REPORT: Vikings "have interest" in LT

Get B.W. he’s used to Chilly and the offense and seems more valuable to me, but from the Vikings point of view their thinking they need someone who’s gonna replace C.T. for the whole season not parts of it because of injury! So that’s why L.T. may be more interesting to the vikes!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/87033877.html?page=2&c=y

Even with the injury concerns, I’d take Westbrook over Tomlinson at this point. Westbrook is more accustomed to sharing a work load, is familiar with the offense and is has a diverse enough skill set to still be a contributor in lots of ways. Blocking, spelling Adrian and receiving (from the backfield and slot) make him a dangerous player still and the fact that he will be seeing Chester’s 9 touches a game greatly increases his chances of staying healthy IMO.

LT has Michael Jordan written all over him. He was great but can’t seem to let go of the past and move on, nor does he seem particularly inclined to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of stars.

Would would they let very good RB who’s familiar with the offensive scheme (Chester Taylor) go, only to use that money to sign an old, washed-up reject RB from the AFC who’s ego makes it difficult for him to fit through normal-sized doors?

He’s more durable and you’re going to need a back all season long not just the 6-8 games his body lets him play. LT with limited carries could be very good for us. LT resenting his limited carries could be very bad for us.

I think that’s all anyone is trying to say.

First, I am in favor of making AD the true #1 running back for the season. If he fumbles, keep giving him the ball. After a fumble is when he gets mad and runs even better. Give him the ball a lot. Give him the ball regardless of field position. Furthermore, if AD runs for 35 yards, don’t take him out of the game for the rest of the offensive possession, like Bevell has been doing. Sure, he is a bit tired then, but so is the defense, and AD is in better physical shape than most of the other players on the field. After that 35-yard gain, keep giving it to AD.

But what if AD gets injured, or becomes ineffective, or starts to wear down? Who will we turn to in the playoffs? The same dilemma confronted the Chargers for years. They would use LT to get into the playoffs, but by then, LT was so banged up that he was limited, and sometimes had to sit on the bench during his team’s biggest game.

If we go with AD in the regular season, and then start giving the ball to LT more down the stretch, one or both will be fresh and healthy for the playoffs.

LT would have to adjust to the zone-blocking scheme, but as a veteran, he can do that. He has good vision and would fit. I guess LT is not great at pass-blocking. If that’s true, Albert Young can be third-down back for the entire season and postseason.

If we sign LT, we can make him the #2 running back, but not use him much until late November or December. Sure, he’ll want a lot of carries, but just remind him that the Vikings want him healthy for the stretch run.

Another benefit is mentoring. With LT on the team, AD would finally have someone he could relate to as an elite running back. This could help AD and our other younger running backs.

The only problem with signing LT is making room for him on the roster. If we do that, Ian Johnson might have another year on the practice squad. The thing is, Ian Johnson might be better than LT at the current stages of their respective careers, but Johnson is not a proven commodity. LT should replace one of the receivers or tight ends, leaving a roster spot for Johnson.

If we had AD, LT, Young, Johnson, and Harvin all taking carries, sometimes in the same game, that would be an incredible juggernaut of a rushing attack. Maybe they give the fullback some carries, too.

I am a firm believer that LT does in fact still have some juice left in his tank, as does BW. But the problem I see here is scheme related. BW has mastered this offense before and his unique set of skills make him ideal for use as a 3rd down back. LT possesses the skill set of more of an every down back, much like AP. 5-7 years from now do you really think AP would make a great 3rd down back? No. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be useful in a clear RB by committee approach. Thats exactly where LT is best utilized. Somewhere like, say, Houston or New Orleans where they don’t really have one bell cow and would prefer to split the carries amongst a group of backs. BW, on the other hand, needs to sit behind a nearly complete player and only come in on 3rd downs to compliment him. Which is exactly the situation we have here.

I’m conflicted, on one hand if LT’s ego is still massive and he tries to do too much or ends up being a locker room problem, then it will go horribly. On the other, he might actually still have some juice left in the tank. If he signs here, i’m hoping for the latter, not the former

LT can have his thoughts and they can be totally different than what the media reports.
I don’t think we are going to hire a 30 year old RB with diminishing skills. We did not re-hire CT and he showed little in diminishing skills.
If we do hire LT I think it will set back our future. We can draft another young RB now to groom for the future. I trust that our Front Office is smart enough to know what we need. If they take on LT they will know he does not have an attitude problem.

Jim Trotter of SI.com:

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will visit with the Vikings on Thursday, a league source said.

Minnesota is seeking to replace Chester Taylor, an eight-year veteran who signed a free-agent deal with the Bears on Friday. The Vikings have Pro Bowl starting running back Adrian Peterson, but are looking for a capable complement, particularly in passing situations.

Tomlinson, who was released last month after nine years with San Diego — where he set or tied 28 franchise records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns — has had at least 50 receptions eight times. He also is a sure-handed ball-carrier, which is attractive to the Vikings because Peterson lost six fumbles in 314 carries last season. Tomlinson has lost only seven fumbles in his last 2,541 carries.

This will be the first visit for Tomlinson since being cut by San Diego. He recently said he has no problem sharing the backfield and believes he could be a positive mentor for a young back.