Thread: Chester Taylor transitions to third-down specialist

[size=13pt]Minnesota Vikings' Chester Taylor transitions to third-down specialist[/size]

Versatile Vikings back proves himself invaluable as backup

By Sean Jensen
[email protected]
Updated: 08/11/2009 12:08:04 AM CDT


MANKATO, Minn. — Throughout the offseason, when he ran into a fellow NFL player, the Vikings' Chester Taylor often received a recurring message.....

"singersp" wrote:

[size=13pt]Minnesota Vikings' Chester Taylor transitions to third-down specialist[/size]

Versatile Vikings back proves himself invaluable as backup

By Sean Jensen
[email protected]
Updated: 08/11/2009 12:08:04 AM CDT


MANKATO, Minn. — Throughout the offseason, when he ran into a fellow NFL player, the Vikings' Chester Taylor often received a recurring message.....

Nice read Singer.
Thnk you.
You really have to appreciate Taylor's value. Speaking for myself I believe at this point he is the best [size=10pt][size=10pt]all around RB [/size] [/size] on the Vikings and imo one of the best in the league.
He is very undervalued.
I hope the Vikings put him in on more plays and take care of him this year as he will be a free agent after the year is over.

"I believe I'll get another opportunity," he said. "But right now, I'm with the Minnesota Vikings, and I'm trying to help my team win. We're trying to get to the big dance this year."

Doesn't sound at all like he plans on staying past this season.

"i_bleed_purple" wrote:

"I believe I'll get another opportunity," he said. "But right now, I'm with the Minnesota Vikings, and I'm trying to help my team win. We're trying to get to the big dance this year."

Doesn't sound at all like he plans on staying past this season.

I was thinking the same thing... but later he was quoted saying he really liked the team, the players, the coaches, etc so he would absolutely consider staying... I'm just not sure the Vikes will match starter money if another team offers it to him... I was surprised when we let Mewelde Moore go, especially for the money he left for.
Second tier running backs are a dime a dozen and easily replaceable in the NFL.
CT is a great 3rd down asset for us or stop gap if AD did miss playing time, but I can't see us paying him starting RB salary at 30 years old.
The question is, will any other team?

"BleedinPandG" wrote:

"i_bleed_purple" wrote:

"I believe I'll get another opportunity," he said. "But right now, I'm with the Minnesota Vikings, and I'm trying to help my team win. We're trying to get to the big dance this year."

Doesn't sound at all like he plans on staying past this season.

I was thinking the same thing... but later he was quoted saying he really liked the team, the players, the coaches, etc so he would absolutely consider staying...

Consider, yes, if nobody offers anything better that is.
IMO, he's made it fairly clear he wants to move on, maybe a superbowl win will change his mind.

but I can't see us paying him starting RB salary at 30 years old.
The question is, will any other team?

I don't think we will, but I bet someone will give him a good paycheck.
Not too much, as RB's are fairly easy to find, but he will get an offer to start with decent pay.

CT is one of the premier 3rd down backs in the league. Adrian is special, but if he were to miss time, CT can take the load and we wouldn't have to change a thing. I hope we can retain this guy, but it seems unlikely. Chester is 30, but he still has alot of miles left, and for me is the best third down back in the NFL, and a great team player.

How many teams want to take a chance on a 30 year old RB?
It wouldn't be all bad, you would get a few years
of quality work.

A super bowl win could change his mind or it might make him feel content enough to take that chance to move on to another team for a few seasons.
I would hope he would want to make another run for it with this team even if we didn't win the super bowl but got close.

CT was destined to be a back up I guess.
Jamal Lewis and then AD, how unlucky can the guy get?
I am sure he wanted to come to MN and make a name for himself.
I am guessing he would have averaged 1100 to 1200 yds rushing per season.
Oh well!
Hopefully he ends up on a NFL Films list of top 10 backs trapped behind talent.


I like CT, always have, even when he was with the Ravens.
At the time of the draft, I was unsure how to feel about the drafting of AD.
I wasn't sure how to take the fact that we had this guy that could run the ball at a high level and then we spent a TOP draft pick on something similar.
I have to say that the TOA deserves some props on that decision.
I would like to know their mind set behind that, some inside info.

"snowinapril" wrote:

How many teams want to take a chance on a 30 year old RB?
It wouldn't be all bad, you would get a few years
of quality work.

He seems like the kind of guy the pats woudl be interested in grabbing, and I"ll tell you now, if it comes down to playing for the pats, or us for the same money, where do you think he'll go?

"i_bleed_purple" wrote:

"snowinapril" wrote:

How many teams want to take a chance on a 30 year old RB?
It wouldn't be all bad, you would get a few years
of quality work.

He seems like the kind of guy the pats woudl be interested in grabbing, and I"ll tell you now, if it comes down to playing for the pats, or us for the same money, where do you think he'll go?

Taylor won't last long, they will need someone.
Even if we beat the Pats in the SB and keep Moss (ultimate ring block) from getting a Ring, he would have a chance to play and win in NE.


Hopefully his heart would be with us.
LOL!

The Vikings know that Taylor led all NFL running backs last season with 25 third-down catches (six more than Leon Washington of the New York Jets), and [size=10pt]they know that Taylor led the team with 19 third- or fourth-down conversions, and, despite his limited snaps, was still third on the team with 37 overall first-down plays.[/size]
He also returned 10 kickoffs, averaging 24.4 yards, and threw one touchdown pass. Throw in his ability to split out as a receiver, and Taylor would appear to be an attractive option, if the Vikings utilize the so-called Wildcat offense

Wow!!
Pretty freakin impressive!!
I knew he got us a lot of firsts with his second and third efforts, but this puts his value in numbers that can't be denied!!
Led the team in late down conversions, and third in overall first downs!!!!?!?!!!?!!!!
The guy is a third down machine!!!
And, the numbers don't even mention his blitz pickup/blocking ability!
Or, that he also hauled in 45 passes with a whopping 8.9 yard average!! ;D

Add in the depth quality of insurance vs. AP being injured, and I for one, don't think this 2nd tier RB is easily replaced!
He could easily be the highest paid, "backup" RB in the league, with extra incentives if he starts/goes over so many carries/yards/points etc!
I truly hope we can find a way to keep him happy as a Viking!!!!!!!!!