Receivers blocking downfield for the run

**StillPurple** · 07-24-2008, 08:08 PM

Noticed how Denver coach Mike Shanahan praised Rod Smith today for his unselfish downfield blocking. He then said, "one of the reasons we have one of the best running games in the NFL is because of our receivers blocking downfield". I think that this is one very underestimated aspect of the pro game.

I did notice that in 2007, our WRs blocked very, very well downfield for AP and Chester. I think this will continue. I also think that this becomes a virtuous circle:

- Running backs get better blocks downfield and break off bigger runs
- Receivers see that and block harder to be able to spring them "again"

**Vikes_King** · 07-24-2008, 08:39 PM

"StillPurple" wrote:

Noticed how Denver coach Mike Shanahan praised Rod Smith today for his unselfish downfield blocking. He then said, "one of the reasons we have one of the best running games in the NFL is because of our receivers blocking downfield". I think that this is one very underestimated aspect of the pro game.

I did notice that in 2007, our WRs blocked very, very well downfield for AP and Chester. I think this will continue. I also think that this becomes a virtuous circle:

- Running backs get better blocks downfield and break off bigger runs
- Receivers see that and block harder to be able to spring them "again"

Yup.
There was an article about this earlier during the offseason about the Vikings receivers and their abilities to block downfield.
They said its even part of receiver work outs now

**Zeus** · 07-24-2008, 09:06 PM

"Vikes_King" wrote:

"StillPurple" wrote:

Noticed how Denver coach Mike Shanahan praised Rod Smith today for his unselfish downfield blocking. He then said, "one of the reasons we have one of the best running games in the NFL is because of our receivers blocking downfield". I think that this is one very underestimated aspect of the pro game.

I did notice that in 2007, our WRs blocked very, very well downfield for AP and Chester. I think this will continue. I also think that this becomes a virtuous circle:

- Running backs get better blocks downfield and break off bigger runs
- Receivers see that and block harder to be able to spring them "again"

Yup.
There was an article about this earlier during the offseason about the Vikings receivers and their abilities to block downfield.
They said its even part of receiver work outs now

Yup.
It's one of the things that WR coach George Stewart has really emphasized with the Vikings receivers.

=Z=

**Vikes_King** · 07-24-2008, 09:08 PM

"Zeus" wrote:

"Vikes_King" wrote:

"StillPurple" wrote:

Noticed how Denver coach Mike Shanahan praised Rod Smith today for his unselfish downfield blocking. He then said, "one of the reasons we have one of the best running games in the NFL is because of our receivers blocking downfield". I think that this is one very underestimated aspect of the pro game.

I did notice that in 2007, our WRs blocked very, very well downfield for AP and Chester. I think this will continue. I also think that this becomes a virtuous circle:

- Running backs get better blocks downfield and break off bigger runs
- Receivers see that and block harder to be able to spring them "again"

Yup.
There was an article about this earlier during the offseason about the Vikings receivers and their abilities to block downfield.
They said its even part of receiver work outs now

Yup.
It's one of the things that WR coach George Stewart has really emphasized with the Vikings receivers.

=Z=

And if anyone doubt thats, just check out chester taylors huge run vs the 49ers?
Rice and I believe Fergie were both down there shovin people around

**Capital_J** · 07-24-2008, 09:12 PM

absoultely, wade and fergie last year especially, rice was pretty good too. i think i might've even seen troy williamson throw a block once.

**Purple Floyd** · 07-24-2008, 09:13 PM

Now, if we can just get a group that can catch,we will be set.

**DaunteHOF** · 07-24-2008, 09:18 PM

yeaah, one thing our receivers do pretty well. hopefully now they can catch the damn ball and get some YAC

**StillPurple** · 07-25-2008, 12:26 AM

Ferguson was a blocking machine in 2007. He deserves a lot of praise for it.

In the first Super Bowl that Rod Smith won, he says it was his best game. And yet, he caught not a single pass (he blocked a LOT). Think about it. How many receivers would say that ? T.O. ? Moss ? Chad Johnson ?

There is a reason that those receivers don't have rings, and Rod Smith has TWO.
;D

**Formo** · 07-25-2008, 01:31 AM

"StillPurple" wrote:

Ferguson was a blocking machine in 2007. He deserves a lot of praise for it.

In the first Super Bowl that Rod Smith won, he says it was his best game. And yet, he caught not a single pass (he blocked a LOT). Think about it. How many receivers would say that ? T.O. ? Moss ? Chad Johnson ?

There is a reason that those receivers don't have rings, and Rod Smith has TWO.
;D

Good point.

As an old high school blocking WR (we NEVER threw the ball in HS), I REALLY like blocking WRs.
And Chester's run in San Fran reminded me much of my high school days.

**digital420** · 07-25-2008, 03:30 AM

there is def an understanding that the wr's need to block.

and i think they are happy about getting the recognition for it. i mean how many times have you seen articles written about wr's that was about blocking and not td's, speed, leaping, or route running (or even dropping/catching)

this was a major key in the success of our long distance runs.

and i hope it continues to develop!!

DiGiTaL