Vikings put special focus on improving special teams

**singersp** · 08-04-2009, 07:24 AM

[size=13pt]Vikings put special focus on improving special teams[/size]

After the team set an NFL record for TDs allowed, new coordinator Brian Murphy is bent on rectifying the problems.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: August 4, 2009 - 7:21 AM

**singersp** · 08-12-2009, 04:48 AM

[size=13pt]Vikings aiming to amend not-so-special performance[/size]

thespread.com

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -Brian Murphy had already worked three years for the boss, but the interview that sealed his promotion to Minnesota's special teams coordinator was as thorough as could be...

**PurpleTide** · 08-13-2009, 09:42 AM

You can argue that poor play of our special teams cost us more games last year than our QB situation. I believe we rebound nicely with the return of Heath, with Percy returning kicks, and just an overall rededication of the players. Coach Murphy has them refocused, and will not tolerate the same mistakes that plague'd us last season.

**gagarr** · 08-13-2009, 10:30 AM

2008
Punt returners and attempts:
Charles Gordon
15
Aundrae Allison
9
Bernard Berrian
7
Bobby Wade
3

Kick returners and attempts:
Maurice Hicks
29
Chester Taylor
10
Darius Reynaud
8
Aundrae Allison
6
Charles Gordon
2
Adrian Peterson
1
* I removed Kleinsasser & Tahi obviously squib or on side kicks

Can we just decide WHO and stop playing musical returners!
I think it shows the ST coach's desperation.

**Marrdro** · 08-13-2009, 11:11 AM

"gagarr" wrote:

2008
Punt returners and attempts:
Charles Gordon
15
Aundrae Allison
9
Bernard Berrian
7
Bobby Wade
3

Kick returners and attempts:
Maurice Hicks
29
Chester Taylor
10
Darius Reynaud
8
Aundrae Allison
6
Charles Gordon
2
Adrian Peterson
1
* I removed Kleinsasser & Tahi obviously squib or on side kicks

Can we just decide WHO and stop playing musical returners!
I think it shows the ST coach's desperation.

You do realize that injuries have a role in who makes the game day roster, which in turn drives who will be our returner right?

**gagarr** · 08-13-2009, 11:43 AM

"Marrdro" wrote:

"gagarr" wrote:

2008
Punt returners and attempts:
Charles Gordon
15
Aundrae Allison
9
Bernard Berrian
7
Bobby Wade
3

Kick returners and attempts:
Maurice Hicks
29
Chester Taylor
10
Darius Reynaud
8
Aundrae Allison
6
Charles Gordon
2
Adrian Peterson
1
* I removed Kleinsasser & Tahi obviously squib or on side kicks

Can we just decide WHO and stop playing musical returners!
I think it shows the ST coach's desperation.

You do realize that injuries have a role in who makes the game day roster, which in turn drives who will be our returner right?

Opps I forgot, a player can't play if he's injured and not in the game.
Duh!

Most games the Vikes had more than one player doing punt or kick returns, with no injury.

I know Gordon went out with a broken leg.
Who else didn't play or do returns because of injury?

The fact is the Vikes were putting guys in and out trying to find the right guy.
Hopefully, this year it will be PH and JJ the whole way, not with standing injury.