Asiata vs. McKinnon (2 Viewers)

[SameSongNDance]

Can you imaGine what petdrson wodbe doinv rjght now?

This was my first thought as well. Easily would have run for ~150.

 

[DropKick]

How many RBs have multiple 3+ rushing TD games I wonder. Asiata has 2 in 5 games now.

Function of the offense and the plays they run at the goal line. So many teams throw the ball now. Philly threw twice from the one to lose that game tonight.

 

[towney]

Can you imaGine what petdrson wodbe doinv rjght now?

This was my first thought as well. Easily would have run for ~150.

To bad us Peterson owners will not see this this year

 

[flapgreen]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see. Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

Also interesting is the Vikings play again in 4 days.

McKinnon should be a big part of the backfield. Not sure I'll look at starting either in the next few weeks. May pass on starting Asiata @ GB (depending on other RB options and if Bridgewater is starting). Asiata had a real juicy stretch (NE/NO/Atl) these last couple week making him a must start IMO. I think the choice is about to get a whole lot tougher (start/bench)

 

[SameSongNDance]

How many RBs have multiple 3+ rushing TD games I wonder. Asiata has 2 in 5 games now.

Function of the offense and the plays they run at the goal line. So many teams throw the ball now. Philly threw twice from the one to lose that game tonight.

Of Norv's offense? There's a fair bit of variance involved in a three touchdown game like this but it's still kind of funny that he has had them in essentially half of his starts (only started one game last year). I mean AP has 4 to his name but that's in 97 games.

 

[MaxThreshold]

I benched McKinnon for Ridley.

 

[Avery]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see. Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see. Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

Decided huh? Ask Mike Tomlin about that one. Or check to see if AP was sitting out 1-2 score games with 5 minutes on the clock.

Good try though.

 

[John Bender]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see.Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

Decided huh? Ask Mike Tomlin about that one. Or check to see if AP was sitting out 1-2 score games with 5 minutes on the clock.

Good try though.

McKinnon owner, huh?

 

[Avery]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see. Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

Decided huh? Ask Mike Tomlin about that one. Or check to see if AP was sitting out 1-2 score games with 5 minutes on the clock.Good try though.

I dont know why you say "Good try" other than assuming that others have agendas as you do to support "your guy". I have no such agenda and am just looking at what happened.

You got me. Asiata isn't Peterson. Other than that, McKinnon in at the end of the game has far less meaning that you want and hope it has.

They both played well and put up good stats. Again, Asiata got all the goaline work and more of the receptions. Given the result today, if you think you found evidence that will change next game by who got the last few carries, you're simply digging for confirmation bias.

 

[RBM]

Asiata = Stud

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

They both looked exactly how you'd imagine they'd look with mac truck sized holes to run through. They both looked good.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

They both looked exactly how you'd imagine they'd look with mac truck sized holes to run through. They both looked good.

Did McKinnon get touches throughout the game or did the majority come later in the game?

 

[theEinherjar]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

They both looked exactly how you'd imagine they'd look with mac truck sized holes to run through. They both looked good.

Did McKinnon get touches throughout the game or did the majority come later in the game?

Mostly later in the game - but earlier (I think 2nd quarter) there was a long drive in which he handle most of the carries. The D was lacking, but even so he was exciting to watch. Explosive to the point of being uncontrolled, like raw, unrefined potential. The drive ended in a touchdown (which McKinnon got, but was called back on penalty, so he didn't get the FF points, obviously)

 

[Henry Ford]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

They both looked exactly how you'd imagine they'd look with mac truck sized holes to run through. They both looked good.

Did McKinnon get touches throughout the game or did the majority come later in the game?

Mostly later in the game - but earlier (I think 2nd quarter) there was a long drive in which he handle most of the carries. The D was lacking, but even so he was exciting to watch. Explosive to the point of being uncontrolled, like raw, unrefined potential. The drive ended in a touchdown (which McKinnon got, but was called back on penalty, so he didn't get the FF points, obviously)

It was called back because it was overturned on review - he was down inside the 1.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see.Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

Decided huh? Ask Mike Tomlin about that one. Or check to see if AP was sitting out 1-2 score games with 5 minutes on the clock.Good try though.

McKinnon owner, huh?

. I have them both in a couple leagues. Neither individually.

 

[theEinherjar]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

They both looked exactly how you'd imagine they'd look with mac truck sized holes to run through. They both looked good.

Did McKinnon get touches throughout the game or did the majority come later in the game?

Mostly later in the game - but earlier (I think 2nd quarter) there was a long drive in which he handle most of the carries. The D was lacking, but even so he was exciting to watch. Explosive to the point of being uncontrolled, like raw, unrefined potential. The drive ended in a touchdown (which McKinnon got, but was called back on penalty, so he didn't get the FF points, obviously)

It was called back because it was overturned on review - he was down inside the 1.

This ^ right, my bad.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see. Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

Decided huh? Ask Mike Tomlin about that one. Or check to see if AP was sitting out 1-2 score games with 5 minutes on the clock.Good try though.

I dont know why you say "Good try" other than assuming that others have agendas as you do to support "your guy". I have no such agenda and am just looking at what happened. You got me. Asiata isn't Peterson. Other than that, McKinnon in at the end of the game has far less meaning that you want and hope it has.

They both played well and put up good stats. Again, Asiata got all the goaline work and more of the receptions. Given the result today, if you think you found evidence that will change next game by who got the last few carries, you're simply digging for confirmation bias.

I didn't say it meant anything. I'm refuting that Asiata was "being spared". I don't believe they were saving their all-star RB by playing McKinnon late.

 

[SameSongNDance]

They both got meaningful carries with the game on the line.

 

[treat88]

I don't know if a meaningfully predictive pattern emerged.

I do know Zimmer said he'd use McKinnon based on what he does with his touches.

At least between the 20s, my money is on McKinnon earning a few more snaps.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

Strongly considering trying to move Asiata for a front line WR or TE.

 

[elshagon]

I don't have either back, but they both looked good. McKinnon was explosive and could score on any play, he also picked up a good block in pass protection which impressed me since that was supposed to be a weakness. Asiata was solid and got the goal line carries, a couple which seemed way too easy.

 

[Football Jones]

McKinnon is a dynamic RB. We're likely looking at a future FF stud. Could be their feature back by season's end.

I expect a big numbers next year if Peterson isn't there. That offense is on the rise with the Bridgewater/McKinnon/Patterson trio & Turner as their OC.

 

[Avery]

McKinnon closing it out -interesting

very

People see what they want to see.Like the "writers" at Rotoworld, many want to see the dynamic player "take the job", and they only see the evidence that supports that.

People who want McKinnon to win the job, will see him "closing out the game" and "interesting". In other cases, when the game is decided, the second running back coming in would be evidence that he is second in the pecking order.

I dont see any "changing of the guard" here.

I expect Asiata to continue to get the goal line work, and McKinnon to get carries as well. Real NFL is more complicated than fantasy and neither player is running away with he job. They will both get work and I don't think McKinnon did anything to "take the job" from McKinnon. It was a good day for all of the Vikings offense.

We can find it "interesting" that he closed out the game without thinking he's going to take over. I see what you're trying to do but you don't know anymore about it than the rest of us.

That's kinda my point.We don't know what will happen, but the evidence from this game is that they will both get carries with Asiata getting the valuable goalline carries and more targets in the recieving game

McKinnon closing out the game is only "interesting" if you have the agenda of wanting to see him "win" the job. Otherwise, it can just as easily mean they were protecting they starting RB with te game already decided.

Decided huh? Ask Mike Tomlin about that one. Or check to see if AP was sitting out 1-2 score games with 5 minutes on the clock.Good try though.

I dont know why you say "Good try" other than assuming that others have agendas as you do to support "your guy". I have no such agenda and am just looking at what happened.You got me. Asiata isn't Peterson. Other than that, McKinnon in at the end of the game has far less meaning that you want and hope it has.

They both played well and put up good stats. Again, Asiata got all the goaline work and more of the receptions. Given the result today, if you think you found evidence that will change next game by who got the last few carries, you're simply digging for confirmation bias.

I didn't say it meant anything. I'm refuting that Asiata was "being spared". I don't believe they were saving their all-star RB by playing McKinnon late.

It's a straw man argument.

I never said I knew Asiata was being sparred or he was an all-star. All I said was that there were multiple explanations as to why McKinnon was in at the end meaning that if you think that is meaningful, than you are just applying your own personal biases to create an interpretation that fits into your pre-existingh paradigm of these RBs.

 

[valhallan]

Norv is RB-friendly. Mike Tolbert used to rack up TDs too. I'd still rather take a shot on McKinnon to be a difference-maker.

 

[Donnybrook]

Maybe the Vikings game plan should be to hammer opposing defenders with Asiata until they are battered and bruised then let them chase McKinnon later in the game. Unfortunately, they can't play Atlanta every week.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Teddy really helps them both greatly. He can move the chains with his arm and feet, opening up running lanes and granting MIN GL opportunities. I hope the ankle sprain isn't major because with Ponder under center this would be a disaster. So, how do people feel about this ground game vs. GB at GB on a short week this Thursday night.

 

[iamkoza]

the two MIN RB's alternated drives... was i the only one to see this? I'd expect something similar moving forward. Asiata got a drive... then mckinnon got a drive including 3rd down work...

the production from both players was flukey, I'm trying to sell asiata now because i dont see this team running over opponents every week like they did to atlanta....

 

[chinawildman]

McKinnon will look awesome when given room to roam against bad defenses, and come back down to earth when playing solid defenses.

Asiata will get his 3 ypc regardless of the opponent.

Sometimes 3 YPC is going to be the hot hand. This weekend wasn't one of those times.

 

[football_genus]

I think these guys are both buys this season with Teddy, but I am staying away from them for this Thursday's game if I have other options.

On the road at Green Bay with Teddy out, and playing on Thursday, I think there's a significant risk of a terrible game.

 

[Bayhawks]

the two MIN RB's alternated drives... was i the only one to see this? I'd expect something similar moving forward. Asiata got a drive... then mckinnon got a drive including 3rd down work...

the production from both players was flukey, I'm trying to sell asiata now because i dont see this team running over opponents every week like they did to atlanta....

Asiata got the first two drives of the game, and McKinnon got the last two drives of the game (as well as the 2nd-min drill drive at the end of the 1/2). There was one 3 and out when Asiata was in; he got the next series as well.

 

[mnmplayer]

This is one of those rare occurrences where the RB2 (McKinnon) is helping the RB1 (Asiata) to gain more fantasy points. In most circumstances we despise RBBC as it cancels each other out with both RBs cannibalizing carries and scoring opps. Without McKinnon getting all those yards Asiata probably only scores about half the points he did last week because there was no way Asiata could have gained those yards in the same situation which eventually setup some easy scoring opps and also moved the chains. Also credit Teddy for being a big part of that as well.

Owning both, I started Asiata last week, but this might change as we near the end of the season. For now and provided McKinnon doesn't take majority of the carries, McKinnon is like having another stud WR on the team to move the chains for more scoring opps for Asiata, because he does things Asiata can't do if he was left in the in the same situation so it doesn't really hurt Asiata's value anyway as he would have merely gained 3 yards and forced a punt while McKinnin gives them fresh downs and leaves Asiata to come in with a tired defense.

Of course, It won't be ATL every week but I think the same rule applies. It's not "Asiata vs. McKinnon" it's "Asiata needs McKinnon". Of course I am not sure McKinnon needs Asiata just yet.

 

[SameSongNDance]

I think these guys are both buys this season with Teddy, but I am staying away from them for this Thursday's game if I have other options.

On the road at Green Bay with Teddy out, and playing on Thursday, I think there's a significant risk of a terrible game.

It's tough. TNF is usually pretty friendly to RBs due to the short week and lack of prep time. GB has also been damn friendly to RBs this year, giving up the 4th most in PPR. My problem is that I'm expecting MIN to get absolutely wrecked (line opened up with GB -9.5). I don't know exactly what to make of it all. I do think, based of of perceived game state, Asiata and McKinnon will be in line for some receptions. GB has also given up a TD on the ground in 3 of their last 4, with Forte not scoring a TD last week but gashing them to the tune of 122 yards.

 

[Bayhawks]

McKinnon will look awesome when given room to roam against bad defenses, and come back down to earth when playing solid defenses.

What, exactly are you basing this on?

The one game where McKinnon went wild, and the two games where he got 2 touches? How, exactly do you know he will come back to earth when playing solid defenses (especially since the two teams he "came back down to earth" against were the Patriots & Saints; 16th & 7th in FF points allowed to RBs). Not exactly "solid" defenses.

It seems like you are drawing a conclusion that isn't really supported by the facts.

 

[chinawildman]

McKinnon will look awesome when given room to roam against bad defenses, and come back down to earth when playing solid defenses.

What, exactly are you basing this on?

The one game where McKinnon went wild, and the two games where he got 2 touches? How, exactly do you know he will come back to earth when playing solid defenses (especially since the two teams he "came back down to earth" against were the Patriots & Saints; 16th & 7th in FF points allowed to RBs). Not exactly "solid" defenses.

It seems like you are drawing a conclusion that isn't really supported by the facts.

Not basing it on stats, just from watching him play. He can't pick his way through the line. If the play isn't well blocked, and he can't bounce it outside or cutback, it's a no gain. Reminds me of Spiller to some degree. In fact I've already mentioned earlier in this thread that I predict that the Bill usage of their 2 RBs is a good model to use as a predictor for Asiata and McKinnon.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If it wasn't for his one big run his yard totals would be less then Asiata's. Anyone really thing McKinnon will take over the RB1 slot in MN? He's still on our WW.

Even without the big run, he's still averaging more ypc. Let's hope Frazier has enough sense to keep getting him involved.

I don't think Frazier has much say anymore.

 

[buck naked]

Who looked better today against the Falcons? I didn't see the game, but the box score looks interesting.

They both looked exactly how you'd imagine they'd look with mac truck sized holes to run through. They both looked good.

Did McKinnon get touches throughout the game or did the majority come later in the game?

He made a long run and looked fantastic doing so. Then the Minn coaches finally had a light bulb go on and gave him more carries. He's much more dynamic than Asiata and deserves to play, but Asiata had a nice day, too.

 

[Adam Harstad]

How many RBs have multiple 3+ rushing TD games I wonder. Asiata has 2 in 5 games now.

Function of the offense and the plays they run at the goal line. So many teams throw the ball now. Philly threw twice from the one to lose that game tonight.

Of Norv's offense? There's a fair bit of variance involved in a three touchdown game like this but it's still kind of funny that he has had them in essentially half of his starts (only started one game last year). I mean AP has 4 to his name but that's in 97 games.

Matt Asiata has rushed for 3 TDs in a game as many times as Steven Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, or LeSean McCoy. He has done it more often than Arian Foster, Matt Forte, Demarco Murray, or Ray Rice.

Here's a fun one: since 1995, the only player with more games of 3+ rushing touchdowns and <4.0 ypc is Stephen Davis. Tomlinson, Edgerrin James, Terry Allen, Terrell Davis, Stephen Davis, and Matt Asiata are the only guys to even do it twice.

 

[Gopher State]

If you own either Viking back, I be selling this week. The last time I checked the Vikings only play Atlanta once this year. Teddy's banged up, and if Ponder starts, well you know the rest

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

How many RBs have multiple 3+ rushing TD games I wonder. Asiata has 2 in 5 games now.

Function of the offense and the plays they run at the goal line. So many teams throw the ball now. Philly threw twice from the one to lose that game tonight.

Of Norv's offense? There's a fair bit of variance involved in a three touchdown game like this but it's still kind of funny that he has had them in essentially half of his starts (only started one game last year). I mean AP has 4 to his name but that's in 97 games.

Matt Asiata has rushed for 3 TDs in a game as many times as Steven Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, or LeSean McCoy. He has done it more often than Arian Foster, Matt Forte, Demarco Murray, or Ray Rice.

Here's a fun one: since 1995, the only player with more games of 3+ rushing touchdowns and <4.0 ypc is Stephen Davis. Tomlinson, Edgerrin James, Terry Allen, Terrell Davis, ... and Matt Asiata are the only guys to even do it twice.

Not sure when they did it (ie the 3+ rushing TD thing), but Terry Allen, Tomlinson and Stephen Davis all played for Norv Turner. And now Asiata.

 

[Longtucky Lemmings]

If you own either Viking back, I be selling this week. The last time I checked the Vikings only play Atlanta once this year. Teddy's banged up, and if Ponder starts, well you know the rest

I disagree - as a Packers fan myself the fact they play Green Bay two more times and Chicago two times bodes well for their value moving forward. Additionally, word out of Minnesota is Teddy is fine and starting Thursday. In fact, I'd argue that they only have 3 DEFINITE minus running game matchups (Detroit x2 and the Jets)

 

[iamkoza]

rotoworld

Speaking at Monday's presser, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer called Jerick McKinnon a change-of-pace back.

Zimmer alluded to 2015 when asked about McKinnon becoming an every-down back. We wouldn't expect Zimmer to say anything else after primary between-the-tackles option Matt Asiata rang up three touchdowns on Sunday, but McKinnon should finally be a fixture in the Vikings' offense. If he can get at least 10-15 weekly touches, it could be only a matter of weeks before he supplants Asiata. The talent differential between the two players is a canyon. McKinnon should be 100 percent owned in 10-12 team leagues.

change of pace is a perfect way to describe him... when the vikes are tired of slow and plodding, mckinnon's athleticism is a change of pace

 

[Adam Harstad]

How many RBs have multiple 3+ rushing TD games I wonder. Asiata has 2 in 5 games now.

Function of the offense and the plays they run at the goal line. So many teams throw the ball now. Philly threw twice from the one to lose that game tonight.

Of Norv's offense? There's a fair bit of variance involved in a three touchdown game like this but it's still kind of funny that he has had them in essentially half of his starts (only started one game last year). I mean AP has 4 to his name but that's in 97 games.

Matt Asiata has rushed for 3 TDs in a game as many times as Steven Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, or LeSean McCoy. He has done it more often than Arian Foster, Matt Forte, Demarco Murray, or Ray Rice.

Here's a fun one: since 1995, the only player with more games of 3+ rushing touchdowns and <4.0 ypc is Stephen Davis. Tomlinson, Edgerrin James, Terry Allen, Terrell Davis, ... and Matt Asiata are the only guys to even do it twice.

Not sure when they did it (ie the 3+ rushing TD thing), but Terry Allen, Tomlinson and Stephen Davis all played for Norv Turner. And Asiata.

Good catch. Turner presided over both of Terry Allen's 3+/<4 games, as well as one of Davis'. Both of Tomlinson's came the year before Turner arrived.

Over his entire coaching career (dating back to the 1991 Dallas Cowboys, at least), Turner has presided over 15 games where a player scored 3+ rushing touchdowns. The list of backs to accomplish the feat under Turner includes Emmitt Smith, Terry Allen, Stephen Davis, Skip Hicks, LaDainian Tomlinson, LaMont Jordan, Ryan Matthews, and now Matt Asiata. It does not, surprisingly enough, include Ricky Williams.

 

[urbanhack]

If you own either Viking back, I be selling this week. The last time I checked the Vikings only play Atlanta once this year. Teddy's banged up, and if Ponder starts, well you know the rest

Thanks?

 

[Biabreakable]

It was a fantastic game for the Vikings. As already mentioned several times the Falcons are not a very good defense,so take this performance somewhat with a grain of salt. Furthermore the Vikings ran quite a few zone read option plays, which I do think has been the plan for quite some time. But that had not really been on display as much as I saw in this game.

Matt Asiata had some good runs. He continues to surprise me some with his effort. He ran over some people yesterday. Even so, he seems to be limited as far as what he can do. He isn't nearly as dynamic with the ball in his hands as McKinnon, Patterson, Wright or Jennings. He can move the pile and obviously has a nose for the end zone. He has greatly improved as a receiver from what we didn't see from him last season.

Jeric McKinnon can do more than Asiata can, and McKinnon is still learning. The main question about McKinnon for me and I think a lot of people has been his blocking ability. I was very encouraged by the block McKinnon made in the preseason to help spring Rudolph for a TD. That was an early sign that McKinnon can block. He just needs more experience doing so.

Matt Asiata was getting more playing time with Cassel as the QB but I noticed that shift somewhat in McKinnon's favor after Bridgewater was starting in the Saints game. McKinnon has also been used almost exclusively on 3rd down with Bridgewater so that is a sign of the Vikings having confidence in him as a receiver and in pass protection.

Here are some notes I made about the two players from the Saints game, which I watched four times.

Pass protection, he was matched up on a LB who blitzed from the gap between the LG and LT.McKinnon blocked him outside which allowed Bridgewater to step up in the pocket, but the block was not certain, Bridgewater steps up in the pocket and then runs for a short gain. The LB was blocked enough for Bridgewater to step up in the pocket.

McKinnon was targeted on the next 2 plays but he was not able to make a reception. The 1st one was thrown too high. A larger player may have had a better chance of connecting on that. The third down was to the other side and it wasn't a smooth connection.

In the 2nd half with Bridgewater playing the Vikings try to run with Asiata. On second down Bridgewater gets the ball to Rudolph on the right side. Then they try to run with Asiata on 1st down again. After scrambling out of pressure on the left side (due to Kalil being owned by the Saints right end)then tries to throw to Asiata on the left side, but Bridgewater led Asiata too much on the pass. On 3rd down they bring in McKinnon who also runs a route to the left side. Bridgewater scrambles but does not see Jerrick McKinnon come open after the defense pursues Bridgewater as a runner. Greg Jennings was also open at the second level after Bridgewater scrambles to the left side.

I have not seen the snap counts from the Falcons game yet but what I saw was McKinnon spelling Asiata on 3rd downs and I think McKinnon had more offensive snaps overall.

The read option is something that the Green Bay has struggled against a lot when they play San Francisco. So I do think part of the Vikings using it is with that in mind. I think it causes problems for a lot of defenses, but Green Bay in particular.

 

[SameSongNDance]

McKinnon will look awesome when given room to roam against bad defenses, and come back down to earth when playing solid defenses.

What, exactly are you basing this on?

The one game where McKinnon went wild, and the two games where he got 2 touches? How, exactly do you know he will come back to earth when playing solid defenses (especially since the two teams he "came back down to earth" against were the Patriots & Saints; 16th & 7th in FF points allowed to RBs). Not exactly "solid" defenses.

It seems like you are drawing a conclusion that isn't really supported by the facts.

Not basing it on stats, just from watching him play. He can't pick his way through the line. If the play isn't well blocked, and he can't bounce it outside or cutback, it's a no gain. Reminds me of Spiller to some degree. In fact I've already mentioned earlier in this thread that I predict that the Bill usage of their 2 RBs is a good model to use as a predictor for Asiata and McKinnon.

As I said before I think your comparison to BUF's dynamic is a spot on although I expect Asiata to get a few more carries than what FJax is recieving weekly (in the end it will amount to the same yardage, however). Both (Asiata and McKinnon) will be flex worthy depending mostly on the match-up.

If you own either Viking back, I be selling this week. The last time I checked the Vikings only play Atlanta once this year. Teddy's banged up, and if Ponder starts, well you know the rest

Thanks?

This guy is always hitting us with such profound analyses.

 

[bigbrownbag]

It was a fantastic game for the Vikings. As already mentioned several times the Falcons are not a very good defense,so take this performance somewhat with a grain of salt. Furthermore the Vikings ran quite a few zone read option plays, which I do think has been the plan for quite some time. But that had not really been on display as much as I saw in this game.

Matt Asiata had some good runs. He continues to surprise me some with his effort. He ran over some people yesterday. Even so, he seems to be limited as far as what he can do. He isn't nearly as dynamic with the ball in his hands as McKinnon, Patterson, Wright or Jennings. He can move the pile and obviously has a nose for the end zone. He has greatly improved as a receiver from what we didn't see from him last season.

Jeric McKinnon can do more than Asiata can, and McKinnon is still learning. The main question about McKinnon for me and I think a lot of people has been his blocking ability. I was very encouraged by the block McKinnon made in the preseason to help spring Rudolph for a TD. That was an early sign that McKinnon can block. He just needs more experience doing so.

Matt Asiata was getting more playing time with Cassel as the QB but I noticed that shift somewhat in McKinnon's favor after Bridgewater was starting in the Saints game. McKinnon has also been used almost exclusively on 3rd down with Bridgewater so that is a sign of the Vikings having confidence in him as a receiver and in pass protection.

Here are some notes I made about the two players from the Saints game, which I watched four times.

Pass protection, he was matched up on a LB who blitzed from the gap between the LG and LT.McKinnon blocked him outside which allowed Bridgewater to step up in the pocket, but the block was not certain, Bridgewater steps up in the pocket and then runs for a short gain. The LB was blocked enough for Bridgewater to step up in the pocket.

McKinnon was targeted on the next 2 plays but he was not able to make a reception. The 1st one was thrown too high. A larger player may have had a better chance of connecting on that. The third down was to the other side and it wasn't a smooth connection.

In the 2nd half with Bridgewater playing the Vikings try to run with Asiata. On second down Bridgewater gets the ball to Rudolph on the right side. Then they try to run with Asiata on 1st down again. After scrambling out of pressure on the left side (due to Kalil being owned by the Saints right end)then tries to throw to Asiata on the left side, but Bridgewater led Asiata too much on the pass. On 3rd down they bring in McKinnon who also runs a route to the left side. Bridgewater scrambles but does not see Jerrick McKinnon come open after the defense pursues Bridgewater as a runner. Greg Jennings was also open at the second level after Bridgewater scrambles to the left side.

I have not seen the snap counts from the Falcons game yet but what I saw was McKinnon spelling Asiata on 3rd downs and I think McKinnon had more offensive snaps overall.

The read option is something that the Green Bay has struggled against a lot when they play San Francisco. So I do think part of the Vikings using it is with that in mind. I think it causes problems for a lot of defenses, but Green Bay in particular.

This post is wayyyyy too intelligent for this thread. If you're not going to make a post that clearly shows which player you own, please post elsewhere!

Asiata 2016

 

[Ghost Rider]

Skip Hicks...wow, there is a name I hadn't heard in years.