toby Gerhart
In all our posts about which running back we should go after never has Toby been mentioned. Why wouldn’t the Stanford kid work great into our program for a third down back. Also I just seen that Favre was heavily involved in the recruiting for LT could that mean he will be back??
by Tswing on Mar 15, 2010 10:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I think I did :)
Toby is rated low for what ever reason. Lke I say with Tebow- He has cerain intangibles not alone that he can block, catch and has amzing break away speed. He refuses to go down.
Vikings could steal this guy by moving up in the 4th.
Can you believe he is rated that low. It may be his initial 1st step is not what you see in other premeier backs but AD has a 1st step and often gives up at the line of scrimmage. This is not my evaluation but Boon Boom Browns. He is a back that will put the power on high when he has busted a hole. Gerhart wil smash the line, pick up what he can and if the hole opens he turns on the jets. His speed is under rated
by CitrusFLViking on Mar 16, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I already mentioned this before. I don’t mind if we draft a running back I just don’t want it to be with one of our top three picks. I honestly never really knew much about Albert Young but after watching some game tapes from Iowa I wouldn’t mind seeing him get more playing time. If we can also scoop up Brian Westbrook for cheap I would like to see a three man squad of Purple Jesus, Westbrook, and Young.
I'm for Young.
Let’s focus on the offensive line. The backfield will be improved by proxy.
Did I use that right? Screw it, you guys know what I mean.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
by FarvaForTheVikings on Mar 16, 2010 12:29 AM CDT reply actions
No New Stadium, Didnt offer A lot of money, Purple Jesus in the backfield
No proven QB with the Vikings (Favre is con committal) and NY vs Minnesota. C’mon, be realistic, once he left Minny, I knew he wasnt going to sign with us.
Skol Vikings!!
it worked before
AP had his best days with Tony Richardson and so did Thomas Jones. He’s old but he has enough left in the tank for two years at least.
Regret?
Is anyone regretting that we DIDN’T get Houshmanzadeh? I don’t think so, because if we would have gotten him we wouldn’t have gotten Harvin. I’ll take the rookie of the year 2009 rather than biggest bust of 2009, and everyone should agree with me. The Jets made a monumental error in making it seem like they needed to get LT instead of keeping Thomas Jones. They had what they needed, and I’m going to laugh very hard when they do not make the playoffs. Or if the Vikings beat the Jets in the Super Bowl :). I’d really like to see us take a shot at an RB in maybe the third or fourth round.
Maybe
The Vikings could have had Housh and a really good CB like Vontae Davis or Darius Butler, or Housh and C Eric Wood or T Michael Oher.
I’m curious to see what the Vikings do with Harvin in the next 2 years. Will we see more 3WR formations? That would be great, but I doubt it. More copycat plays? Harvin’s potential is so much greater than as a gimmick guy and a returner.
Meh. Houshmandzadeh was 32 year old possession receiver at the time had only cracked 1,000 yards twice. Also he got 15 guaranteed and 40M for 5 years. Can’t say the Vikings missed out on much.
Hindsight on the draft is always tricky. I have to believe that if they really liked Loadholt and his chance of being there in round two the whole time so Oher wouldn’t have been drafted. CB wasn’t quite as pressing a need going into 09, so really it would have been Wood. I also don’t consider Bernard Berrian much of a player, I’d think Harvin is pretty much the #2 for all intents and purposes next year.
+12 to FanDan
Housh=No Percy so I’ll take that switch any day of the week.
I’ve written in across the comment boards, might as well spread it here too…
LDT made perfect sense to the Jets, and would have purely been a luxury here. Their line, their #1 run game, the marketing possibilities and NY in general, and more playing time amounting to better numbers; all pointed to the Jets for LDT.
We didn’t need him and our money is better spent elsewhere. CB, OG, DT, S, MLB are all much bigger concerns going forward. Not taking anything from Chester, because he made many key plays the last few seasons for us and I really like the guy. But RB’s are replaceable. If AllDay gets hurt, then it’s a bigger issue and we need someone else along with Young to carry the rock. That’s why a Westy or Fargas makes a little sense. I would turn to the draft which has a nice crop of backs this year.
As far as “are the Vikings bad recruiters…”
In a word, No. This front office has brought in more talent since Wilf took over than ever before in team history as far as I can tell. They aren’t afraid to open up the wallet to upgrade the team. But sometimes egos, playing time, weather, facilities, marketing, there are lots of other issues that sway people other than just money.
The fact is our QB situation has been questionable going into the last few years. Our stadium, practice, and workout facilities are sub-par compared to nearly every other city, and we live in a cold state in a mid-size market. Those all work against us, and despite all that, we’ve still managed to bring in a pretty great crop of FA’s the last few years.
Still lots of time to find the right pieces to the puzzle. Teams aren’t built in March.
Ap can handle third downs
He can ketch the ball and people would not know so easy that we are passing. Peterson needs to be used more! If the line can not make holes for him, just pass over the line to him. Yes he can catch! Just needs to keep the ball after the ketch!
reliability
He may be ABLE to catch, but can you trust him to catch. I just don’t believe he is reliable on 3rd downs, catching or holding onto the ball. His pass blocking and catching were no where near Chester’s. I’d rather know the 3rd down back can get the job done, rather than hope he (AP) can.
He can be an every-down back once his pass-blocking is better.
The main challenge he faces is that he gets too excited in games. He has to get into a a zone where he does not have anxiety but he is pumped up.
by medicineball on Mar 16, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
It's also about touches
The Vikings want a 3rd down back who has better receiving and pass blocking skills so that they may rest him some and limit his touches while having a back on the field who is arguably better in those situations.
Did AP’s partially torn ACL ever heal completely? I’ve never heard anything since.
forget LT and BW
Lets get willie parker and offer him something good if its money or what ever he would be the shit for the vikings behinde AP hell yea LETS START TALKING ABOUT GETING WILLIE PARKER come on vikings
by Raymond Cocuzza on Mar 16, 2010 12:56 PM CDT reply actions
Hmm...
I’d feel better about pursuing Willie Parker if it didn’t look like he was absolutely terrified of running between the tackles for the past 2 seasons.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 17, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
TRADE A.D
do you remember hersal walker trade? it got the cowboys 3 superbowls lets see if there are any takers for peterson !
Good point
I don’t want that to happen, but I’d understand if the Vikings did it and picked up a younger, healthier, north-south RB in the draft who won’t try to imitate Barry Sanders and get caught for so many losses.
Eric – I am going to rad & answer your question at face value:
Am I sensing a pattern here?I can’t speak to what you’re “sensing,” but if it is a pattern, I can tell you your “senses” are leading you astray. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE FOR TWO THINGS TO DEFINE A PATTERN.
I know that answer was a bit literal & rehtorical, but it illustrates my point well: you are overreacting/reading too much into too little data. Both literally and in the more causual sense of the word.
This reminds me of the threads in week 1 of last year where people were saying “OMG, Favre is never gonna try to throw a pass for longer than 10 yards!”
Adrian Peterson
1. Adrian N. Peterson. Dude the confusion alone would convert some 1st downs.
2. Kevin Faulk
3. Round 4-6 would be worth taking a look at, RB.
4. I just don’t think its something you draft for early, unless a legit top end talent falls into the collective laps. Also I wouldn’t mind trading a legit pick say our third for Jerome Harrison and a 5th or 6th. With his age, and apparent “not a feature back” label in Cleveland you have to wonder if they wouldn’t do that.
ericj69 rarely has anything interesting to say...
Sorry, Eric! It’s probably not your fault since we all know you’re not a very smart dude. In all seriousness, to be a team writer, one needs to have more skills than just the ability to write. You must possess certain level of intelligence, character traits, team spirit, and most of all football vision.
It seems to me, time after time, your reactions to a situation surrounding the Vikings that are sometimes not so favorable, are often dull and negative without all the proper facts to support your opinion. I suggest you write fewer blogs, with much more thoughts and depth. . . and please please please! Do your homework. Thank you very much.
If you dont like it dont read it
There is no need to say anything like that at all. Not sure why you feel the need to be a prick, but should the need arise take your mindless banter out on someone who deserves it. In the meantime, take everything for what its worth and quit being an idiot.
by noblepete on Mar 16, 2010 7:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Tofu, no need to be a jerk....
You’re entitled to your opinion, but getting personal, aggressive, and insulting about it, all in one post, is over the edge. Attack the ideas, not the individual.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
amen, brother...
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
by IABerserker1 on Mar 17, 2010 1:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I think that's a little harsh
But, yeah, you do have a point, he doesn’t really seem to directly talk about Vikings football directly per se. Most of his blog posts are more self-absorbed, i.e. it’s not about Vikings football, but what Vikings football means to him (haikus) … or about tangential off-field gossip/speculation, like this thing about free agents (or Chilly’s son’s DWI) … … .or it’s about about pro bowl selections feed his Viking pride … or it seems more motivated to make pop culture references than say anything illuminating about football, like this post (and sometimes bending over backwards to do it, like “ITunes of QB” thing, which I never did get).
Arguably you have to go back in to at least December (Bears loss) to find anything that actually more than tangentially talks about Vikings football, especially the Xs and Os. But I guess that’s OK, we have other posters here that are definitely capable of giving us our football meat & potatoes, still prepared in a tasty dish. I think it makes sense if you think DN as sort of like a football TV commentator crew: Gonzo is the play by-play, MilCardFan is the color commentator, and eric69 is like Tony Siragusa or Pam Oliver, someone they cut to every once in a while to either provide isolated tidbits, or else just a change of pace from booth play-by-play. Anthony21 is harder to classify, especially since he hasn’t posted much lately and what he did posted has kind of faded in my memory (although all of these comparisons are oversimplified, without a doubt).
So, I guess, just allow that although there isn’t much there in his blog posts that is of much use to you, he’s there to serve a different kind of audience and function, and he seems to do so well (based upon reply counts to his posts, and lots of people in their comments say they like his pop culture + football mashups).
uhhhhh...he he he......BOOOOM!!
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
This isn't the first time
Tofu has had negative things to say each and every time he comments on my posts. Dude, I write like this, get used to it or just skip them! Jackass.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 17, 2010 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
That reply (in particular the last word) was actually a lot more uncalled for than what he said.
While his words were critical, they were at least expressed politely. Your response was not.
Like I said, it isn't the first time
He’s called me names just about every time he’s commented on my posts. Not a big deal, I’m just sick of it.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 17, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
"Suckcess"
Freedom of speech is expected to work based upon the hope that most people over time will figure out on their own what material was actually worth reading.
Those who can, do; those who cannot do, teach. (Those who can neither do nor teach—yet simply can’t keep quiet—must take up being critics.)
As Dylan once sang in his Subterranean Homesick Blues: “…don’t need a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows.”
:(
As a teacher I must admit Elgar I really hate that quote from Wilde…. I can assure you that to teach properly is no walk in the park :D
On a different note I must admit that I agree with Eric, it takes bravery to have your voice heard and put your words up out there to be criticized; and Eric writes in the style he feels suits him, which is fine. As you’ve pointed out so eloquently “freedom of speech” is called that for a reason, and people equally have the freedom not to read a post if they so choose.
Eric, difference should be celebrated, not crushed! It’s how the world evolves!
I love ericj69’s stuff. Keep that shit coming! The South Park references in particular make my day.
I'm cutlassbob, and I approved this message.
Big ugly joker lips. Eye roll to the side.
by CanadianViking on Mar 21, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, ericj69, this should seal it for you. Anytime you find yourself using the exact same words as a major troll, it should worry you that you went too far :)
Uh ... yeah
I haven’t even gone to Acme since the Cardinals beat you, forget about actually posting. Pretty crappy job of trolling, lol. How many posts have you made here since then? Dozens? Hundreds? And look at stuff like your recent poll voting here, in your profile. Everything you say and think about Vikings is negative, like “next year Vikings are one and done in playoffs, etc.”
It’s all here in black and white: .link
Don't forget Ian
Don’t forget about Ian (marry me on the field) Johnson. Albert Young is good RB and should be given a chance to replace CT. I do believe they will draft a RB later in 5th or 6th round (we do have compensatory picks coming to us). And of course after the draft player will be cut. Besides back up RB is the least of Vikings needs or concerns “I hope”. Our SS and FS are mediocre at best and both CBs are less than 100%.
Ray will be a Viking, no one is going to sign him to a big contract and give up a draft pick. GO PURPLE!
Sportz70
Vikings Screwed Up
The effort the Vikings put into going after LT demonstrates, to me, that they know they have a hole in the RB corps which isn’t filled by Albert Young or Ian Johnson.
Now they may end up wasting a draft pick on an RB, when they had an excellent third down back in Chester Taylor, who is now playing for a division rival.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
I am so disappointed the Chester is a Bear! I was thrilled when I figured out he was going to be off the Vikings, but moving to another team in the division does NOTHING! I think losing Chester is going to be a tough blow for the Vikes, but there is lots of time to find someone. LT would have just been a stopgap and honestly I think he would have been a step down from Chester at this point in his career.
I say play AY
and get a3rd down back middle of day 2 or wait for cuts during the preseason. Just don’t want to see the Vikes throw alot of money at Westbrook just to fill the hole.
by SeanInEauClaireWi on Mar 16, 2010 9:23 PM CDT reply actions
Find a decent option in the mid to late rounds
I don’t know why, but I just can’t warm up to Young or Johnson
From the only TRUE North division
by thewild_viking_twins on Mar 16, 2010 10:30 PM CDT reply actions
Ask Housh
How he feels about his decision after LAST season…
Not bad at all
Vikings not bad recruiter,they got favre,berrian and allen.housh knew he made a bad decision when favre signed with the vikings and now L.T. will when favre return.
Ian Johnson
I say we maybe take a shot on a RB late in the draft but we should seriously give Ian Johnson a shot at it, the kid can play.
Forget About Westbrook ...
Westbrook is damaged goods one good hit and hes done .. besides i doubt he can even pass a physical… Why are the Vikings not going after a young and talented Justin Fargas .. He would make a good solid 3rd down back and he also has the ability to catch passes .. The way Fargas runs reminds me of Robert Smith … Great high stepping running back … Wake up Chilly and give this guy a try ..
by VikinginCalifornia on Mar 17, 2010 12:15 PM CDT reply actions
running back
How about Justin Fargus from the Okland raiders. He might be a good fit for the Vikings.
His name has been tossed around elsewhere
I like Fargas and I agree that he would be a decent fit and would probably come at a lesser price than most of the other FA names we’ve tossed around.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 17, 2010 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Albert Young as a 3rd down back
He was forgotten third man behind AP and CT but that doesn’t mean he can’t take over CT’s 3rd down role. Take a look at his stats from Iowa. 20-30 catches per year for over 200 yards. Nothing special until you think about Iowa’s offense. They are a run first team. In his final year he was first in rushing and 3rd in receiving. His receiving was just behind the #1-2 WRs. That shows that the coach trusted him to catch out of the backfield.
Albert Young at Iowa
Being a diehard Hawkeye fan I had the privledge of watching Albert showcase his skills. While not overly fast, he has a good skill set for a 3rd down back. Good hands, route running, agile, and in Iowa you have to know how to block. Not sure what his size is now, but can’t be more than 220 and he played over that weight in college. Give the guy a chance and he will suprise you.
I think there were a few factors:
1. New system to learn in Minny (Jets run a similar offense to SD)
2. Opportunity (He at least can dream about being a starter there)
3. Money (This is ALWAYS a factor)
Ultimately Minny just didn’t have enough balls in their court to make it work. Now the real question is, was he legitimately interested or was Minny just there to make the Jets pony up more dough?? Either way he was going to a winner from last year, both teams lost in the championship game so there was no real difference there. I think he still thinks he can start and he has that chance in NY (though not really if you ask me). Personally I don’t think he has that much left and the Vikings are probably better off starting to groom in the future of that role. It might be a step back for this season but they’ll be better off in the long run. We over at APC decided (for the most part) that LT wasn’t worth the cost and potential headache of wanting him in GB…not that our GM would go after him anyway though! haha
Lying in the weeds
I’m a little concerned about our relative inactivity. L.T. ’s options in N.Y. are better. Our staff has us going in the right direction with the draft & free agency. I think that will continue. We may well pick up a RB in free agency.
I just wish someone would post something new...
so that I won’t have to see that pathetic “pickup artist” toolbag’s face when I check my favorite site.
I had us picking up Gerhart
in the second round….. Heisman runner-up, never go down running style, and I think he would fit perfectly in our system…… we are deep at most positions….. but I still think he is worth a second round pick….. Wrong?, or right…… I wish I was watching the draft. but will settle with NCAA basketball.
SKOL
I agree Ricky – I’m all for gerhart I think he could be used very well in our system much like Florida did with p.harv Stanford did with t.gerhart I know it’s a stretch of an analogy but he’s a football player plain and simple I think gerhart and decker need to be in the purp and gold next year hands down also I seen on another site that Philly might be looking to do something with Andrews – barring he is healthy and wants to win we should look into that – it would be a good upgrade for sure
Tswing
by Tswing on Mar 18, 2010 11:01 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Peterson, Harvin, Gerhart
Does that sound like and intriguing backfield. AP does..well he does what AP does best, run to daylight. Percy is unpredictable, scrappy and very quick. Toby is a tank wearing a jersey. He is smash mouth short yardage back who is known as a good blocker and can also run to daylight. Gerhart and AP lined up in the I with Percy in the slot going in motion. How gets the ball and how do teams defend it?
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