Chester Taylor (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

From today's Star-Tribune . . .

Vikings notable topics

Last update: March 28, 2007 – 8:28 PM

Vikings head coach Brad Childress said this Wednesday about:

RB Chester Taylor's workload: "I think it will be more of our intention to be able to split the carries with him, give him fresh legs if we can."

LINK

I'm not sure what this translates to and if that means a couple carries a game or something more substantial. But Taylor's value last year was substantially aided by touching the ball 23 times a game.

 

[coolnerd]

The off-season always seems to be time when coaches want to save the body of a RB, but it appears (no actual study done) that when the lights go on in septemeber, those places which normally are one back jobs or there is a clear number forget about wear n tear.

 

[David Yudkin]

The off-season always seems to be time when coaches want to save the body of a RB, but it appears (no actual study done) that when the lights go on in septemeber, those places which normally are one back jobs or there is a clear number forget about wear n tear.

I was going to comment that that was my perception as well, but Taylor last year struck me as someone that got the ball a lot because the other RB options were limited. I am not sure anyone thinks Taylor is a truly elite talent, so I don't think that it would be unreasonable for the team to reduce his workload some or even draft another RB. IMO, Taylor may drop down to 18-20 touches a game (a loss of 3-5) but I would not worry about him truly "splitting" time. IRC, he averaged only 15 touches a game the last month of the year and was less effective than earlier in the year. That may have been because he was banged up (which may be why they want to try to keep him fresh for later in the season). I still think the Vikes will pound the ball late to kill clock and hold the lead (if they have it).

 

[coolnerd]

The off-season always seems to be time when coaches want to save the body of a RB, but it appears (no actual study done) that when the lights go on in septemeber, those places which normally are one back jobs or there is a clear number forget about wear n tear.

I was going to comment that that was my perception as well, but Taylor last year struck me as someone that got the ball a lot because the other RB options were limited. I am not sure anyone thinks Taylor is a truly elite talent, so I don't think that it would be unreasonable for the team to reduce his workload some or even draft another RB. IMO, Taylor may drop down to 18-20 touches a game (a loss of 3-5) but I would not worry about him truly "splitting" time. IRC, he averaged only 15 touches a game the last month of the year and was less effective than earlier in the year. That may have been because he was banged up (which may be why they want to try to keep him fresh for later in the season). I still think the Vikes will pound the ball late to kill clock and hold the lead (if they have it).

Good points. Right now, however the Vikings have not added to the mix of players they had last year. Until they either find some free agent or draft a guy who are they going to trust more in 2007 than they did in 2006?

 

[Garts]

The off-season always seems to be time when coaches want to save the body of a RB, but it appears (no actual study done) that when the lights go on in septemeber, those places which normally are one back jobs or there is a clear number forget about wear n tear.

I was going to comment that that was my perception as well, but Taylor last year struck me as someone that got the ball a lot because the other RB options were limited. I am not sure anyone thinks Taylor is a truly elite talent, so I don't think that it would be unreasonable for the team to reduce his workload some or even draft another RB. IMO, Taylor may drop down to 18-20 touches a game (a loss of 3-5) but I would not worry about him truly "splitting" time. IRC, he averaged only 15 touches a game the last month of the year and was less effective than earlier in the year. That may have been because he was banged up (which may be why they want to try to keep him fresh for later in the season). I still think the Vikes will pound the ball late to kill clock and hold the lead (if they have it).

Chester reminds me of a slightly quicker Rudi with slightly less power, but much better mitts.

 

[Garts]

The off-season always seems to be time when coaches want to save the body of a RB, but it appears (no actual study done) that when the lights go on in septemeber, those places which normally are one back jobs or there is a clear number forget about wear n tear.

I was going to comment that that was my perception as well, but Taylor last year struck me as someone that got the ball a lot because the other RB options were limited. I am not sure anyone thinks Taylor is a truly elite talent, so I don't think that it would be unreasonable for the team to reduce his workload some or even draft another RB. IMO, Taylor may drop down to 18-20 touches a game (a loss of 3-5) but I would not worry about him truly "splitting" time. IRC, he averaged only 15 touches a game the last month of the year and was less effective than earlier in the year. That may have been because he was banged up (which may be why they want to try to keep him fresh for later in the season). I still think the Vikes will pound the ball late to kill clock and hold the lead (if they have it).

This is where Michael Turner would be a great fit on the fast turf in the Metrodome.... with a supporting back like Chester...just a quick thought.

 

[plastik]

Any thoughts on who would get some extra touches if his workload did decrease? Mewelde Moore and Fason have both looked good when given a shot (both had 5.5ypc last season). Pinner had that one huge game at the end of the season. Personally I'd like to see Fason get some more carries.

 

[Garts]

Any thoughts on who would get some extra touches if his workload did decrease? Mewelde Moore and Fason have both looked good when given a shot (both had 5.5ypc last season). Pinner had that one huge game at the end of the season. Personally I'd like to see Fason get some more carries.

Fason runs about as upright as a RB can...he would get killed in the NFL if he got extended carries IMO.

 

[redman]

Since last year when Childress was hired I couldn't help but think of the similarities between Mewelde Moore and Brian Westbrook, who Childress coached in Philly. It amazed me all last year that Childress couldn't seem to find a way to use Moore except as a 3rd down back.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm sorry. Did someone say Adrian Peterson?

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Sleeper Alert!!

Childress named Ciatrick Fason and Mewelde Moore as possibilities but also said he is intrigued by fullback Naufahu Tahi, who the Vikings signed off Cincinnati's practice squad last season.

"What you're trying to do is always change up on the defense," Childress said. "Chester is a 213-pound guy. [Tahi] is 254 pounds and can run it hard inside. He's pretty well-preserved."

LINK

 

[softball]

This is all off season chatter, coaches just talking to hear themselves say something. When games are to be won they will play the best guy and ride him hard.

Winning gets them another year to coach, they will play the guys who they think give them the best chance to win. See Herm Edwards...

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

And a few of those were effective for FF.

 

[think]

I'm sorry. Did someone say Adrian Peterson?

I'll 2nd that. The Vikes need an offensive playmaker. If he's there at 7, I think they would be foolish to pass on him.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Sleeper Alert!!

Childress named Ciatrick Fason and Mewelde Moore as possibilities but also said he is intrigued by fullback Naufahu Tahi, who the Vikings signed off Cincinnati's practice squad last season.

"What you're trying to do is always change up on the defense," Childress said. "Chester is a 213-pound guy. [Tahi] is 254 pounds and can run it hard inside. He's pretty well-preserved."

LINK

After last years "Fason is our starter this week" and then the starting of Pinner............... Lets just say I believe the opposite of whatever Childress puts out into the media. To him its a tool to fool his oppponents.Looks like Chester is getting another full load!

 

[Chunky Soup]

Since last year when Childress was hired I couldn't help but think of the similarities between Mewelde Moore and Brian Westbrook, who Childress coached in Philly. It amazed me all last year that Childress couldn't seem to find a way to use Moore except as a 3rd down back.

I'll second that. He showed amazing potential his 1st and 2nd year there under Tice. When Taylor was gone he still had that 3rd-down role.

 

[Banger]

I wouldn't worry about it too much if the current stable of Rb's remained the same. If they add someone in the draft all bets are off. There were very few times that I was impressed watching Taylor run last year.

 

[David Yudkin]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

 

[redman]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

There were also a number of teams that used more than one RB due to injury, such as Oakland and Washington.

 

[David Yudkin]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

There were also a number of teams that used more than one RB due to injury, such as Oakland and Washington.

But IMO that's not a committee. That's a team that inserted a new guy for an injured guy. That happens every year. That team at least had a primary back each week (even if the back was switched due to injury).

 

[Bizkiteer]

Maybe he uses someone on 3rd downs a bit more, but I don't see him straying from his horse...Chester Taylor. He went to him often and regularly, just don't see that changing much. Off-season Coach talk...

 

[redman]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

There were also a number of teams that used more than one RB due to injury, such as Oakland and Washington.

But IMO that's not a committee. That's a team that inserted a new guy for an injured guy. That happens every year. That team at least had a primary back each week (even if the back was switched due to injury).

I agree, strictly speaking, but in the case of Washington it may have planted the seed that Portis can in fact have his workload reduced by giving Betts more work. I'd imagine that could be true elsewhere too, and in fact Oakland's acquisition of Rhotes is somewhat similar in that regard.

 

[Couch Potato]

I've been very underwhelmed with Childress so far as a HC.

Dumping of Marcus Robinson on Xmas eve because the guy dared to suggest (correctly) that the offensive play calling wasn't what it should be raised my eyebrows. The guy seems very insecure and not all that savvy. The play calling was in fact dull and predictable last year.

To me, he's one of those nerd types that thinks he's a notch smarter than everyone else and wants to prove it by doing odd things. A Belichick wannabe without the ability. Like bringing in Bobby Wade and bragging about how Norm Chow said what a steal he was, or grossly overpaying Shiancoe and talking about what an untapped talent he is. Hey Brad, want the truth? You overpaid for an average talent in Chester last year, and you did it again with Wade and Shiancoe this year.

Curtis wanted no part of Minnesota even though they offered more money than Philly. Culpepper gave Childress the figurative finger after some phone discussions last year (turns out losing CPep was probably a good thing, but it wasn't intended that way at the time). Now he's talking as if Brooks Bollinger is actually going to compete to start, as if anyone believes that.

Someone above mentioned he said he'd start Fason one week last year, and it was Pinner instead. Very cute, Brad, you sly fox you. Really outsmarted your opponent with that one. I'm in awe. And now he's talking about some big fullback getting carries. If he did have any sense he'd utilize Fason instead of having him inactive most games. Fason had a better college career than Chester Taylor did and was drafted higher, and probably would have done as good a job as starter instead of sitting inactive all year while they paid a fortune to bring in mediocre Chester.

Williamson, Wade, and McMullen at WR. Shiancoe at TE. T Jackson at QB. Not exactly the Greatest Show on Turf.

Good luck Vikings fans. You have a rudderless ship there until Wilf figures out Childress is just not cut out for the job and gets rid of him.

By the way, I know a post like this will have some people screaming at me. I don't care, and I won't respond to it. It's my opinion and it doesn't matter to me whether you share it or not.

 

[Buckna]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

And this year we can likely subtract Houston, New England, Denver, Indy and Chicago. And with Parcells gone, who knows what Dallas will do? This whole movement to RBBC in the NFL is a myth.

 

[Banger]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

And this year we can likely subtract Houston, New England, Denver, Indy and Chicago. And with Parcells gone, who knows what Dallas will do? This whole movement to RBBC in the NFL is a myth.

Agreed. Generally, it's the result of having one guy talented enough to carry the load or the phasing in of a rookie while showing the vet the door.

 

[David Yudkin]

There really were only a few true RBBC teams in 2006 Jax,Dallas,Chicago,New Orleans,Denver,Indy.

In 2006, you had to add Houston, New England, and the Jets to that list. That's about 30% of the league.

And this year we can likely subtract Houston, New England, Denver, Indy and Chicago. And with Parcells gone, who knows what Dallas will do? This whole movement to RBBC in the NFL is a myth.

Agreed. Generally, it's the result of having one guy talented enough to carry the load or the phasing in of a rookie while showing the vet the door.

I agree that RBBC is way overblown and teams get backed into it way more than choosing it. Similarly, the teams that end up using more of a committe approach rotate from year to year as they sign better RBs.However, for fantasy purposes I think we will see fewer backs with uber carries/touches and more guys as RB2 candidates because there will be a few extra guys getting enough carries to make a run at being RB2s.So long story short, scoring wise I think there will be a few more decent RB2s but with slightly reduced scoring because they may have to give up some production to other RBs.

 

[Chunky Soup]

I've been very underwhelmed with Childress so far as a HC. Dumping of Marcus Robinson on Xmas eve because the guy dared to suggest (correctly) that the offensive play calling wasn't what it should be raised my eyebrows. The guy seems very insecure and not all that savvy. The play calling was in fact dull and predictable last year.To me, he's one of those nerd types that thinks he's a notch smarter than everyone else and wants to prove it by doing odd things. A Belichick wannabe without the ability. Like bringing in Bobby Wade and bragging about how Norm Chow said what a steal he was, or grossly overpaying Shiancoe and talking about what an untapped talent he is. Hey Brad, want the truth? You overpaid for an average talent in Chester last year, and you did it again with Wade and Shiancoe this year. Curtis wanted no part of Minnesota even though they offered more money than Philly. Culpepper gave Childress the figurative finger after some phone discussions last year (turns out losing CPep was probably a good thing, but it wasn't intended that way at the time). Now he's talking as if Brooks Bollinger is actually going to compete to start, as if anyone believes that. Someone above mentioned he said he'd start Fason one week last year, and it was Pinner instead. Very cute, Brad, you sly fox you. Really outsmarted your opponent with that one. I'm in awe. And now he's talking about some big fullback getting carries. If he did have any sense he'd utilize Fason instead of having him inactive most games. Fason had a better college career than Chester Taylor did and was drafted higher, and probably would have done as good a job as starter instead of sitting inactive all year while they paid a fortune to bring in mediocre Chester.Williamson, Wade, and McMullen at WR. T Jackson at QB. Good luck Vikings fans. You have a rudderless ship there until Wilf figures out Childress is just not cut out for the job and gets rid of him.By the way, I know a post like this will have some people screaming at me. I don't care, and I won't respond to it. It's my opinion and it doesn't matter to me whether you share it or not.

Take a deep breath, seriously.First off, I doubt Childress has firing power. And if he did, are you saying that getting rid of robinson on xmas eve was unfair? if he was going to be a nuisance to the team, there is no problem firing whenever they want. they shouldnt drop him a different day to make him feel better.As far as Chester Taylor, a lot of people have been high on him. He wasn't ridiculously overpriced and seemed to be amongst the top in FA last year. And you really think Fason is much better? At the time, Taylor was commonly thought to be much better and he still could be. You can't point to higher draft position and assume the guy is better. Look at michael bennett, tj duckett, and many many more in that list.Kevin Curtis probably didn't want to go to Minn becuase they currently have no QB and they suck. Location also sucks. Would you rather live in Minn on a bad team or have McNabb throw to you on a team that makes the playoffs continually in Philly. I'd be very very shocked if Childress was the reason he didn't go.The rest of the WR situation is hardly Childress' fault also. Bringing in Wade is a positive, no? He didn't draft Williamson. He has only improved the situation and it sounds like at least one more WR is going to be brought in.So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Remember that he took the HC when the franchise was in horrrrible shape. I think you have to realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

 

[KoolKat]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

Didn't they start out pretty solid, everyone was praising Childress then as the next big coach.

 

[Chunky Soup]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

 

[KoolKat]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

 

[redman]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

I'm wondering whether he's another Herm Edwards in that he does enough to keep his job beyond a year or two and appears to outsiders to be a commpetent coach, but to fans of his team he's not at all satisfactory.

 

[KoolKat]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

I'm wondering whether he's another Herm Edwards in that he does enough to keep his job beyond a year or two and appears to outsiders to be a commpetent coach, but to fans of his team he's not at all satisfactory.

I think you have to give him at least one more year to say he isn't turning things around. If they take a step back this year he should be on a scorching hot seat.Also, I think people don't realize how much Childress likes Chester, that's why he gave him the shot in the first place. Taylor was a FA the year before and the only offer he got was from the Browns, which was matched by the Ravens. That's when I cut him, figuring he missed the boat. Woops, one year early, did the same thing to Brees when Rivers got drafted. D'oh.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

I will grant you that the team he took over was in way worse shape than most people thought.And the moves he's made (reaching for Ryan Cook and trading up for TJax in the 2nd, releasing Robinson when he did, signing Shiancoe for ridiculous money) may indeed end up being good ones. But on the surface, to people that have watched football for a long time, they look absolutely stupid.

But anyway, there's more to building a franchise than personnel moves. His "Screw what you guys think; I'm the smartest guy in the room" attitude has fostered a resentment toward the franchise that has not been seen EVER in my lifetime. Interest in the franchise is at historic lows. People NEVER gave up their season tickets before and now we're faced with blackouts for the first time in something like 10 years.

One coach absolutely can destroy a franchise. We've had two that tried hard and the third looks like he's poised to finish it off.

 

[KoolKat]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

I will grant you that the team he took over was in way worse shape than most people thought.And the moves he's made (reaching for Ryan Cook and trading up for TJax in the 2nd, releasing Robinson when he did, signing Shiancoe for ridiculous money) may indeed end up being good ones. But on the surface, to people that have watched football for a long time, they look absolutely stupid.

But anyway, there's more to building a franchise than personnel moves. His "Screw what you guys think; I'm the smartest guy in the room" attitude has fostered a resentment toward the franchise that has not been seen EVER in my lifetime. Interest in the franchise is at historic lows. People NEVER gave up their season tickets before and now we're faced with blackouts for the first time in something like 10 years.

One coach absolutely can destroy a franchise. We've had two that tried hard and the third looks like he's poised to finish it off.

I've never seen his post game press conferences, but assuming that is the case I would resent him too. Especially when you could scarcely find the end zone last year. Maybe Ziggy is plotting the demise.

 

[TheFanatic]

The off-season always seems to be time when coaches want to save the body of a RB, but it appears (no actual study done) that when the lights go on in septemeber, those places which normally are one back jobs or there is a clear number forget about wear n tear.

I was going to comment that that was my perception as well, but Taylor last year struck me as someone that got the ball a lot because the other RB options were limited. I am not sure anyone thinks Taylor is a truly elite talent, so I don't think that it would be unreasonable for the team to reduce his workload some or even draft another RB. IMO, Taylor may drop down to 18-20 touches a game (a loss of 3-5) but I would not worry about him truly "splitting" time. IRC, he averaged only 15 touches a game the last month of the year and was less effective than earlier in the year. That may have been because he was banged up (which may be why they want to try to keep him fresh for later in the season). I still think the Vikes will pound the ball late to kill clock and hold the lead (if they have it).

Good points. Right now, however the Vikings have not added to the mix of players they had last year. Until they either find some free agent or draft a guy who are they going to trust more in 2007 than they did in 2006?

This was the first thing I thought when I saw this. That's all well and good that they want to save some wear and tear on Chester, but who is going to do that? I don't see anyone on the roster who is worth 10 touches a game to save Taylor....

 

[cstu]

So true about this time of year and coaches talking about saving wear and tear on RB's. When the season rolls around they are still going to run the guy who is going to help them win.

 

[Buckna]

So seriously, why so angry against Minn and Childress. Take a deep breath and realize that 1 coach can't hurt a franchise as much as you think Childress has.

Do you live in Minnesota? Because if you do, I can't see how you can possibly make this statement.

I don't live there. Being an outsider, it seems that he did improve the team. I think there are needs currently, but the team left for him was in terrible shape. I think he did a decent job with that.

I'm wondering whether he's another Herm Edwards in that he does enough to keep his job beyond a year or two and appears to outsiders to be a commpetent coach, but to fans of his team he's not at all satisfactory.

I think you have to give him at least one more year to say he isn't turning things around. If they take a step back this year he should be on a scorching hot seat.Also, I think people don't realize how much Childress likes Chester, that's why he gave him the shot in the first place. Taylor was a FA the year before and the only offer he got was from the Browns, which was matched by the Ravens. That's when I cut him, figuring he missed the boat. Woops, one year early, did the same thing to Brees when Rivers got drafted. D'oh.

He was actually a RFA that year when Cleveland signed him, then Baltimore decided to match the offer to keep Chester. He didn't become a FA until last year when he signed with MN.