All NFL teams have to cut their roster to 75 players by tomorrow. It's a tough day. Nearly every coach and general manager say that the worst part of their job is telling a football player that they won't be playing football for their team. Brutal stuff. I hate seeing it televised on the Hard Knocks television series. I hate hearing about it. Approximately 480 football players will have their dreams put on hold or altogether crushed by tomorrow. Another 704 football players will go through the same thing this Saturday. That's when teams have to cut their roster down to the final 53 football players. Just brutal.
The Vikings started that cutting yesterday.
RB Joe Banyard
WR Jordan Leslie
WR DeVaris Daniels
TE Brandon Bostick
OT Stephen Goodin
DE Caesar Rayford
DT Crishon Rose
LB Josh Kaddu
CB DeMarcus Van Dyke
CB Jalil Carter
CB Justin Coleman
Those cuts gets the Vikings to within three of that mandated roster limit of 75. Other teams did get there. Some teams are likely taking their time.
Some tight end-needy team might be interested in Bostick. Leslie and Daniels are young, talented receivers but the Vikings really had no room for them. Some thought that Coleman could make the team. He might make another team. Kaddu could be picked up by the Eagles. He's from Oregon.
Then there's the practice squads. 320 players will fill each team's 10-man practice squad. Some of those cut this week will find new football life on the practice squads. Many players have come from those supplementary rosters to become productive performers. Vikings receiver Charles Johnson is one of those players.
The dream doesn't have to die just yet.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Vikings Preseason Game #4
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-14 last night. It was the Vikings fourth preseason game and the Cowboys third. It may only be the fourth practice game for the Vikings but it fells like the eighth. That extra game for the Hall of Fame game really does extend these exaggerated scrimmages.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is still undefeated in preseason. He's now 8-0 in his two seasons in charge.
The most telling statistic of the game was that the two teams were a combined 0-21 on converting third downs. That's pathetic. Definitely smells like practice. Hopefully that futility ends before the games start counting. The Vikings did convert a fourth down attempt. Yay!
The Vikings haven't done so hot running the football through four preseason games. They are doing that without Adrian Peterson. So there is that. Peterson is a big piece of the team's offensive arsenal but it would still be nice to see a more efficient ground game. The offensive line hasn't been set. Center John Sullivan missed his second preseason game as he recovers from back spasms. Right tackle Phil Loadholt was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Rookie T.J. Clemmings is still getting used to the position and the offense. The retooled line has done a nice job of protecting the quarterbacks but they need to do a better at opening holes for the running game.
The Vikings haven't done so hot stopping the run either. That was the greatest area of defensive concern coming out of the 2014 season. While the run defense does look improved there's definitely room for more improvement before the season. The team is still looking for the best fits at linebacker. They've done a lot of mixing and matching of personnel. Once that is settled the Vikings run defense should be fine. The line will be better in the second year with Zimmer. The whole defense will be better in the second year. Linebacker will be a strength. There's too talent in the group for it not to be a strength.
The Cowboys defense was a major surprise last year. They were supposed to suck. They didn't. They won't be a surprise this year. They'll be pretty good. Maybe very good. The line should be a strength. Tyrone Crawford was a beast last year. DeMarcus Lawrence started coming on at the end of the season. They added wildcards but talented passrushers in Greg Hardy and rookie Randy Gregory. Versatile, playmaking linebacker Sean Lee is back. Losing corner Orlando Scandrick for the season is brutal. They need disappointing corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne to play to their talents. They have the offense to score with anyone. They need this defense to improve on their solid 2014 season. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is terrific. He'll bring out their best.
Vikings fans have been waiting three games to see quarterback Teddy Bridgewater hook up with new speedy receiver Mike Wallace on a deep pass. They finally got it last night. It was only 39 yards but it sure was pretty. A beautiful, touch throw on the sideline by Bridgewater with pressure. A nice catch by Wallace. The connection set the Vikings up nicely in the red zone. The one bad thing was that they couldn't punch in it for a touchdown. They had to settle for a field goal. At least kicker Blair Walsh made the kick. He's been under pressure after three misses last week. He missed another later in the game so he's still feeling some heat.
The Cowboys first play of the second quarter was a nice one for the Cowboys. Quarterback Tony Romo connected with receiver Terrence Williams across the middle. Williams split the defense and raced to the end zone. A 60-yard score. It's always difficult to tell the intentions of a defense from a living room couch but it looked corner Xavier Rhodes had passed Williams on to safety Robert Blanton as he crossed the field. Blanton was slow to cover and Williams had an opening.
Speaking of Rhodes. He's fast becoming one of the best corners in the league. He ended last season at that level. He's starting this season at that level. An Xavier Rhodes-Dez Bryant matchup is must-see football. Unfortunately we didn't get that this preseason game. Bryant didn't play.
The Vikings answered the Cowboys sudden Williams score with a sudden score of their own. Kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson took the ensuing kick back 107 yards for a touchdown. Outside of a desperation dive at about midfield, Patterson wasn't touched. It was great to see the explosive Patterson running loose. It's been a while.
The Vikings dodged an injury bullet when punter Jeff Locke landed awkwardly after a punt. He was under pressure and the defender rolled into his plant foot. He was down for a while and holding his ankle so it didn't look good. Adding more misery was the fact that the defender that hit Locker was held by protector Eric Kendricks. The Vikings had to re-punt and kicker Blair Walsh had to do the punting. His punt was fine but the coverage wasn't. Cowboys returner Cole Beasley brought it back about 40 yards to the Vikings 23-yard line. That set up the Cowboys second touchdown and a 14-13 lead. Locke did return to punt a few times after the worrisome play.
Bridgewater played the first quarter. Romo played a little more. The Romo-led Cowboys offense scored two touchdowns. Both were throws by Romo.
The Vikings had seven penalties in the first half. They weren't huge penalties but they were certainly a nuisance. A false start on left tackle Matt Kalil played a role in keeping the Vikings single trip into the redzone at a field goal. Seven penalties is too much for an entire game. Let alone a single half.
Shaun Hill replaced Bridgewater in the second quarter. The Vikings managed a field goal.
The more that I see of probable third-string quarterback Taylor Heinicke the more that I like him. I've never seen or heard the rookie interviewed but he strikes me as a serious sort. He was sharp last night. He threw a nice touch pass to Isaac Fruechte on the sideline. He threw another nice touch pass to tight end Chase Ford for a two-point conversion and a 21-14 lead in the third quarter. He also showed some elusiveness in the pocket.
The Cowboys backup quarterbacks didn't fare as well as those of the Vikings. That was really the difference in the game. It didn't help that Brandon Weeden was out with a concussion. Dustin Vaughan didn't do much. Jameill Showers did even less. His fumbled snap led to the Vikings final touchdown.
28-14 Vikings! The Vikings close this extremely long preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is still undefeated in preseason. He's now 8-0 in his two seasons in charge.
The most telling statistic of the game was that the two teams were a combined 0-21 on converting third downs. That's pathetic. Definitely smells like practice. Hopefully that futility ends before the games start counting. The Vikings did convert a fourth down attempt. Yay!
The Vikings haven't done so hot running the football through four preseason games. They are doing that without Adrian Peterson. So there is that. Peterson is a big piece of the team's offensive arsenal but it would still be nice to see a more efficient ground game. The offensive line hasn't been set. Center John Sullivan missed his second preseason game as he recovers from back spasms. Right tackle Phil Loadholt was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Rookie T.J. Clemmings is still getting used to the position and the offense. The retooled line has done a nice job of protecting the quarterbacks but they need to do a better at opening holes for the running game.
The Vikings haven't done so hot stopping the run either. That was the greatest area of defensive concern coming out of the 2014 season. While the run defense does look improved there's definitely room for more improvement before the season. The team is still looking for the best fits at linebacker. They've done a lot of mixing and matching of personnel. Once that is settled the Vikings run defense should be fine. The line will be better in the second year with Zimmer. The whole defense will be better in the second year. Linebacker will be a strength. There's too talent in the group for it not to be a strength.
The Cowboys defense was a major surprise last year. They were supposed to suck. They didn't. They won't be a surprise this year. They'll be pretty good. Maybe very good. The line should be a strength. Tyrone Crawford was a beast last year. DeMarcus Lawrence started coming on at the end of the season. They added wildcards but talented passrushers in Greg Hardy and rookie Randy Gregory. Versatile, playmaking linebacker Sean Lee is back. Losing corner Orlando Scandrick for the season is brutal. They need disappointing corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne to play to their talents. They have the offense to score with anyone. They need this defense to improve on their solid 2014 season. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is terrific. He'll bring out their best.
Vikings fans have been waiting three games to see quarterback Teddy Bridgewater hook up with new speedy receiver Mike Wallace on a deep pass. They finally got it last night. It was only 39 yards but it sure was pretty. A beautiful, touch throw on the sideline by Bridgewater with pressure. A nice catch by Wallace. The connection set the Vikings up nicely in the red zone. The one bad thing was that they couldn't punch in it for a touchdown. They had to settle for a field goal. At least kicker Blair Walsh made the kick. He's been under pressure after three misses last week. He missed another later in the game so he's still feeling some heat.
The Cowboys first play of the second quarter was a nice one for the Cowboys. Quarterback Tony Romo connected with receiver Terrence Williams across the middle. Williams split the defense and raced to the end zone. A 60-yard score. It's always difficult to tell the intentions of a defense from a living room couch but it looked corner Xavier Rhodes had passed Williams on to safety Robert Blanton as he crossed the field. Blanton was slow to cover and Williams had an opening.
Speaking of Rhodes. He's fast becoming one of the best corners in the league. He ended last season at that level. He's starting this season at that level. An Xavier Rhodes-Dez Bryant matchup is must-see football. Unfortunately we didn't get that this preseason game. Bryant didn't play.
The Vikings answered the Cowboys sudden Williams score with a sudden score of their own. Kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson took the ensuing kick back 107 yards for a touchdown. Outside of a desperation dive at about midfield, Patterson wasn't touched. It was great to see the explosive Patterson running loose. It's been a while.
The Vikings dodged an injury bullet when punter Jeff Locke landed awkwardly after a punt. He was under pressure and the defender rolled into his plant foot. He was down for a while and holding his ankle so it didn't look good. Adding more misery was the fact that the defender that hit Locker was held by protector Eric Kendricks. The Vikings had to re-punt and kicker Blair Walsh had to do the punting. His punt was fine but the coverage wasn't. Cowboys returner Cole Beasley brought it back about 40 yards to the Vikings 23-yard line. That set up the Cowboys second touchdown and a 14-13 lead. Locke did return to punt a few times after the worrisome play.
Bridgewater played the first quarter. Romo played a little more. The Romo-led Cowboys offense scored two touchdowns. Both were throws by Romo.
The Vikings had seven penalties in the first half. They weren't huge penalties but they were certainly a nuisance. A false start on left tackle Matt Kalil played a role in keeping the Vikings single trip into the redzone at a field goal. Seven penalties is too much for an entire game. Let alone a single half.
Shaun Hill replaced Bridgewater in the second quarter. The Vikings managed a field goal.
The more that I see of probable third-string quarterback Taylor Heinicke the more that I like him. I've never seen or heard the rookie interviewed but he strikes me as a serious sort. He was sharp last night. He threw a nice touch pass to Isaac Fruechte on the sideline. He threw another nice touch pass to tight end Chase Ford for a two-point conversion and a 21-14 lead in the third quarter. He also showed some elusiveness in the pocket.
The Cowboys backup quarterbacks didn't fare as well as those of the Vikings. That was really the difference in the game. It didn't help that Brandon Weeden was out with a concussion. Dustin Vaughan didn't do much. Jameill Showers did even less. His fumbled snap led to the Vikings final touchdown.
28-14 Vikings! The Vikings close this extremely long preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Another 53-Man Roster Projection of the Vikings
It's kind of silly to predict the decisions of a team's decision-makers but it's fun. Besides, it's the preseason. And the Vikings have a long preseason this year. They play their fourth game tonight and they have another on Thursday. It feels like eight. So, here's another shot at the 53-man roster of the 2015 Minnesota Vikings.
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater
Shaun Hill
Running backs
Adrian Peterson
Jerick McKinnon
Matt Asiata
Wide receivers
Mike Wallace
Charles Johnson
Jarius Wright
Cordarrelle Patterson
Adam Thielen
Stefon Diggs
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
Rhett Ellison
MyCole Pruitt
Chase Ford
Offensive linemen
Matt Kalil
Brandon Fusco
John Sullivan
Mike Harris
T.J. Clemmings
Joe Berger
David Yankey
Tyrus Thompson
Zac Kerin
Defensive linemen
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Brian Robison
Tom Johnson
Scott Crichton
Shamar Stephen
Danielle Hunter
Justin Trattou
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Gerald Hodges
Chad Greenway
Eric Kendricks
Audie Cole
Brandon Watts
Edmond Robinson
Defensive backs
Xavier Rhodes
Terence Newman
Harrison Smith
Robert Blanton
Trae Waynes
Captain Munnerlyn
Jabari Price
Marcus Sherels
Antone Exum
Andrew Sendejo
Specialists
Blair Walsh-K
Jeff Locke-P
Kevin McDermott-LS
The Vikings coaches and personnel folk will have some very difficult decisions in the coming week. It's been a very long time since the Vikings have had this sort of depth on the roster. The final cuts this year might have been starters a decade ago.
This projection gives the defense a 26:24 edge.
Outside of Joe Berger, the backup offensive linemen are a complete guess. I can see the backups coming from any combination of David Yankey, Tyrus Thompson, Austin Shepherd, and Zac Kerin. Who knows? There may even be more in the hunt than that.
The final spots at linebacker and defensive back are as up-in-the-air as those on the offensive line. We could see any combination of Brandon Watts, Edmond Robinson, Brian Peters, and Michael Mauti among the linebackers. Anthony Harris, Shaun Prater, Jalil Carter, Josh Thomas, and Justin Coleman still have a shot at safety and cornerback. Jabari Price is suspended for the first two games of the season. That has to factor into an already tough decision.
With the expanded practice squad the possibility is there for a team to save a roster spot and "hide" their third quarterback there. I'm going with that approach with Taylor Heinicke. He's the third quarterback. And I have him on the practice squad. That opens up the possibility for a fourth tight end or seventh linebacker but it will leave the young quarterback available to 31 other teams.
The decision to keep a fullback will be a tough one. My guess is that the team wants one on the roster but if it comes down to deciding between Edmond Robinson and Zach Line they probably go with the better football player. That would probably lead to tight ends Rhett Ellison and MyCole Pruitt spending some time in the backfield.
After Sunday's release of long-time long snapper Cullen Loeffler, the only position group that's set is the specialists.
Rosters have to be cut down to 75 players by Tuesday. They have to be at 53 next Saturday. It's a tough time. Nearly 1200 football players will be without a football uniform. Some momentarily. Most for the first time in a very long time.
I'm glad that I'm only making the Vikings roster decisions for fun.
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater
Shaun Hill
Running backs
Adrian Peterson
Jerick McKinnon
Matt Asiata
Wide receivers
Mike Wallace
Charles Johnson
Jarius Wright
Cordarrelle Patterson
Adam Thielen
Stefon Diggs
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
Rhett Ellison
MyCole Pruitt
Chase Ford
Offensive linemen
Matt Kalil
Brandon Fusco
John Sullivan
Mike Harris
T.J. Clemmings
Joe Berger
David Yankey
Tyrus Thompson
Zac Kerin
Defensive linemen
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Brian Robison
Tom Johnson
Scott Crichton
Shamar Stephen
Danielle Hunter
Justin Trattou
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Gerald Hodges
Chad Greenway
Eric Kendricks
Audie Cole
Brandon Watts
Edmond Robinson
Defensive backs
Xavier Rhodes
Terence Newman
Harrison Smith
Robert Blanton
Trae Waynes
Captain Munnerlyn
Jabari Price
Marcus Sherels
Antone Exum
Andrew Sendejo
Specialists
Blair Walsh-K
Jeff Locke-P
Kevin McDermott-LS
The Vikings coaches and personnel folk will have some very difficult decisions in the coming week. It's been a very long time since the Vikings have had this sort of depth on the roster. The final cuts this year might have been starters a decade ago.
This projection gives the defense a 26:24 edge.
Outside of Joe Berger, the backup offensive linemen are a complete guess. I can see the backups coming from any combination of David Yankey, Tyrus Thompson, Austin Shepherd, and Zac Kerin. Who knows? There may even be more in the hunt than that.
The final spots at linebacker and defensive back are as up-in-the-air as those on the offensive line. We could see any combination of Brandon Watts, Edmond Robinson, Brian Peters, and Michael Mauti among the linebackers. Anthony Harris, Shaun Prater, Jalil Carter, Josh Thomas, and Justin Coleman still have a shot at safety and cornerback. Jabari Price is suspended for the first two games of the season. That has to factor into an already tough decision.
With the expanded practice squad the possibility is there for a team to save a roster spot and "hide" their third quarterback there. I'm going with that approach with Taylor Heinicke. He's the third quarterback. And I have him on the practice squad. That opens up the possibility for a fourth tight end or seventh linebacker but it will leave the young quarterback available to 31 other teams.
The decision to keep a fullback will be a tough one. My guess is that the team wants one on the roster but if it comes down to deciding between Edmond Robinson and Zach Line they probably go with the better football player. That would probably lead to tight ends Rhett Ellison and MyCole Pruitt spending some time in the backfield.
After Sunday's release of long-time long snapper Cullen Loeffler, the only position group that's set is the specialists.
Rosters have to be cut down to 75 players by Tuesday. They have to be at 53 next Saturday. It's a tough time. Nearly 1200 football players will be without a football uniform. Some momentarily. Most for the first time in a very long time.
I'm glad that I'm only making the Vikings roster decisions for fun.
Friday, August 28, 2015
College Football All-Name Team
The CFB 24/7 wing of NFL.com puts together some terrific lists during the weeks leading up to each college football season. They are informative. They are always fun. One of the most fun is the All-Name Team put together by NFL media editor Jim Reineking.
Quarterback
Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati
-excellent name for a quarterback
Running backs
Storm Woods, Oregon St.
Steven Lakalaka, Hawaii
Wide receivers
Edgar Allen Poe, Army
Speedy Noil, Texas A&M
-the author Poe was actually discharged from West Point back in the day
-Speedy is a fine name for a receiver
Tight end
Jake Butt, Michigan
Tackles
Spencer Durango, Baylor
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, TCU
-Durango is one of the best football players in the nation
Guards
Thor Jozwiak, South Florida
Chongo Kondolo, Nebraska
Defensive tackle
Sir Calvin Wallace, North Texas
Defensive ends
Taco Charlton, Michigan
Silverberry Mouhon, Cincinnati
-Gotta love tacos!
Linebackers
Zeek Bigger, East Carolina
Bam Bradley, Pittsburgh
Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn
Scooby Wright III, Arizona
-Cassanova McKinzy is a sweet name
-Scooby is one of the best defensive football players in the nation
Cornerbacks
Prince Charles Iworah, Western Kentucky
Will Likely, Maryland
Safety
Money Hunter, Arkansas St.
Weston Steelhammer, Air Force
-these are outstanding!
-Money is short for Monshadrick and he's the son of baseball player Torii Hunter.
Kicker
Chris Blewitt, Pittsburgh
-this is an unfortunate name for a person in any profession, but kicker?
Punter
Will Monday, Duke
Fun stuff! Check out the other fun lists at NFL.com's CFB 24/7.
Quarterback
Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati
-excellent name for a quarterback
Running backs
Storm Woods, Oregon St.
Steven Lakalaka, Hawaii
Wide receivers
Edgar Allen Poe, Army
Speedy Noil, Texas A&M
-the author Poe was actually discharged from West Point back in the day
-Speedy is a fine name for a receiver
Tight end
Jake Butt, Michigan
Tackles
Spencer Durango, Baylor
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, TCU
-Durango is one of the best football players in the nation
Guards
Thor Jozwiak, South Florida
Chongo Kondolo, Nebraska
Defensive tackle
Sir Calvin Wallace, North Texas
Defensive ends
Taco Charlton, Michigan
Silverberry Mouhon, Cincinnati
-Gotta love tacos!
Linebackers
Zeek Bigger, East Carolina
Bam Bradley, Pittsburgh
Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn
Scooby Wright III, Arizona
-Cassanova McKinzy is a sweet name
-Scooby is one of the best defensive football players in the nation
Cornerbacks
Prince Charles Iworah, Western Kentucky
Will Likely, Maryland
Safety
Money Hunter, Arkansas St.
Weston Steelhammer, Air Force
-these are outstanding!
-Money is short for Monshadrick and he's the son of baseball player Torii Hunter.
Kicker
Chris Blewitt, Pittsburgh
-this is an unfortunate name for a person in any profession, but kicker?
Punter
Will Monday, Duke
Fun stuff! Check out the other fun lists at NFL.com's CFB 24/7.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Throwback Thursday: 1990s All-Decade Team
Here's a look back at the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team as chosen by the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters.
Quarterback
John Elway
Running backs
Barry Sanders
Emmitt Smith
Wide Receivers
Jerry Rice
Cris Carter
Tight end
Shannon Sharpe
Tackles
Tony Boselli
Gary Zimmerman
Guards
Bruce Matthews
Randall McDaniel
Center
Dermontti Dawson
Defensive ends
Bruce Smith
Reggie White
Defensive tackles
Cortez Kennedy
John Randle
Linebackers
Junior Seau
Derrick Thomas
Kevin Greene
Cornerbacks
Deion Sanders
Rod Woodson
Safeties
Steve Atwater
LeRoy Butler
Kicker
Morten Andersen
Punter
Darren Bennett
Kick Returner
Michael Bates
Punt returner
Deion Sanders
This All-Decade team has to be one of the better All-Decade teams. The running backs, receivers, guards, defensive ends, and corners are tough to match.
There really isn't much debate surrounding this team. Tony Boselli, Kevin Greene, the safeties, and the specialists that aren't Deion Sanders are the only players that aren't in the Hall of Fame. Boselli probably would be if he had played his career hadn't fallen off in the 2000s. He was terrific, Hall of Fame-terrific, from 1996-2000. Greene has been on the doorsteps of the Hall for years. It feels like his time is coming soon. There's a valid argument that Larry Allen should be one of the guards but how do you bump Randall McDaniel or Bruce Matthews. Personally, I'd put Allen on this team at the painful expense of Matthews. McDaniel and Allen are often my All-Time guards. I doubt that too many would complain if Warren Sapp or Ray Lewis found his way onto this team. Although both probably had their best years in the 2000s.
Darren Bennett and Morten Andersen were the Minnesota Vikings kicking tandem in 2004. Their best years were clearly behind them.
Quarterback
John Elway
Running backs
Barry Sanders
Emmitt Smith
Wide Receivers
Jerry Rice
Cris Carter
Tight end
Shannon Sharpe
Tackles
Tony Boselli
Gary Zimmerman
Guards
Bruce Matthews
Randall McDaniel
Center
Dermontti Dawson
Defensive ends
Bruce Smith
Reggie White
Defensive tackles
Cortez Kennedy
John Randle
Linebackers
Junior Seau
Derrick Thomas
Kevin Greene
Cornerbacks
Deion Sanders
Rod Woodson
Safeties
Steve Atwater
LeRoy Butler
Kicker
Morten Andersen
Punter
Darren Bennett
Kick Returner
Michael Bates
Punt returner
Deion Sanders
This All-Decade team has to be one of the better All-Decade teams. The running backs, receivers, guards, defensive ends, and corners are tough to match.
There really isn't much debate surrounding this team. Tony Boselli, Kevin Greene, the safeties, and the specialists that aren't Deion Sanders are the only players that aren't in the Hall of Fame. Boselli probably would be if he had played his career hadn't fallen off in the 2000s. He was terrific, Hall of Fame-terrific, from 1996-2000. Greene has been on the doorsteps of the Hall for years. It feels like his time is coming soon. There's a valid argument that Larry Allen should be one of the guards but how do you bump Randall McDaniel or Bruce Matthews. Personally, I'd put Allen on this team at the painful expense of Matthews. McDaniel and Allen are often my All-Time guards. I doubt that too many would complain if Warren Sapp or Ray Lewis found his way onto this team. Although both probably had their best years in the 2000s.
Darren Bennett and Morten Andersen were the Minnesota Vikings kicking tandem in 2004. Their best years were clearly behind them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Another Moss
Thaddeus Moss is making a football name for himself. As the son of Randy Moss he's always received attention. His own football skills are drawing the attention of college coaches now. He's one of the best tight end's in the country. The four-star recruit from Charlotte Mallard Creek High revealed his top six schools last week:
Georgia
UCLA
USC
NC State
Nebraska
Arizona St.
He's clearly looking at schools across the nation. Those schools that had hopes for the younger Moss shouldn't lose hope. His top eight from a month ago looked like this:
Alabama
Arizona St.
Georgia
Miami
North Carolina St.
Oregon
UCLA
West Virginia
I've never understood why people find the need to pressure teenagers for a significant decision months, even years, before they have to make it. Moss and his fellow soon-to-be-seniors don't have to sign their letters of intent until February. Why push them for their decisions now? Just let them enjoy their final year of high school. If I was a highly recruited high school athlete I think that I'd toss out a new list of preferred colleges whenever someone asked. Just to keep people guessing. Anyway, if Moss is seriously considering a Pac-12 school he really should take a trip to Berkeley.
With Thaddeus Moss making his own presence known in the football world I had to take a look at some of his junior highlights. At 6'4", he has his father's height. At 240 pounds, he's much more football-sized than his father ever was. While not quite as explosive as his father the junior Moss has the same physical advantage over nearly everyone tasked with guarding him. The thing about Thaddeus Moss that struck me most in his highlights was his presence on defense. He plays defensive end. And he blocks! He's not just a pass-catching tight end. But, it's his play on defense that really caught my eye. It wasn't the free runs at the quarterback that were impressive. Nearly anyone can collect sacks when the offensive line does little to slow a pass rusher. It's his awareness. He could see plays before they developed. He has the football smarts that his father has. It's fun to see those Moss smarts on defense. As far as I know every school recruiting Moss is recruiting him as a tight end but it wouldn't surprise me at all if some might consider playing him at defensive end. He has some of the read and react skills that are difficult to teach.
I wish Thaddeus Moss well in his senior year, his college years, hopefully his NFL years to come, and especially in his own football life.
Georgia
UCLA
USC
NC State
Nebraska
Arizona St.
He's clearly looking at schools across the nation. Those schools that had hopes for the younger Moss shouldn't lose hope. His top eight from a month ago looked like this:
Alabama
Arizona St.
Georgia
Miami
North Carolina St.
Oregon
UCLA
West Virginia
I've never understood why people find the need to pressure teenagers for a significant decision months, even years, before they have to make it. Moss and his fellow soon-to-be-seniors don't have to sign their letters of intent until February. Why push them for their decisions now? Just let them enjoy their final year of high school. If I was a highly recruited high school athlete I think that I'd toss out a new list of preferred colleges whenever someone asked. Just to keep people guessing. Anyway, if Moss is seriously considering a Pac-12 school he really should take a trip to Berkeley.
With Thaddeus Moss making his own presence known in the football world I had to take a look at some of his junior highlights. At 6'4", he has his father's height. At 240 pounds, he's much more football-sized than his father ever was. While not quite as explosive as his father the junior Moss has the same physical advantage over nearly everyone tasked with guarding him. The thing about Thaddeus Moss that struck me most in his highlights was his presence on defense. He plays defensive end. And he blocks! He's not just a pass-catching tight end. But, it's his play on defense that really caught my eye. It wasn't the free runs at the quarterback that were impressive. Nearly anyone can collect sacks when the offensive line does little to slow a pass rusher. It's his awareness. He could see plays before they developed. He has the football smarts that his father has. It's fun to see those Moss smarts on defense. As far as I know every school recruiting Moss is recruiting him as a tight end but it wouldn't surprise me at all if some might consider playing him at defensive end. He has some of the read and react skills that are difficult to teach.
I wish Thaddeus Moss well in his senior year, his college years, hopefully his NFL years to come, and especially in his own football life.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
New Snapper
Cullen Loeffler has been the long snapper for the Minnesota Vikings since 2004. That's when he won a training camp battle with incumbent Brody Heffner-Liddiard. Loeffler entered the 2015 offeseaon as the most tenured player on the team. 11 years. He's been so solid at the position that the Vikings hadn't seen a need to bring in competition until this training camp. Kevin McDermott was that competition. Loeffler was notified on Sunday that McDermott will be the Vikings long snapper moving forward. The 11-year veteran is now a free agent for the first time since he was an undrafted free agent in 2004.
Long snapper can be a thankless job. They are anonymous when everything's going right. The spotlight is bright on them when something goes wrong. Cullen Loeffler was pretty much anonymous for ten years. Last year was the first year in which it seemed like not all of his snaps were perfect. One of the less than perfect snaps was even a significant reason for a loss. Loeffler's subpar 2014 season was the reason for the training camp competition with Kevin McDermott. The Vikings have also made a concerted effort recently to get younger at the specialist positions. They drafted kicker Blair Walsh to replace Ryan Longwell in 2012. They drafted punter Jeff Locke to replace Chris Kluwe in 2013. Locke and McDermott were teammates at UCLA. Longwell, Kluwe, and Loeffler were a solid battery for six years. They were great on the field. They were great friends off the field. They were characters. They had fun. They were fun. Specialists are often a little different. Especially kickers. They are usually off by themselves practicing on a different field. They don't often fit in with the other 50 players on the roster. Longwell, Kluwe, and Loeffler were team leaders. Kluwe might have been the most different from the rest but he didn't seem to be removed from the rest. It was sad to see Longwell and then Kluwe replaced but from a football perspective it felt like the time was right. It was only a matter of time before Loeffler followed his friends. The Vikings had to make a decision now. Walsh missed three field goals and an extra point in last Saturday's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. A terrible night. Rotating long snappers couldn't have been doing the timing of place kicks any favors. The Vikings have to get this fixed and they had to pick a long snapper. The new specialists have about three weeks to get that timing down before the games start counting.
Cullen Loeffler has been a great long snapper and teammate for eleven years. It's tough to lose that. Blair Walsh gives Loeffler credit for making his adjustment to the NFL a little easier. He probably did the same thing for Jeff Locke. He's such a great teammate, friend, and stand-up guy that he called Kevin McDermott to congratulate him. That's how McDermott found out that he's the Vikings new long snapper. The Vikings first new long snapper since 2004.
Long snapper can be a thankless job. They are anonymous when everything's going right. The spotlight is bright on them when something goes wrong. Cullen Loeffler was pretty much anonymous for ten years. Last year was the first year in which it seemed like not all of his snaps were perfect. One of the less than perfect snaps was even a significant reason for a loss. Loeffler's subpar 2014 season was the reason for the training camp competition with Kevin McDermott. The Vikings have also made a concerted effort recently to get younger at the specialist positions. They drafted kicker Blair Walsh to replace Ryan Longwell in 2012. They drafted punter Jeff Locke to replace Chris Kluwe in 2013. Locke and McDermott were teammates at UCLA. Longwell, Kluwe, and Loeffler were a solid battery for six years. They were great on the field. They were great friends off the field. They were characters. They had fun. They were fun. Specialists are often a little different. Especially kickers. They are usually off by themselves practicing on a different field. They don't often fit in with the other 50 players on the roster. Longwell, Kluwe, and Loeffler were team leaders. Kluwe might have been the most different from the rest but he didn't seem to be removed from the rest. It was sad to see Longwell and then Kluwe replaced but from a football perspective it felt like the time was right. It was only a matter of time before Loeffler followed his friends. The Vikings had to make a decision now. Walsh missed three field goals and an extra point in last Saturday's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. A terrible night. Rotating long snappers couldn't have been doing the timing of place kicks any favors. The Vikings have to get this fixed and they had to pick a long snapper. The new specialists have about three weeks to get that timing down before the games start counting.
Cullen Loeffler has been a great long snapper and teammate for eleven years. It's tough to lose that. Blair Walsh gives Loeffler credit for making his adjustment to the NFL a little easier. He probably did the same thing for Jeff Locke. He's such a great teammate, friend, and stand-up guy that he called Kevin McDermott to congratulate him. That's how McDermott found out that he's the Vikings new long snapper. The Vikings first new long snapper since 2004.
Monday, August 24, 2015
AP Preseason Top-25
The Associated Press released their first 2015 College Football Top-25 poll on Sunday. Defending champ Ohio St. received all 61 of the first place votes. Preseason rankings date back to 1950. Since that first one no team had received more than 97 percent of the first-place votes in a preseason poll. Ohio St. would certainly trade that little bit of history-making for a top ranking in the final 2015 Top-25 poll.
This first poll of 2015 breaks down by conference like this:
SEC: 8 teams
Pac-12: 6
Big Ten: 3
Big 12: 3
ACC: 3
A seventh Pac-12 team will most certainly join this group when Cal makes their presence felt!
This first poll of 2015 breaks down by conference like this:
SEC: 8 teams
Pac-12: 6
Big Ten: 3
Big 12: 3
ACC: 3
A seventh Pac-12 team will most certainly join this group when Cal makes their presence felt!
| 1 |  |
Ohio State (61)
Record: 0-0
|
PV Rank
-
Points
1,525 |
| 2 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,428
|
| 3 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,322
|
| 4 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,263
|
| 5 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,256
|
| 6 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,192
|
| 7 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,156
|
| 8 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
1,085
|
| 9 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
991
|
| 10 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
959
|
| 11 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
873
|
| 12 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
862
|
| 13 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
698
|
| 14 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
675
|
| 15 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
605
|
| 16 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
588
|
| 17 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
563
|
| 18 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
410
|
| 19 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
394
|
| 20 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
393
|
| 21 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
347
|
| 22 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
311
|
| 23 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
240
|
| 24 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
219
|
| 25 |  |
Record: 0-0
|
-
114
|
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