Thread: Competition At Running Back

[size=18px]Competition At Running Back [/size]

By: Viking Update Staff

Date: Jul 3, 2006

The Vikings spent considerable money in the offseason to revamp their running game. But one of the training camp battles is going to see what sort of role the different running backs will have and how well they take to them.

In 2005, the Vikings' plan of attack on the ground was to get Michael Bennett 300 carries and 1,200 yards. That clearly didn't happen, but the ground game has taken on a much different look for 2006.

Chester Taylor remains atop the team's RB depth chart, but the roles of the Vikings running backs are far from defined. It would seem that Jim Kleinsasser has been pushed back to a more traditional tight end role with the signing of fullback Tony Richardson. But the changes don't stop there.

When Mike Tice was head coach, he harped on the fact that Mewelde Moore wasn't an every-down back. Despite being successful when handed those duties, Moore has had a series of injury problems that have slowed his progress. At the same time, Ciatrick Fason has been inconsistent as the team's short-yardage back -- a job he was forced into because of the lack of options.

In an ideal world, Taylor will be the go-to featured back with Fason as a change-of-pace, Moore as a third-down speed option and Richardson as blocker and receiver. That's the plan for now. It could all change with one popped hamstring, but, for the time being, it's a running back committee that is one of well-defined roles. Let's see how long it lasts.

Competition At Running Back

I would have to say the competition for the starting RB is still wide open between Taylor & Memo until the start of the regular season.

Fason would be third on that depth chart despite that outcome, unless he's really stepped up his game since last year.

I believe they will probably use Richardson as a short yards back myself on short & 1 or goalline stands, depending on how Taylor performs this year.

I agree with you singer.. If the Vikes are mad about the shape that Chester Taylor is in, then I say that the position is not a lock yet.. Memo still can wiggle his way back in as a starter if he is in better shape then Taylor.. It should be interesting.

"singersp" wrote:

In an ideal world, Taylor will be the go-to featured back with Fason as a change-of-pace, Moore as a third-down speed option and Richardson as blocker and receiver. That's the plan for now. It could all change with one popped hamstring, but, for the time being, it's a running back committee that is one of well-defined roles. Let's see how long it lasts.

Couldn't have said it better.

And who's vright idea was it to put Fason as our short yardage back? He's not big enough to pound it for a few yards..

There was one game wher we tried three times to pound it in (i think it was the steelers game), and we were denied all three...

Use a fullback to power the few yards!

As long as it is nor RB by commity like the past couple of years?

yea yea..

like id like for the vikes to pick one and stick with it..

but there isnt anything wrong with switching them in and out every now and then..

not all the plays are good for one back..

(like memo is good at running to the outside)

"Potus2028" wrote:

"singersp" wrote:

In an ideal world, Taylor will be the go-to featured back with Fason as a change-of-pace, Moore as a third-down speed option and Richardson as blocker and receiver. That's the plan for now. It could all change with one popped hamstring, but, for the time being, it's a running back committee that is one of well-defined roles. Let's see how long it lasts.

Couldn't have said it better.

And who's bright idea was it to put Fason as our short yardage back? He's not big enough to pound it for a few yards..

There was one game wher we tried three times to pound it in (i think it was the steelers game), and we were denied all three...

Use a fullback to power the few yards!

Like the article said, we didn't have a lot of options.

I would have dumped a quick one to Jimmy K in the endzone. I misssed not seeing that as much last year.

I'm hoping Mewelde comes around.. I've been tough on him cuz he gets hurt every week.. But I hope to god he can stay healthy because he could be a top 10 back in the league possibly through recieving and running he is healthy IMO..



One Love

"Potus2028" wrote:

"singersp" wrote:

In an ideal world, Taylor will be the go-to featured back with Fason as a change-of-pace, Moore as a third-down speed option and Richardson as blocker and receiver. That's the plan for now. It could all change with one popped hamstring, but, for the time being, it's a running back committee that is one of well-defined roles. Let's see how long it lasts.

Couldn't have said it better.

And who's vright idea was it to put Fason as our short yardage back? He's not big enough to pound it for a few yards..

There was one game wher we tried three times to pound it in (i think it was the steelers game), and we were denied all three...

Use a fullback to power the few yards!

that was the ravens game!!! we shoulda used jimmy K!!!

oh yea..

ok.. i remember that. ur right..

man.. that makes me so mad!! even i the unexperienced watcher knew that.. erg..

this year we've got options though