Bennett "Likely" To Remain Vikings' Starting RB (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

From KFan.com:Michael Bennett likely will remain in the starting lineup this week as the Vikings try to revive their running game. An early deficit forced the Vikings to abandon the ground attack early in Sunday’s loss. Bennett and Onterrio Smith finished with identically unimpressive rushing totals: five carries for 21 yards. Tice said Monday that he’d prefer to establish a feature back than split carries equally – even if it’s a different feature back every week. “You’d really like to have one guy carry the load each week, and have the other guy be the spell guy,” Tice said. Rookie Mewelde Moore, the Vikings’ leading rusher with 376 yards on 64 carries, hasn’t practiced since suffering a mild high-ankle sprain Oct. 31. He continues to progress slowly, and likely would be limited to action on kick returns if he suits up this week.

 

[Red Apples]

ive been burt my bennett like im roy williams trying to cover terrell ownes.

 

[Texican]

ive been burt my bennett like im roy williams trying to cover terrell ownes.

 

[switz]

From KFan.com:

Michael Bennett likely will remain in the starting lineup this week as the Vikings try to revive their running game.

An early deficit forced the Vikings to abandon the ground attack early in Sunday’s loss. Bennett and Onterrio Smith finished with identically unimpressive rushing totals: five carries for 21 yards.

Tice said Monday that he’d prefer to establish a feature back than split carries equally – even if it’s a different feature back every week.

“You’d really like to have one guy carry the load each week, and have the other guy be the spell guy,” Tice said.

Rookie Mewelde Moore, the Vikings’ leading rusher with 376 yards on 64 carries, hasn’t practiced since suffering a mild high-ankle sprain Oct. 31. He continues to progress slowly, and likely would be limited to action on kick returns if he suits up this week.

Wondering where in that quote anyone gets that Bennett will remain the starter???He wants to feature one back, but he didn't say which one.

We'd ALL like him to choose one back.

Edited to add this tidbit:

Bennett getting better Former University of Wisconsin running back Michael Bennett made his first start of the season for the Vikings.

Bennett had missed most of the season while recovering from knee and foot injuries, and had seen only limited action since his return to the active roster.

With the Packers leading by two touchdowns for much of the game, Minnesota abandoned its running game. The Vikings rushed only 16 times and Bennett finished with 21 yards on five rushes with a long run of 11 yards.

But more important than getting back into the starting lineup, Bennett said he is finally healthy.

"At this point, I think I am," he said. "I still get a little swelling in my knee here and there, but that's going to happen because I haven't really had (any) time to rest it." •

articleHe says he's finally feeling healthy, but his knee still swells. Not someone I'd count on to start much.

Also found this:

Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith carried only five times each in Green Bay because Minnesota fell behind. Tice, who said Bennett appeared more explosive than Smith, acknowledged that he would like to see one player emerge as the featured runner. ...

articleAll I got to say to that is HUH????? Bennett looked more explosive? According to what standard? Cus he had an 11 yard run? Otherwise he stunk.

here's more:

Moot point

Running back Michael Bennett, buried on the depth chart following his return from a knee injury, started Sunday rather than Onterrio Smith. Bennett ran 11 yards on his first carry, but Smith replaced him for the second play. The two split time for the remainder of the first half.

Both players finished with identical rushing statistics: five carries for 21 yards. But Bennett did not play in the second half as Smith and Williams split time in the Vikings' catch-up offensive sets.

Overall, the Vikings rushed for a season-low 71 yards on 16 carries. They ran only four times in the second half.

"I guess you could say that getting behind kind of took us out of our running game," Smith said. "But that's not really my call to make."

what implies Bennett will see more carries then?

Running platoon

The Vikings were hoping that Onterrio Smith would emerge as their every-down runner, with Michael Bennett serving as a change of pace. But Smith was slowed last week by a right shoulder stinger, and the two split carries against the Packers.

Bennett started because he fit better with the team's first scripted play. Both players ended the game with identical statistics -- five carries for 21 yards -- and coaches are considering a similar arrangement against the Lions.

"You'd really like to have one guy carry the load each week and have the other guy be the spell guy," Tice said. "[but] even though Onterrio didn't miss any practice time last week, I don't think he looked as explosive as Mike did."

another oneSo there ya go... Bennett "looked" more explosive through Tice's idiot encoder eyeglasses. They ended up with the same stats, and Bennett's longest was a whopping 2 yards longer than Onterrio's. O scored a TD, MB did not. Ugh!

 

[packersfan]

From KFan.com:Michael Bennett likely will remain in the starting lineup this week as the Vikings try to revive their running game. An early deficit forced the Vikings to abandon the ground attack early in Sunday’s loss. Bennett and Onterrio Smith finished with identically unimpressive rushing totals: five carries for 21 yards. Tice said Monday that he’d prefer to establish a feature back than split carries equally – even if it’s a different feature back every week. “You’d really like to have one guy carry the load each week, and have the other guy be the spell guy,” Tice said. Rookie Mewelde Moore, the Vikings’ leading rusher with 376 yards on 64 carries, hasn’t practiced since suffering a mild high-ankle sprain Oct. 31. He continues to progress slowly, and likely would be limited to action on kick returns if he suits up this week.

Wondering where in that quote anyone gets that Bennett will remain the starter???

I'd guess Tice made the statement during his press conference, but KFan chose to use another quote to highlight the aspect about Tice wanting to settle on one RB. I'm not sure why Tice is turning this whole thing into such a complicated situation. It should be real simple. Just pick one RB and go with him. If it's Bennett, it's Bennett. If it's Smith, it's Smith. Just pick one and go. It's not that hard. This indecisiveness speaks volumes about his weakness as a head coach in my opinion. As a Packers fan, I'm really hoping McCombs gives Tice that contract extension. I'm hoping he's around in Minnesota for a very long time.

 

[packersfan]

Also found this:

Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith carried only five times each in Green Bay because Minnesota fell behind. Tice, who said Bennett appeared more explosive than Smith, acknowledged that he would like to see one player emerge as the featured runner. ...

articleAll I got to say to that is HUH????? Bennett looked more explosive? According to what standard? Cus he had an 11 yard run? Otherwise he stunk.

I didn't think either guy looked all that great to be honest. Of course neither one really got a chance because Tice abandoned the run so quickly once again. Smith got the fantasy edge due to the TD, but I didn't think he or Bennett were too impressive. Both had one good run but that was about it.

 

[Da Guru]

That Minny RBBC situation is one big mess! Stay away!

 

[buccosfan]

identically unimpressive rushing totals

4.2 ypc is unimpressive? granted 5-21 sucks, but blame tice for his inability to commit to a running game.

 

[Hurons]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

 

[phrozen]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

- I agree totally

 

[switz]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

Look at the number of carries the rookie was getting. Smith and Bennett both would be putting up better numbers with that many carries. Of course Bennett would only make it through one or two games, but nevertheless...

 

[Da Guru]

Moore seems to be the best choice for Minny. The offense was hummimg when Moore is in the game! Moore seems to have the best combination of skills for this offense.

 

[Boris]

Moore seems to be the best choice for Minny. The offense was hummimg when Moore is in the game!

Hmmm. The presence of Randy Moss may have had a little bit to do with that, but it's probably just the media making that up -- Mewelde is the key to the Vikes offense after all.... :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

 

[sdsjr3]

I'm beyond puzzled by this. Smith is breaking tackles and spinning off would be tacklers while Bennett is pretty much going down on the first hit. I've watched them both closely the past two games and there is NO WAY that Bennett should be getting respect over Smith at this point.I am a former supporter of Tice, but this guy is not head coaching material. What an idiot. Not just the RB situation but everything. I have no idea how this team can not score consistantly without Moss. They're still loaded.

 

[Hendo]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

Look at the number of carries the rookie was getting. Smith and Bennett both would be putting up better numbers with that many carries. Of course Bennett would only make it through one or two games, but nevertheless...

it would be hard pressed to top 6.9 a carry... they can do what Moore did ... yes but to say they would both do better is far fetched.

 

[Chaka]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

Look at the number of carries the rookie was getting. Smith and Bennett both would be putting up better numbers with that many carries. Of course Bennett would only make it through one or two games, but nevertheless...

it would be hard pressed to top 6.9 a carry... they can do what Moore did ... yes but to say they would both do better is far fetched.

Agreed. Though I think O is the most complete back they are all talented and my grandmother could run through some of the holes that offensive line opens up. Then again my grandmother is 6'2", 230 and runs a 4.4What is far fetched, Hendo, is not having either Shaun Cody or Mike Patterson in your top 15 NFL prospects.

 

[Swanny]

I hate Mike Tice.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I'm beyond puzzled by this. Smith is breaking tackles and spinning off would be tacklers while Bennett is pretty much going down on the first hit. I've watched them both closely the past two games and there is NO WAY that Bennett should be getting respect over Smith at this point.I am a former supporter of Tice, but this guy is not head coaching material. What an idiot. Not just the RB situation but everything. I have no idea how this team can not score consistantly without Moss. They're still loaded.

I couldn't agree more!! (Viking homer, and I don't own any of them!!)

 

[kal-el]

I own both Bennett and Smith. As long as Smith is healthy, there is nothing Tice can say that will convince me to start Bennett over Smith.

 

[switz]

it would be hard pressed to top 6.9 a carry...

they can do what Moore did ... yes but to say they would both do better is far fetched.

From a totally statistical YPC point, I agree 100%, but from an NFL point of view, I thin both would've taken some off Moore's longer runs to the house, etc. But yeah, 5.9 YPC is hard to beat. Good catch.

 

[Disco Stu]

Moore seems to be the best choice for Minny. The offense was hummimg when Moore is in the game!

Hmmm. The presence of Randy Moss may have had a little bit to do with that, but it's probably just the media making that up -- Mewelde is the key to the Vikes offense after all.... :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

Actually Moss got hurt in the first half of Moore's second start. Moss made nothing but token appearances after that. So Moore had two and a half games without Moss.That said, I think Smith is the best back of the three. I'll probably drop Moore soon if his situation doesn't improve.

 

[switz]

Actually Moss got hurt in the first half of Moore's second start. Moss made nothing but token appearances after that. So Moore had two and a half games without Moss.

Except in all but Moore's last game (3.6YPC) the defenses MIN faced prepared for Moss. Despite him being injured, Moore still played defenses that prepared more for Moss than anything else.

 

[bumpman]

From KFan.com:Michael Bennett likely will remain in the starting lineup this week as the Vikings try to revive their running game. An early deficit forced the Vikings to abandon the ground attack early in Sunday’s loss. Bennett and Onterrio Smith finished with identically unimpressive rushing totals: five carries for 21 yards. Tice said Monday that he’d prefer to establish a feature back than split carries equally – even if it’s a different feature back every week. “You’d really like to have one guy carry the load each week, and have the other guy be the spell guy,” Tice said. Rookie Mewelde Moore, the Vikings’ leading rusher with 376 yards on 64 carries, hasn’t practiced since suffering a mild high-ankle sprain Oct. 31. He continues to progress slowly, and likely would be limited to action on kick returns if he suits up this week.

Wondering where in that quote anyone gets that Bennett will remain the starter???

I'd guess Tice made the statement during his press conference, but KFan chose to use another quote to highlight the aspect about Tice wanting to settle on one RB. I'm not sure why Tice is turning this whole thing into such a complicated situation. It should be real simple. Just pick one RB and go with him. If it's Bennett, it's Bennett. If it's Smith, it's Smith. Just pick one and go. It's not that hard. This indecisiveness speaks volumes about his weakness as a head coach in my opinion. As a Packers fan, I'm really hoping McCombs gives Tice that contract extension. I'm hoping he's around in Minnesota for a very long time.

I went through the press conference twice and there was nothing in there about who the starter will be this Sunday. Tice mentioned that Bennett looked "more explosive" in practice the week before and that was why he was started. Tice also said it was a "moot point" because they were both going to get equal carries.In short, nobody, including KFAN, knows who the starter will be this week . . . and it probably doesn't matter anyway because sure smells like full on RBBC, even with Moore out of the mix. Smith shouldn't be anything but a RB3 for people and Bennett shouldn't be anything, period.

 

[packersfan]

From KFan.com:Michael Bennett likely will remain in the starting lineup this week as the Vikings try to revive their running game. An early deficit forced the Vikings to abandon the ground attack early in Sunday’s loss. Bennett and Onterrio Smith finished with identically unimpressive rushing totals: five carries for 21 yards. Tice said Monday that he’d prefer to establish a feature back than split carries equally – even if it’s a different feature back every week. “You’d really like to have one guy carry the load each week, and have the other guy be the spell guy,” Tice said. Rookie Mewelde Moore, the Vikings’ leading rusher with 376 yards on 64 carries, hasn’t practiced since suffering a mild high-ankle sprain Oct. 31. He continues to progress slowly, and likely would be limited to action on kick returns if he suits up this week.

Wondering where in that quote anyone gets that Bennett will remain the starter???

I'd guess Tice made the statement during his press conference, but KFan chose to use another quote to highlight the aspect about Tice wanting to settle on one RB. I'm not sure why Tice is turning this whole thing into such a complicated situation. It should be real simple. Just pick one RB and go with him. If it's Bennett, it's Bennett. If it's Smith, it's Smith. Just pick one and go. It's not that hard. This indecisiveness speaks volumes about his weakness as a head coach in my opinion. As a Packers fan, I'm really hoping McCombs gives Tice that contract extension. I'm hoping he's around in Minnesota for a very long time.

I went through the press conference twice and there was nothing in there about who the starter will be this Sunday. Tice mentioned that Bennett looked "more explosive" in practice the week before and that was why he was started. Tice also said it was a "moot point" because they were both going to get equal carries.

Thanks for the update. I maintain my stance that this should not be a difficult decision to make and a good head coach would put an end to all of the speculation. I still think this speaks volumes about Tice's shortcomings as a head coach that he simply can't make a decision here -- and it's even more telling when you consider the team is struggling.

 

[Eagle Eye]

CBS has this:Onterrio Smith, RB MINNews: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Michael Bennett started over Onterrio Smith in Week 10 because he fit better with the team's first scripted play.Analysis: Barring a setback with his shoulder, Smith will start in Week 11. Bennett will be used as a change-of-pace back. Well, that certainly clears things up.

 

[broncofan13000]

CBS has this:Onterrio Smith, RB MINNews: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Michael Bennett started over Onterrio Smith in Week 10 because he fit better with the team's first scripted play.Analysis: Barring a setback with his shoulder, Smith will start in Week 11. Bennett will be used as a change-of-pace back. Well, that certainly clears things up.

Yeah CBS's analysis is as good as gold Tice has got to get his act together, and name O the starter

 

[Exile]

Thank god I picked up Thomas Jones at the trade deadline yesterday. He's not going to be a stud, but he'll be good enough that I don't have to rely on Onterrio (and by extension, Mike Tice) the rest of the way.

 

[Football Jones]

My money is on Moore to eventually be their feature back, but I'll fully admit it may take awhile (probably next season). I disagree with those who say Smith is the better natural runner. To me, Smith is a scrapper who's good at fighting for extra yardage, but isn't as explosive as his reputation suggests. Yes, I summized Smith isn't real explosive.

That said, Moore's game isn't explosiveness, either, but he's got excellent vision & is a more natural runner. Plus, Moore is one of the better receiving backs in the NFL right now (not that Smith isn't an adequate receiver). Anyway, Moore is the better all-around RB, IMO.

As far as Bennett, I believe he'll be the odd man out (likely to be traded in the offseason). BTW, I own Moore & Smith in seperate dynasty leagues.

 

[bumpman]

My money is on Moore to eventually be their feature back, but I'll fully admit it may take awhile (probably next season). I disagree with those who say Smith is the better natural runner. To me, Smith is a scrapper who's good at fighting for extra yardage, but isn't as explosive as his reputation suggests. Yes, I summized Smith isn't real explosive.

That said, Moore's game isn't explosiveness, either, but he's got excellent vision & is a more natural runner. Plus, Moore is one of the better receiving backs in the NFL right now (not that Smith isn't an adequate receiver). Anyway, Moore is the better all-around RB, IMO.

As far as Bennett, I believe he'll be the odd man out (likely to be traded in the offseason). BTW, I own Moore & Smith in seperate dynasty leagues.

As I have said before, there is something going on with Moore that I suspect is more than him recovering slowly from an injury. He must have really pissed off Tice and others to get himself deactivated for two, possibly three consecutive games.Here is a quote from the Pioneer Press on Nov. 1:

___________________________________________________

Posted on Mon, Nov. 01, 2004

Moore gets edge as starter

BY BOB SANSEVERE

Pioneer Press

Think the Vikings have some decisions to make at running back?

While Mewelde Moore struggled Sunday, Michael Bennett played most of the second half at running back and scored on a 10-yard run. The Vikings get back Onterrio Smith for their next game, giving them three running backs good enough to start.

Coach Mike Tice put an end to any speculation about who would start next Monday in Indianapolis.

Sort of.

"If Mewelde Moore is healthy, he'll start," Tice said. "After that, I can't tell you much else."

Moore injured his left ankle in Sunday's 34-13 loss to the New York Giants but dismissed its severity. He said he could have stayed in the game and continued to play.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...re/10066158.htm

________________________________________________

My guess is that something happened behind the scenes other than the ankle injury after Nov. 1 that got Mewelde deactivated. How else do you go from "could have stayed in the game and continued to play" to deactivated for several weeks?

Anyways, this is all speculation. It's a slow news day.

 

[tampa bay rowdies]

17NOV04 Pioneer Press : Depending on how Vikings RB Onterrio Smith practices this week, Smith and Michael Bennett could continue to split time against the Lions. "You'd really like to have one guy carry the load every week and the other guy be the spell guy, if you will," coach Tice said Monday. "Even though Onterrio didn't miss any practice time last week, I didn't think he looked as explosive as Mike did. I thought Mike had a real good week last week. I really did." Seriously....has Tice been tipping back some of Grandma's cough syrup? Was he watching the game??

 

[Sam Quentin]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

Look at the number of carries the rookie was getting. Smith and Bennett both would be putting up better numbers with that many carries. Of course Bennett would only make it through one or two games, but nevertheless...

isn't the rookie getting more ypc?stands to reason he's get more yards with the same # of carries

 

[Disco Stu]

Actually Moss got hurt in the first half of Moore's second start. Moss made nothing but token appearances after that. So Moore had two and a half games without Moss.

Except in all but Moore's last game (3.6YPC) the defenses MIN faced prepared for Moss. Despite him being injured, Moore still played defenses that prepared more for Moss than anything else.

That's true, although I would think the defense could easily make adjustments when they see Moss is out. It basically only affects the safeties anyway.And didn't the Packers say last week they were preparing as if Moss was healthy?

 

[Red Apples]

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Bennett will not be starting.Big O gets the start.

 

[Disco Stu]

17NOV04 Pioneer Press : Depending on how Vikings RB Onterrio Smith practices this week, Smith and Michael Bennett could continue to split time against the Lions. "You'd really like to have one guy carry the load every week and the other guy be the spell guy, if you will," coach Tice said Monday. "Even though Onterrio didn't miss any practice time last week, I didn't think he looked as explosive as Mike did. I thought Mike had a real good week last week. I really did."

Seriously....has Tice been tipping back some of Grandma's cough syrup? Was he watching the game??

He was talking about practice, not the game."Even though Onterrio didn't miss any practice time last week, I didn't think he looked as explosive (in practice) as Mike did (in practice). I thought Mike had a real good week (of practice) last week. I really did."

 

[MightyDrunk]

17NOV04 Pioneer Press : Depending on how Vikings RB Onterrio Smith practices this week, Smith and Michael Bennett could continue to split time against the Lions. "You'd really like to have one guy carry the load every week and the other guy be the spell guy, if you will," coach Tice said Monday. "Even though Onterrio didn't miss any practice time last week, I didn't think he looked as explosive as Mike did. I thought Mike had a real good week last week. I really did." Seriously....has Tice been tipping back some of Grandma's cough syrup? Was he watching the game??

cough* :movitivationforO: *cough...watch and see...

 

[NYG Endzone]

It could be a field day for Bennett vs Detroit.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

it's a shame the rookie got hurt

Look at the number of carries the rookie was getting. Smith and Bennett both would be putting up better numbers with that many carries. Of course Bennett would only make it through one or two games, but nevertheless...

isn't the rookie getting more ypc?stands to reason he's get more yards with the same # of carries

Moore played WITH Moss. If that isn't enough, check the teams they played, and the teams ability to stick to the run in those games. It's not a good comparison.

 

[BloodyPigSkin]

Onterrio is the man against Detroit this weekend. Bank on it.

 

[NYG Endzone]

Weren't we supposed to bank on Onterrio last week too?

 

[redman]

Yippee! Just in time for my 3-7 redraft team to make its playoff run!

 

[Hendo]

Weren't we supposed to bank on Onterrio last week too?

and the week before that

 

[switz]

Weren't we supposed to bank on Onterrio last week too?

and the week before that

Actually, no one said bank on Onterrrio last week, only the week before that, and he had 95 yards and a TD, worth 15 points in most leagues.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Weren't we supposed to bank on Onterrio last week too?

Wrong week, dude.But, I am about to throw another O party for the Detroit game.

You probably won't be invited, but...You have been warned.

 

[knowledge dropper]

I guess last week was the Moe Party?

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

I guess last week was the Moe Party?

"No" party.

 

[tampa bay rowdies]

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Bennett will not be starting.Big O gets the start.

quote....link. WHere can I find this?

 

[NYG Endzone]

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Bennett will not be starting.Big O gets the start.

quote....link. WHere can I find this?

LATEST NEWSThe Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Michael Bennett started over Onterrio Smith in Week 10 because he fit better with the team's first scripted play.(Updated 11/16/2004).FANTASY ANALYSISBarring a setback with his shoulder, Smith will start in Week 11. Bennett will be used as a change-of-pace back.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Bennett will not be starting.Big O gets the start.

quote....link. WHere can I find this?

Who knows? A wild guess would be CBS Sportsline.

 

[Warehouse Nasty]

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Bennett will not be starting.Big O gets the start.

quote....link. WHere can I find this?

Who knows? A wild guess would be CBS Sportsline.

:rotflmao: You sure are internet savvy SLBD.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

CBS Sportsline is reporting that Bennett will not be starting.Big O gets the start.

quote....link. WHere can I find this?

Who knows? A wild guess would be CBS Sportsline.

:rotflmao: You sure are internet savvy SLBD.

Yeah I know cause people tell me that. I been around the innernet since like, 1981 or so.