Vikings add veteran center Joe Berger

**MulletMullitia** · 09-12-2011, 05:42 PM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vi...129662868.html

The Vikings waived third-year backup center Jon Cooper this afternoon, and announced the signing of six-year veteran center Joe Berger.

Berger started 14 games at center for the Miami Dolphins last year. Berger survived the Dolphins' final cut this year, but then was released when they added -- get this -- former Viking Ryan Cook.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said, at the time, he viewed Cook as an upgrade.

Berger might be one of the smarter players in the NFL. He graduated magna cum laude from Michigan Tech with an engineering degree.

**MulletMullitia** · 09-12-2011, 05:45 PM

It really scares me that is says Tony Sparano views Cook as an upgrade to this guy. To me, that is the ultimate insult to an offensive lineman. However, I post on the big Dolphins board a little bit, and they said that they think we will like him over here. Not to mention that Tony Sparano has been very wrong when it comes to veteran lineman. I'm not overly optimistic about this move. But he can't be much worse than John Sullivan. Especially if he's just a depth guy. I refuse to believe that he is worse than Ryan Cook until I see it with my own eyes lol.

**marshallvike** · 09-12-2011, 05:49 PM

Sucks for Coop. I hope Berger is an upgrade. good luck Jon.

**MulletMullitia** · 09-12-2011, 05:55 PM

I just made a thread over at the Phins forum. Asking them their honest opinions on Berger. Since nobody here has probably seen him play very much. I joined over there to give them my opinions on Ryan Cook. Here's the link if you want to hear their input.

http://www.finheaven.com/forums/show...ign-Joe-Berger

**MulletMullitia** · 09-12-2011, 10:33 PM

Dolphins fans are making me feel much better about the signing! Supposedly he is a great depth guy. Not a great starter, but can start if need be. He can also be a serviceable back-up at guard.

**12purplepride28** · 09-13-2011, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by MulletMullitia

Dolphins fans are making me feel much better about the signing! Supposedly he is a great depth guy. Not a great starter, but can start if need be. He can also be a serviceable back-up at guard.

Isn't that what they thought about Cook too?

**MulletMullitia** · 09-13-2011, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by 12purplepride28

Isn't that what they thought about Cook too?

In their defense, they didn't know anything about Cook. Just what the homer Vikes beat writers said about him (Versatility, etc...). I schooled them about him though lol. They know now

And none of them have any faith in Sparano's ability to put together a good O-line.