Vikings RB Update

[Down to Earth]

I know its still early off season and a lot can change between now and then but here is the latest....

Vikings: Starting running back job wide open

THE NEWS

Vikings' head coach Mike Tice said Tuesday that Michael Bennett, Onterrio Smith, and Mewelde Moore will compete for the starting running back job during training camp. "I think it makes a lot of sense to put it out there between three young men and see who wants to step up and be the guy," Tice told the Star Tribune. "I certainly know they all want to do it. One guy is going to be the king, and another guy is going to be spell guy. The third? He's going to be the ticked-off guy." Tice also shot down rumors that the team intends to trade one of the backs during the offseason.

OUR VIEW

Obviously, we'll be keeping a close eye on the Vikings' running back situation. However, fantasy owners who play in leagues that use touchdown heavy scoring formats shouldn't invest too heavily in the starter, as Moe Williams might still steal the goal line carries.

Andy

[Stratosman]

Who really knows what will transpire, as last year anything can happen, but between these three guys plus Moe we should be set. I really liked what Mewelde showed me during his stint as a starter last season. But I would think that one of these guys will get very little playing time unless there is an inury.

[Eric Wettschreck]

The Mewelde Moore/ Moe Williams combo doesn't bother me in the least bit. It's a good one/two punch. Watching Moore early last season was impressive, and Moe Williams has always been just plain tough.

[Ole #1]

We should pick up Travis Henry, he would be a upgrade over the RB's we have now.

[buzzsaw]

I like the Travis Henry idea! They say we could probably get him for a 4th rd draft pick.....

[hamrej23]

less than that.

[RussPanfishguy]

Boys, buffalo wants to swap first round pics. For Henry with the Cardinals. Espn is reporting that the Cardinals are willing to give up a second round pic for Henry. That means a forth is out of the question. You can thank Denny the mean Green machine when he is sitting on the Latrine, for pushing Henry's value up.

[buzzsaw]

I hadn't heard that info, good job and thanks for the update!

So much for getting Henry.... don't worry Denny with mess it up yet!

[Chad711]

Guys, Travis Henry? First off the guy raped his girlfriend in college, has had drug issues too. Always hurt, not a good choice. Go with Bennett, Smith, and Moore if needed. Dont really need a "Starter". Keep em healthy...

[hamrej23]

ya- like smith doesnt have legal issues and drug issues,

and bennet and moore missed how many games last year and the year before??

Henry is a proven back.

[Fish Head]

I agree with Chad 100%. We already have 3 backs as good as Travis Henry. Our backs are fine. We have several needs more important than RB. We need a #1 receiver most of all. Just my $.02

[Ole #1]

Quote:

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I agree with Chad 100%. We already have 3 backs as good as Travis Henry. Our backs are fine. We have several needs more important than RB. We need a #1 receiver most of all. Just my $.02

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Not one of our backs is proven or has any stats to back up your statement. We need a work horse back that can carry the ball 20-25 times and we don't have one. We need to pick up Alexander, Henry or James. Or we need to draft one of the top three RB's.

[otto_man]

you guys need to pick up Najeh Davenport, then you'll have a running back.

[FI Guide]

guys just a couple of years ago we had the #1 rushing game in the NFL. Our back are just fine the line will open holes for them and the real secret to make our backs go is Daunte. If PEP and run a little more this year the defenses wont be able to key in on the backs as much thus letting them run free for big gains. Also the use of the screen play helps out the run spreading out the defense so they cant stop just one area. The facts right now the vikes need a # reciever, a D-end, and mostly a kicker.

[cybermuskie]

I am with Ole on this one....trade off Bennett, and Smith, and get a stud! I would choose Alexander, over the others but thats just me. Our RB's haven't been the focus while Moss was around, now that the defense can tee off on our RB's you might be wishing for a trade.

my .02 cents

[Piker]

I don't think the Vikings should do anything at RB. I do think that they should pick a more featured back ( Bennett or Moore are my preference) and like Tice said the others are a backup and a ticked off RB.

If it doesn't work than I can think of a great RB that will likely be in the draft next season who wouldn't even need to change his mailing address.

[Ole #1]

Quote:

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guys just a couple of years ago we had the #1 rushing game in the NFL. Our back are just fine the line will open holes for them and the real secret to make our backs go is Daunte. If PEP and run a little more this year the defenses wont be able to key in on the backs as much thus letting them run free for big gains. Also the use of the screen play helps out the run spreading out the defense so they cant stop just one area. The facts right now the vikes need a # reciever, a D-end, and mostly a kicker.

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The only reason we had the #1 rushing team was beacuase of Daunte. Bennet has only had one season over 1000 yds. Culpepper has been our #1 rusher and that is no good.

We need to dump Bennet and Smith, but keep moore, I've seen great things from him but he's not proven.

[CNY Tim]

You can always get William Green the Browns should be releasing him shortly.

[Ole #1]

I don't know a lot about Green, I'll have to check him out. Wasn't he an upset for the Browns?

[CNY Tim]

He had a couple of good games and he's been clean of drugs for a while but he wasn't disciplined enough like Suggs is to run behind Terrell Smith. Under the right system he may still have a chance to prove himself and he wouldn't cost a draft pick. Worth a shot at competing and I believe he was a carpet guy at Boston College. Didn't get much work with the Browns due to the emergence of Lee Suggs.

[Fish Head]

Ole I couldn't disagree with you more. I guess that’s one of the great things about sports, we can disagree and 2nd guess all day long.

We are in very good shape with our running backs. Yes, Bennett might get injured. Yes, Smith could bet suspended. Yes, Moore has not proven himself for a long period of time. But that is why we have 3. All 3 are quality backs that could start for many teams, but their trade values are not high for the reasons already mentioned. And don't forget about good old Moe! I have complete faith that our stable of backs is good enough to take us all the way.

As a matter of fact, I have so much faith in our backs that I wouldn't be apposed to trading one to help us in other areas. But for heaven sake don't get another back! If we don't trade one, I'm ok with that too because quality depth at the RB position is a very good thing.

Want to improve our running game? Let’s not forget about the offensive line! Games are often won and lost in the trenches. How many times last year was Dante running for his life as soon as he got the ball? Too often! Having Rosenthal and Kleinsasser back will help. I wouldn’t mind seeing us use our 2nd pick in the first round or our 2nd round pick on a guard.

Our #1 concern right now without a doubt: A # 1 receiver.

[Ole #1]

This is a big topic in the off season and you can go back and forth. I do think our stable might get it done, but I would like to wipe the slate clean and get Brown or Benson at RB. Leaning more towards Benson, but who knows if they will be there at #7. Edwards and Williams might not be there at #7 either.

Let me ask you this, if Williams and Edwards are gone and Benson or Brown is available, do you pass on them to get a WR?

[CNY Tim]

Fishhead - I agree with you there offensive line is huge and determines much of what the offense can and can't do... I love on paper what Droughns and Suggs will be running behind.

Tucker, Andruzzi, Faine, Coleman, Verba, now they have to address a quality back-up or two maybe even three the way the last few years has been due to injury kind of like Chicago we haven't been able to keep the offensive line healthy.

[RussPanfishguy]

I agree with you fishhead but to a point. Tice, wants to have a great defense and a very good running game. That means you need some hogs up front on both sides. I think DJ will not be on the board. Edwards will not be on the board. If Williams is there he is an option. I would still go with the best defensive player on the board. The only yeah but is if Williams is there. I think Burleson and Taylor will be a very good combination. After that its a dump shoot. Taylor is going to surprise everyone.

[Fish Head]

If Williams and Edwards were both gone, I would shoot myself. No seriously........If that were the case I think we would have no choice but to pick a wide reciever with #18 and take Derrick Johnson with #7, Not a RB.

I would love to see Shawne Merriman slip to #18, but that probably won't happen.