With the absence of Moss, let me re-emphasize...

**ItalianStallion** · 03-19-2005, 11:30 PM

"predator vike" wrote:

"RandyMoss8404" wrote:

Mewelde Moore is our future.

He's a hard-nosed runner, breaks tackles, and is extremely athletic. He has good awareness, and is a willing - if needing polish and instruction - part of the pass-block game.

But hear me out. The Eagles trounced us without Terrell Owens, and they did so because Brian Westbrook created such matchup problems. Dontarrious Thomas didn't have the agility to stay with him, and he's one of the faster linebackers in the NFL. When he lined up in the slot, he torched our nickel corner. He has the speed to get to the outside, and in the preseason showed us he has that homerun burst when he gets a nice block. With the return of Jim Kleinsasser returning, he will get that block.

We'll need to spread defenses out more with the departure of Randy - we simply will not see the same coverages. If you think Nate Burleson is going to match his production from last year, you are taking a very big gamble - unless we start to use Mewelde Moore as a bigger part of our offense. I'm not saying that he should play every down - we have Onterrio Smith to get those really tough yards - but averaging 6.7 yards per touch, he certainly merits a try. Good hands, good awareness. If Bill Belichick or Andy Reid had this kid they'd be thrilled - lets see how Tice manages to screw up such a dynamic talent.

We don't need an RB in the draft - we're too deep at the position. What we could use is a legitimate fullback to create some more space for Mewelde and Onterrio Smith. Trade Bennett for a receiver or picks.

Do we know that Mewelde can receive? If he can, I can see him becoming very dangerous.

Mewelde was one of the few RBs to rush for over 4000 yards and receive 2000 yards in college. He also managed to catch 12 ball for 90+ yards in his first NFL game, so I would say he can catch.

And Vikeman there is no need for a "homerun threat" in order to have an effective offense. Michael Bennett isn't scaring anyone or making them change their defensive schemes like Moss did. We need a RB who can consistenly get good yardage and fight for extra yards, two areas in which MB is lacking. Face it our offense will be alot more conservative and run-first without Moss andd with Loney as or coordinator. We need someone steady, not a RB who can average 1.5 yards a carry or rip off a long TD.

**ADubya26** · 03-19-2005, 11:35 PM

"ItalianStallion" wrote:

"predator vike" wrote:

"RandyMoss8404" wrote:

Mewelde Moore is our future.

He's a hard-nosed runner, breaks tackles, and is extremely athletic. He has good awareness, and is a willing - if needing polish and instruction - part of the pass-block game.

But hear me out. The Eagles trounced us without Terrell Owens, and they did so because Brian Westbrook created such matchup problems. Dontarrious Thomas didn't have the agility to stay with him, and he's one of the faster linebackers in the NFL. When he lined up in the slot, he torched our nickel corner. He has the speed to get to the outside, and in the preseason showed us he has that homerun burst when he gets a nice block. With the return of Jim Kleinsasser returning, he will get that block.

We'll need to spread defenses out more with the departure of Randy - we simply will not see the same coverages. If you think Nate Burleson is going to match his production from last year, you are taking a very big gamble - unless we start to use Mewelde Moore as a bigger part of our offense. I'm not saying that he should play every down - we have Onterrio Smith to get those really tough yards - but averaging 6.7 yards per touch, he certainly merits a try. Good hands, good awareness. If Bill Belichick or Andy Reid had this kid they'd be thrilled - lets see how Tice manages to screw up such a dynamic talent.

We don't need an RB in the draft - we're too deep at the position. What we could use is a legitimate fullback to create some more space for Mewelde and Onterrio Smith. Trade Bennett for a receiver or picks.

Do we know that Mewelde can receive? If he can, I can see him becoming very dangerous.

Mewelde was one of the few RBs to rush for over 4000 yards and receive 2000 yards in college. He also managed to catch 12 ball for 90+ yards in his first NFL game, so I would say he can catch.

And Vikeman there is no need for a "homerun threat" in order to have an effective offense. Michael Bennett isn't scaring anyone or making them change their defensive schemes like Moss did. We need a RB who can consistenly get good yardage and fight for extra yards, two areas in which MB is lacking. Face it our offense will be alot more conservative and run-first without Moss andd with Loney as or coordinator. We need someone steady, not a RB who can average 1.5 yards a carry or rip off a long TD.

Nice post Stally, I agree completely.

MM is good, but he still has a lot to prove. Onterrio is good as well, but off the field problems raise questions. Bennett needs to be the expendible back, no questions about it.

I am actually starting to think we should draft a RB with our 7th pick, especially if we end up getting Boldin in a trade.

**VikingsTw** · 03-19-2005, 11:52 PM

I think MM and Onterrio also need to fight it out for the starting job, i love both guys, MM has all the tools to do the job, quickness, elusiveness, ability to follow blockers, even his speed is solid, and what i like best, he never goes down on the first hit. It didn't matter if he was running behind the oline or returning kickoffs you could see how strong and determined he was. I just dont think bennett is gonna be THE GUY. He's not a naturaul runner and needs a huge whole to see it. Great pass blocker and screeen guy, but not a natural runner. I like MM and Onterrio, may the best man win.

**Paulbedy59** · 03-20-2005, 05:50 AM

You make a good point far as smith and moore go.But for the love of god will someone give moe williams the credit he deserves.He is a rock,and always there when you need him...do anything ,anywhere,anytime.Our other backs could learn from him... :salute:

**dbalke10** · 03-20-2005, 07:55 AM

IMO, you don't have to go too far back in our Vikings history to see what kind of potential impact Mewelde can have. I look at him and I see Ricky Young.60-70 catches and 1000 yards. Let the other two run the ball this year. This defines the rolls of the backs, and brings a dimension to our offense that has been missing for a few years. I think that Loney is smart enough to see this, and I think that Mewelde is the right person at the right time... its all starting to come together!!!

**mark** · 03-20-2005, 08:10 AM

the eagles didnt trounce us last year. They barley got a first down in the second half. Bennett is our best back and will be the starter next year.

**mnjamie** · 03-20-2005, 08:30 AM

With the match up problems Westbrook creates with the Eagles, how about picking up Darrin Sprooles (sp?) from K-State? This guy would create nightmares for teams to prepare for against us. Anyone know where he is projected to go in the draft??

**RandyMoss8404** · 03-20-2005, 09:13 AM

"mnjamie" wrote:

With the match up problems Westbrook creates with the Eagles, how about picking up Darrin Sprooles (sp?) from K-State? This guy would create nightmares for teams to prepare for against us. Anyone know where he is projected to go in the draft??

Mewelde is better.