AP - Why was he in with 7+ minutes to go? (1 Viewer)

[BigDave]

Why do coaches risk injury to their stud RB's late in a game to run out the clock?

Chester Taylor was perfectly able to do that for them. AP was already limping a little.

S. Jackson just got back after he was hurt really late in a game against Dallas when St. L. had it in the bag.

I don't get it

 

[PosterNutBag]

Why do coaches risk injury to their stud RB's late in a game to run out the clock? Chester Taylor was perfectly able to do that for them. AP was already limping a little. S. Jackson just got back after he was hurt really late in a game against Dallas when St. L. had it in the bag. I don't get it

b/c you can still lose a game with a 3 score lead with 7+ minutes to go ... just ask the Houston Texans (Colts did this to them earlier this season)

 

[joffer]

North's fantasy team needed the points

 

[Lord Fantasy]

I was at the game and everyone around me was asking the same question. It wasn't just that MN had the lead, but they had pretty much owned Chicago all night. No way MN was going to give up three scores.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

I was wondering the opposite. Why is Chicago punting the ball with 3 minutes left in the game? Who cares if you lose by 24 instead of 17. You're definitely going to lose if you punt.

 

[pantagrapher]

It's a safe lead, but not THAT safe.

 

[comfortably numb]

Dennis Green called MIN and told them CHI is who he thinks they are!!!

Wasn't ARZ basically "owning" CHI that Monday night game as well?

 

[malice]

This is the Minnesota secondary and special teams we're talking about here- no lead is safe. Despite the fact that a good deal of the plays called in the 4th quarter were ultra-conservative, you win the tough ones by putting the ball in the hands of the guys who got you there to finish the job.

 

[mozzy84]

Why do coaches risk injury to their stud RB's late in a game to run out the clock? Chester Taylor was perfectly able to do that for them. AP was already limping a little. S. Jackson just got back after he was hurt really late in a game against Dallas when St. L. had it in the bag. I don't get it

haven't watched childress coach much have you?

 

[netmau5]

Why do coaches risk injury to their stud RB's late in a game to run out the clock? Chester Taylor was perfectly able to do that for them. AP was already limping a little. S. Jackson just got back after he was hurt really late in a game against Dallas when St. L. had it in the bag. I don't get it

haven't watched childress coach much have you?

Childress honestly seems to make the wrong decision every time... you would think he could accidentally get it right once in a while.

 

[notdarkyet]

Did he get hurt?

 

[gagull]

Why do coaches risk injury to their stud RB's late in a game to run out the clock? Chester Taylor was perfectly able to do that for them. AP was already limping a little. S. Jackson just got back after he was hurt really late in a game against Dallas when St. L. had it in the bag. I don't get it

haven't watched childress coach much have you?

Childress honestly seems to make the wrong decision every time... you would think he could accidentally get it right once in a while.

Pretty much the same thing could be said for every Viqueen coach going back to the 70's

 

[MAC_32]

Blowing a 17 point lead with more than 7 minutes to go has happened quite a few times.

 

[mozzy84]

Blowing a 17 point lead with more than 7 minutes to go has happened quite a few times.

all of these carries should be taylors imo, especially when peterson has been limping off the field all 4th quarter...they were already in field goal range.1-10-CHI 20 (8:04) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to CHI 18 for 2 yards (95-A.Adams; 55-L.Briggs).2-8-CHI 18 (7:27) 28-A.Peterson left guard to CHI 13 for 5 yards (91-T.Harris).3-3-CHI 13 (6:43) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to CHI 7 for 6 yards (21-C.Graham; 44-K.Payne).1-7-CHI 7 (5:59) 29-C.Taylor right end to CHI 6 for 1 yard (21-C.Graham).2-6-CHI 6 (5:15) 28-A.Peterson left end to CHI 8 for -2 yards (55-L.Briggs, 97-M.Anderson).3-8-CHI 8 (4:29) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to CHI 9 for -1 yards (71-I.Idonije).

 

[Hue G]

Blowing a 17 point lead with more than 7 minutes to go has happened quite a few times.

all of these carries should be taylors imo, especially when peterson has been limping off the field all 4th quarter...they were already in field goal range.1-10-CHI 20 (8:04) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to CHI 18 for 2 yards (95-A.Adams; 55-L.Briggs).2-8-CHI 18 (7:27) 28-A.Peterson left guard to CHI 13 for 5 yards (91-T.Harris).3-3-CHI 13 (6:43) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to CHI 7 for 6 yards (21-C.Graham; 44-K.Payne).1-7-CHI 7 (5:59) 29-C.Taylor right end to CHI 6 for 1 yard (21-C.Graham).2-6-CHI 6 (5:15) 28-A.Peterson left end to CHI 8 for -2 yards (55-L.Briggs, 97-M.Anderson).3-8-CHI 8 (4:29) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to CHI 9 for -1 yards (71-I.Idonije).

I agree, AP looked like he was a little beat up and you definily have a capable replacement in Taylor so why not let him finnish off the game.

 

[Henry Cabbot Henhouse]

7 minutes is an eternity.

The Raiders scored two touchdowns in 9 seconds to close out the infamous

 

[David Yudkin]

The Pats gave up 3 scores to the Steelers in about 2 minutes yesterday. I agree that it was very unlikely the Bears would come back the way the game was going, but crazier things have happened.

 

[gianmarco]

If Chester is good enough to put Peterson on the sideline on 3rd downs, especially when trailing and needed a key 1st down on a 3rd and short like in previous games, then I think he should be good enough to run out the clock in that situation. Childress just does things completely bass ackwards. Of course the Vikings could blow that lead, but if they trust Chester enough in those previous games situations then they should trust him to run out the clock last night.

 

[Ghost Rider]

First, Childress is an idiot for not using AP enough, and now, he is an idiot for using him too much. This message board is great.

 

[Woogie Lee]

Why do coaches risk injury to their stud RB's late in a game to run out the clock? Chester Taylor was perfectly able to do that for them. AP was already limping a little. S. Jackson just got back after he was hurt really late in a game against Dallas when St. L. had it in the bag. I don't get it

haven't watched childress coach much have you?

Childress honestly seems to make the wrong decision every time...

Agreed, but somehow this team is on top of the division. I guess talent and luck are winning out here.

 

[FFdork]

I'm surprised that anyone who watched the game would defend this decision. ADP came out of the game limping at least twice--he was taking a pounding. I was really surprised Peterson was in there when a Bears comeback was extremely unlikely.

IMO these are some of the reasons you have Chester--fresh legs and saving your best player from a little wear and tear.

 

[gianmarco]

First, Childress is an idiot for not using AP enough, and now, he is an idiot for using him too much. This message board is great.

Not just this message board.He uses Chester when AP should be in (game on the line, 3rd and short, end of the game)He uses AP when Chester should be in (game in hand, need to run out the clock, AP getting banged up)What's difficult to understand about that?

 

[Squinting Cyclops]

Most of the time the only people who even care about this are the ones who have fantasy football irons in the fire such as playing against AP or starting C Taylor.

I agree that Childress seems to blow it as a coach on a regular basis but the only reason MOST of us even care is because we have some silly fantasy football interest.

 

[eric rymer]

I'm surprised that anyone who watched the game would defend this decision. ADP came out of the game limping at least twice--he was taking a pounding. I was really surprised Peterson was in there when a Bears comeback was extremely unlikely.IMO these are some of the reasons you have Chester--fresh legs and saving your best player from a little wear and tear.

ADP really took a beating....limping off, blood on his jersey. From a FF standpoint I am glad he was in because it won me my game. From a football standpoint I didn't understand it at all. Chester was playing well and the game wasn't on the line. Had the Bears gotten a quick score or two, put him back in. But it really wasn't needed IMO. I know it was a must win, but the game seemed to be under control.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I'm surprised that anyone who watched the game would defend this decision. ADP came out of the game limping at least twice--he was taking a pounding. I was really surprised Peterson was in there when a Bears comeback was extremely unlikely.IMO these are some of the reasons you have Chester--fresh legs and saving your best player from a little wear and tear.

ADP really took a beating....limping off, blood on his jersey. From a FF standpoint I am glad he was in because it won me my game. From a football standpoint I didn't understand it at all. Chester was playing well and the game wasn't on the line. Had the Bears gotten a quick score or two, put him back in. But it really wasn't needed IMO. I know it was a must win, but the game seemed to be under control. :X

Peterson's jersey always has the red on the numbers - I have no idea what it is but it is there during every game.I think he should have been out, but after watching last year's game on NFL Network this week and how the Vikings gave up a 14 point lead in less than two minutes, I wasn't complaining too much. As a Vikings' fan, I know anything can (and usually does) happen!

 

[ScottyFargo]

First, Childress is an idiot for not using AP enough, and now, he is an idiot for using him too much. This message board is great.

Not just this message board.He uses Chester when AP should be in (game on the line, 3rd and short, end of the game)He uses AP when Chester should be in (game in hand, need to run out the clock, AP getting banged up)What's difficult to understand about that?

Exactly. Childress coaches from Bizarro world, I swear. It's not like Chester is chopped liver, he had 4.6 YPC yesterday too. He must think he's faking out the D or something. The guy is crazy. There was no reason for AD to be in there.

 

[CalBear]

You have a workhorse back to put the game away. Up by 17 midway through the fourth is the time to put the game away.

 

[Lord Fantasy]

I understand that no lead is safe, but it's not like Chester Taylor sucks. Alls I'm sayin' is that you didn't need to risk ruining your season by having ADP in there.

Is alls I'm sayin'.

 

[Synthesizer]

Week 13 with the division title on the line and he's using his best player to protect a lead in the 4th quarter..... and people are complaining about this?!? At least it puts a smile on my face to know that the same people would be complaining if he chose to play Chester Taylor and the Bears came back to win the game.

 

[yoman]

I too was shocked to see AP still in there and taking a pounding but to me the Vikings bigger issue is that their coach is terrible. IMHO this Viking team should be considered a Superbowl contender and not be hovering around .500 and struggling to make the playoffs. In fact when the Vikings got Allen/Berrian I almost picked them to represent the NFC in big game this year but then I remembered who their coach is. They should win just about every game based on sheer talent alone but usually struggle because of their coaching.

 

[valhallan]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

 

[yoman]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

After thinking about it and reading your post I agree that this is kind of stupid and he should be out. AP has been injury prone in the past and the Bears were getting completely dominated on both sides of the ball. In the unlikely event of a Bears starting to make a comeback it's not like AP couldn't go back in the game or maybe people think that he was going to get cold on the sidelines and wouldn't be effective if he had to go back in the game.

 

[CalBear]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson on the roster for.

 

[eric rymer]

I'm surprised that anyone who watched the game would defend this decision. ADP came out of the game limping at least twice--he was taking a pounding. I was really surprised Peterson was in there when a Bears comeback was extremely unlikely.IMO these are some of the reasons you have Chester--fresh legs and saving your best player from a little wear and tear.

ADP really took a beating....limping off, blood on his jersey. From a FF standpoint I am glad he was in because it won me my game. From a football standpoint I didn't understand it at all. Chester was playing well and the game wasn't on the line. Had the Bears gotten a quick score or two, put him back in. But it really wasn't needed IMO. I know it was a must win, but the game seemed to be under control.

Peterson's jersey always has the red on the numbers - I have no idea what it is but it is there during every game.

Thanks for pointing that out. Unfortunately here in the Carolina's we don't get to catch many Vikes games. I just remember Michaels commenting about blood on the jersey.

 

[treat88]

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson Taylor on the roster for.

Just a helping hand for a minor correction

 

[footballguy#1]

By that point in the game I wasn't paying close attention, but I thought Taylor got a carry with maybe 5-7 minutes left and he got crushed. There was no mention of an injury that I saw or heard, but he didn't see the field after that run.

 

[ScottyFargo]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson on the roster for.

No, you have Peterson on the roster to make plays, be explosive and win you the game. When the game is in hand, there is no need to risk injuring him. Should the Vikings be stopped on O while Chester is in, and the Bears respond and score, the following drive is when you put Adrian in to keep things moving.It was horrifying to watch Adrian get up from a tackle and limp to the sidelines yesterday, and then watch him rush back out a few plays later. Chester is a quality back who was not having trouble against the Bears yesterday either. As others have mentioned in the past this season, Childress has HELD Adrian out when he had few carries and they needed to WIN, and this is an example of playing it wrong.

I complained last year when Adrian Peterson had 12 touches and 100 yards against the Pack in the 1st half of their first meeting... and then was benched the entire second half. The game was NOT won at that point, and it was too early to bench the biggest threat on the team. These situations are not the same, so it is not a hypocritical opinion as some posters are loling at.

 

[PosterNutBag]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson on the roster for.

I echo these sentiments. I don't own either AP or Taylor in a league.

 

[CalBear]

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson Taylor on the roster for.

Just a helping hand for a minor correction

Look, Peterson is one of the best backs in the league. When you have a lead and one of the best RBs in the league, you run him down the opponents' throat until the win is assured. They didn't pull Walter Payton on the clinching drive to give the ball to Matt Suhey.

 

[valhallan]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson on the roster for.

I echo these sentiments. I don't own either AP or Taylor in a league.

Ok, that's fine that you don't own either player but it has nothing to do with the situation. He was already over 20 carries, he had limped off the field twice, the Vikings had the ball deep in Chicago territory, Chester was running well, and the Vikes D was dominating Orton. That's my list of reasons to question the decision. If the counter is that's why you have Peterson, then sorry, but him being an all-world talent means I want him on the field next Sunday, too.

 

[treat88]

Look, Peterson is one of the best backs in the league. When you have a lead and one of the best RBs in the league, you run him down the opponents' throat until the win is assured. They didn't pull Walter Payton on the clinching drive to give the ball to Matt Suhey.

The win was assured. With no disrespect, it is bordering on Belichick-esque paranoia to think otherwise.If that was in question I would agree with you. I don't think it was, hence the need to look at the big picture and pound Taylor.

 

[PosterNutBag]

I wonder how many people defending Childress decision to keep AP in actually watched the game. I don't mean tracking stats on gamecenter or having it on in the background while reading FBGs, I mean actually watched the game. Seemed pretty obvious to me and my friends watching that Chester should have been in the game, and the posters in here who sound as if they did watch the game also think Chester should have been in. All of these "7 minutes is a lot of time" and "you put your best player on the field" comments seem like they're coming from people's general opinion of situational football, not from the events of this game in particular.

I watched the game, and I don't own Peterson or Taylor, and I think that is exactly the kind of situation you have Peterson on the roster for.

I echo these sentiments. I don't own either AP or Taylor in a league.

Ok, that's fine that you don't own either player but it has nothing to do with the situation. He was already over 20 carries, he had limped off the field twice, the Vikings had the ball deep in Chicago territory, Chester was running well, and the Vikes D was dominating Orton. That's my list of reasons to question the decision. If the counter is that's why you have Peterson, then sorry, but him being an all-world talent means I want him on the field next Sunday, too.

No. My counter is that they have coaches, trainers and ADP himself all providing input as to his health and if they felt he was good enough for one last drive to TOTALLY ice the game, then I think he should be in there. Taylor is a solid RB, but he is not as quick as ADP, so I would much rather have a RB in there who is more capable of getting 1st downs when the other team knows I am going to try and run out the clock.There is no way they are going to risk their season on having ADP in there for one last drive. Players get banged up in a game and limp of the field after a charlie horse or a good hit and sometimes all it takes is the walk it off or 5-10 minutes of rest to be back without the limp. I am sure ADP woke up sore today, but he is probably fine and will look just fine next week.

I can see your point that it's best to play it safe just in case, but even while having a seemingly safe lead the game wasn't 100% in the bag at that point. I can't blame Childress for having ADP in the game to ice it.

 

[mozzy84]

By that point in the game I wasn't paying close attention, but I thought Taylor got a carry with maybe 5-7 minutes left and he got crushed. There was no mention of an injury that I saw or heard, but he didn't see the field after that run.

yea you quite watching, taylor did take the last 3 carries of the game around the 2 min warning mark, they punting back to chicago with about 30 sec left in the game.

 

[CalBear]

Look, Peterson is one of the best backs in the league. When you have a lead and one of the best RBs in the league, you run him down the opponents' throat until the win is assured. They didn't pull Walter Payton on the clinching drive to give the ball to Matt Suhey.

The win was assured. With no disrespect, it is bordering on Belichick-esque paranoia to think otherwise.If that was in question I would agree with you. I don't think it was, hence the need to look at the big picture and pound Taylor.

The Vikings secondary has sucked all year, and they're facing a team with one of the best return games in the league. There's 8:04 on the clock. What happens if you put Taylor in there, you fail to get a first down, you kick a FG to go up by 20 (still a 3-score game), and then Chicago runs the kickoff back for a TD? Suddenly you're in a 13-point game with over 6:00 left. They needed a TD to seal the game. Taylor's last five rushes in the game went for a total of -1 yards. He's a pretty good backup but he can't get yardage when everyone knows it's going to be a run--only a back like Peterson can do that.

 

[cstu]

Blowing a 17 point lead with more than 7 minutes to go has happened quite a few times.

all of these carries should be taylors imo, especially when peterson has been limping off the field all 4th quarter...they were already in field goal range.1-10-CHI 20 (8:04) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to CHI 18 for 2 yards (95-A.Adams; 55-L.Briggs).2-8-CHI 18 (7:27) 28-A.Peterson left guard to CHI 13 for 5 yards (91-T.Harris).3-3-CHI 13 (6:43) 28-A.Peterson left tackle to CHI 7 for 6 yards (21-C.Graham; 44-K.Payne).1-7-CHI 7 (5:59) 29-C.Taylor right end to CHI 6 for 1 yard (21-C.Graham).2-6-CHI 6 (5:15) 28-A.Peterson left end to CHI 8 for -2 yards (55-L.Briggs, 97-M.Anderson).3-8-CHI 8 (4:29) 28-A.Peterson up the middle to CHI 9 for -1 yards (71-I.Idonije).

I agree, AP looked like he was a little beat up and you definily have a capable replacement in Taylor so why not let him finnish off the game.

My thoughts as well. If Taylor wasn't a good RB himself then I would understand, but when you have a very good backup and a big lead you don't risk your franchise player.

 

[rockalum]

For everyone who says sit AP ... this week they play the Lions. Would you be OK with giving Peterson off to rest up for the final 3 games, since the game is already in the bag?

 

[Blue-Kun]

For everyone who says sit AP ... this week they play the Lions. Would you be OK with giving Peterson off to rest up for the final 3 games, since the game is already in the bag?

Did you even look at the last time they played? Detroit almost won. That's how bad this Minny team is capable of playing, and you want them not to play their best player while in a playoff race? Are you delusional?

 

[ScottyFargo]

For everyone who says sit AP ... this week they play the Lions. Would you be OK with giving Peterson off to rest up for the final 3 games, since the game is already in the bag?

Not until they are up by a lot with half of the final quarter to go. That is an extreme example and a poor one considering A. The Vikings have lost to the Lions a few years back when they were 0-12. B. Divisional game that is important for the Vikings to win for Tie-breakers C. Final games are against tough opponents like Arizona, Atlanta and the Giants. None of those games are assured victories, either.This is some weak arguments coming out in favor of keeping Adrian Peterson in the game when he was stung, the game was in hand, and there is a quality backup like Chester Taylor behind him. In ALL of the examples of the Bears scoring to get within two scores there is the opportunity for Adrian to come back INTO the game. You give your lead dog rest when it is available to you so he doesn't get overworked AND he is there for you when you need him.

 

[FFdork]

I'm still surprised by how much disagreement there is--I guess if you throw it up on a posting board there's a certain % of people that will just show up to be contrary.

Saying 'there were still 7 minutes in the game, their pass D is bad', or 'you have Adrian Peterson to put away the game' isn't looking at all the facts in this particular situation. As has already been pointed out, they started that drive in easy field goal range and were already up by 3 scores. Peterson was clearly beat up.

Yes you can build a rationale for leaving ADP in (I'll bet you dollars to donuts Chilly did it if asked at his presser today), but I think people are being disingenuous.

BTW, I'm not arguing either way due to fantasy implications. I actually needed that last point from ADP to win in the only league where I own either of them.

 

[FFdork]

For everyone who says sit AP ... this week they play the Lions. Would you be OK with giving Peterson off to rest up for the final 3 games, since the game is already in the bag?

Yes. Clearly that is exactly the same as what we are talking about here.