Moore starting over Bennett (1 Viewer)

[sweet buds]

so if you could only keep 2 out of the 4 Minnesota RB's, from this day on inuries/drugs and all, who would you chose to get optimum amount of utility out of the minnesota backfield.(up and throught week 16)? My gut tells me Michael and Onterrio, but I just cant drop Morre now. My dilemma is I have Priest, Dillon, and 2 roster spots left to chose from Bennett, Onterrio, and Mewelde...

 

[bbuster]

He looked good against the Texans and Saints, but so would most of us in the Minnesota offense.

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

 

[Phlash]

Mewelde Moore will get ROY and be this years 1,000 yard back.

 

[phrozen]

Mewelde Moore will get ROY and be this years 1,000 yard back.

- I hope so

 

[Deadzone21]

I think that I will just try to trade Moore and Smith and let someone else deal with this situation.

I have M.Bennett, and I can't get anyone to bite on a trade. No one else wants to deal with this mess. I can't help but think it would have been a lot simpler if O.Smith filed another appeal and postponed his suspension.

 

[sparkky]

Unbiased opinion from someone who owns ZERO Minny rb's in any of 6 leagues. Moore is the best all around back on Minnys' team. PERIOD. Tice is smart enough to see that. Moore will get better the more he plays. Boys and girls,,,,,,,,,meet the NEW tripletts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,MOSS, MOORE and CPEP. Bennett will be trade bait at next years draft. He just can't stay healthy, and Tice knows it.

 

[Kleck.]

Who would you rather have on your team, if you could only choose one?BennettMooreSmithWilliams

Moore. Portis is on bye and I need a RB badly this week.

 

[Kleck.]

Unbiased opinion from someone who owns ZERO Minny rb's in any of 6 leagues. Moore is the best all around back on Minnys' team. PERIOD. Tice is smart enough to see that. Moore will get better the more he plays. Boys and girls,,,,,,,,,meet the NEW tripletts,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,MOSS, MOORE and CPEP. Bennett will be trade bait at next years draft. He just can't stay healthy, and Tice knows it.

I feel the same way, but I do own Moore and O in my dyanasty league and am a U-dub homer so I'll always be a Bennett fan. I just don't see Bennett being the best fit in Tice's offense. As for trade bait, I definitely see him as that. Coach Deny could use him down in Arizona and I think Bennett would be a nice addition for them.

 

[Fols]

In three leagues I am caught up in this mess. I have Moore in all three leagues, and I am glad to have the guy that is performing NOW!!!! I also have SOD in 2 leagues and All three in another. I have offered the Bennet owner both Moore and SOD for Portis in one League, just to get out of this mess a little. He has Portis on a bye and is starting SJAX and McGahee this week. Still Leaves me with Westbrook, Jones, and Taylor, Plus Portis.I also got caught in Denver too. Fortunately, that has cleared up and I was able to get RD before he went nuts.This board and FFG's has saved me this year. Injuries have decimated my teams and I have been able to rebuild throught the advice at FBG's.No way do I get RD and Mew without them.

 

[BEARMAN31]

CBS is reporting that Moore will start over Bennett once he returns:

News: According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Moore will continue to start despite the return of Michael Bennett. "Production is production," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "You get an opportunity, you go produce. You've earned yourself more and more opportunities. That's life."

God I hope this is true.

I have both Bennett and Smith on my roster I even had the chance to drop Bennett and pick up Droughns in that league like I did in my others, but I says to myself, "Self, keep Bennett. He's gonna start when he get 100%. Droughns may not do well against the Panthers and you would have lost a great RB"

Damn you Tice, damn you to HELL!!!

Oh well, dem da breaks :rotflmao:

I have Bennett, Smith, Williams, and Moore all on my Salary Cap/Auction Dynasty league team .............................................. And have the highest scoring team. Sent a letter of apology to Larry Ned this morning for hanging him out to dry.

 

[GoL]

So in summary, Mewelde Moore is ...A) great bye week filler and the ultimate sell high candidateor B) next stud RB and a buy low candidate.Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

[FBChick]

so if you could only keep 2 out of the 4 Minnesota RB's, from this day on inuries/drugs and all, who would you chose to get optimum amount of utility out of the minnesota backfield.(up and throught week 16)? My gut tells me Michael and Onterrio, but I just cant drop Morre now. My dilemma is I have Priest, Dillon, and 2 roster spots left to chose from Bennett, Onterrio, and Mewelde...

I'm in the same boat except i have Bennett, Moore and McGahee.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Who would you rather have on your team, if you could only choose one?BennettMooreSmithWilliams

If you are the Dolphins, you'll gladly take any one of them!

 

[my man otis]

So in summary, Mewelde Moore is ...A) great bye week filler and the ultimate sell high candidateor B) next stud RB and a buy low candidate.Thanks for clearing that up for me.

I'll take A. I just traded him to the O Smith owner [or Bennett owner] - that seems to get you the most value.

 

[superbowlchampion]

Mike Tice today:

(on Mewelde Moore)

We felt we had something special when we saw him in mini camp. We felt like we had a guy that was very mature for his age, very, very bright and was going to have a role. We didn’t know what kind of role that was going to be with Michael (Bennett) and Onterrio (Smith) and Moe Williams being guys that we had a lot of confidence in and we had a lot of awareness about their abilities. But it has turned out like most seasons turn out in the National Football League. Somebody is going to get hurt and somebody is going to get a chance. The guy that gets a change and he takes advantage of it, then hooray for him and if he doesn’t, well, that is too bad. He took advantage of a chance he had because of suspension and injuries and he has taken it and run with it. He has done the best he can do with it.

(on where Onterrio Smith fits in when he returns)

Well, we will find a way to fit him in. He is a heck of a player. We really like him. Shoot, when it is all said and done he might be our featureed back.

 

[Devil in the Detail]

Mike Tice today:

(on Mewelde Moore)

We felt we had something special when we saw him in mini camp. We felt like we had a guy that was very mature for his age, very, very bright and was going to have a role. We didn’t know what kind of role that was going to be with Michael (Bennett) and Onterrio (Smith) and Moe Williams being guys that we had a lot of confidence in and we had a lot of awareness about their abilities. But it has turned out like most seasons turn out in the National Football League. Somebody is going to get hurt and somebody is going to get a chance. The guy that gets a change and he takes advantage of it, then hooray for him and if he doesn’t, well, that is too bad. He took advantage of a chance he had because of suspension and injuries and he has taken it and run with it. He has done the best he can do with it.

(on where Onterrio Smith fits in when he returns)

Well, we will find a way to fit him in. He is a heck of a player. We really like him. Shoot, when it is all said and done he might be our featureed back.

Wow. They like Moore even more than I thought. Tice just basically said that Moore has been as perfect as possible for a back, and that they will try to somehow try to work Onterrio in when he gets back.Right now, I'd say that if any of the three are going to be a fantasy starter for the rest of the season, Mewelde Moore is most likely to be that guy.

 

[packersfan]

Mike Tice today:

(on Mewelde Moore)

We felt we had something special when we saw him in mini camp. We felt like we had a guy that was very mature for his age, very, very bright and was going to have a role. We didn’t know what kind of role that was going to be with Michael (Bennett) and Onterrio (Smith) and Moe Williams being guys that we had a lot of confidence in and we had a lot of awareness about their abilities. But it has turned out like most seasons turn out in the National Football League. Somebody is going to get hurt and somebody is going to get a chance. The guy that gets a change and he takes advantage of it, then hooray for him and if he doesn’t, well, that is too bad. He took advantage of a chance he had because of suspension and injuries and he has taken it and run with it. He has done the best he can do with it.

(on where Onterrio Smith fits in when he returns)

Well, we will find a way to fit him in. He is a heck of a player. We really like him. Shoot, when it is all said and done he might be our featureed back.

Wow. They like Moore even more than I thought. Tice just basically said that Moore has been as perfect as possible for a back, and that they will try to somehow try to work Onterrio in when he gets back.Right now, I'd say that if any of the three are going to be a fantasy starter for the rest of the season, Mewelde Moore is most likely to be that guy.

I'll take that bet.

 

[Da Masses]

Mike Tice today:

(on Mewelde Moore)

We felt we had something special when we saw him in mini camp. We felt like we had a guy that was very mature for his age, very, very bright and was going to have a role. We didn’t know what kind of role that was going to be with Michael (Bennett) and Onterrio (Smith) and Moe Williams being guys that we had a lot of confidence in and we had a lot of awareness about their abilities. But it has turned out like most seasons turn out in the National Football League. Somebody is going to get hurt and somebody is going to get a chance. The guy that gets a change and he takes advantage of it, then hooray for him and if he doesn’t, well, that is too bad. He took advantage of a chance he had because of suspension and injuries and he has taken it and run with it. He has done the best he can do with it.

(on where Onterrio Smith fits in when he returns)

Well, we will find a way to fit him in. He is a heck of a player. We really like him. Shoot, when it is all said and done he might be our featureed back.

Thanks for the update SBC.Talk about a swamp getting any muddier. Shanahan step aside, there's a new "Skeletor" in town.

Still I see it a RBBC till one emerges, money's on Smith.

 

[ghosttothepost]

Just listened to Tice's press conference today on Vikings.com.\ Here are some of the highlights as best as I can recall:Regarding Bennett:

He's not going to start. We don't want to rush him into anything today.

We will nurse Mike along -- a couple of carries, a couple of blocks.

We want to get him a good sweat, get him a few plays, and let him spell Mewelde. Not a real big plan for Mike.

Regarding Mewelde:

Mewelde will carry the load. Moe will have his role too.

We haven't had a rushing TD by a running back yet this year. Maybe this will be a great week to run the ball a whole lot and see if we can get some rushing TDs. That would be fun.

All signs point to Mewelde being a great start this week.

 

[phrozen]

He's not going to start. We don't want to rush him into anything today.

We will nurse Mike along -- a couple of carries, a couple of blocks.

We want to get him a good sweat, get him a few plays, and let him spell Mewelde.  Not a real big plan for Mike.

Regarding Mewelde:

Mewelde will carry the load. Moe will have his role too.

We haven't had a rushing TD by a running back yet this year.  Maybe this will be a great week to run the ball a whole lot and see if we can get some rushing TDs. That would be fun.

All signs point to Mewelde being a great start this week. [/QUOTE]Wooohooo

 

[bumpman]

Mike Tice today:

(on Mewelde Moore)

We felt we had something special when we saw him in mini camp. We felt like we had a guy that was very mature for his age, very, very bright and was going to have a role. We didn’t know what kind of role that was going to be with Michael (Bennett) and Onterrio (Smith) and Moe Williams being guys that we had a lot of confidence in and we had a lot of awareness about their abilities. But it has turned out like most seasons turn out in the National Football League. Somebody is going to get hurt and somebody is going to get a chance. The guy that gets a change and he takes advantage of it, then hooray for him and if he doesn’t, well, that is too bad. He took advantage of a chance he had because of suspension and injuries and he has taken it and run with it. He has done the best he can do with it.

(on where Onterrio Smith fits in when he returns)

Well, we will find a way to fit him in. He is a heck of a player. We really like him. Shoot, when it is all said and done he might be our featureed back.

Thanks for the update SBC.Talk about a swamp getting any muddier. Shanahan step aside, there's a new "Skeletor" in town.

Still I see it a RBBC till one emerges, money's on Smith.

Yup. A big flaming mess. All this says is that Moore made the best of his opportunities and likely will be "in the mix" too. The last sentence in Tice's comment about Smith is pretty new. I've never heard Tice say publicly that Smith could end up the featured back. My bet is also on Smith.

 

[packersfan]

Based on the limited plan in place for Bennett this week, it's quite likely Moore will also start and be the primary RB again in Week 8. Now what happens in Week 9 when Smith returns and Bennett (possibly) is healthier ...

 

[ghosttothepost]

One other note re Tice's press conference today. At the very end of the conference Tice repeatedly referred to Moe Williams as their "short distance" guy. Sure seemed to suggest that Moe is their guy at the goaline and thus could be stealing short TD runs from whoever is the primary back.

 

[Pigskin75]

I just looked up some interesting info...target data.In two games Moore went...

Targ  Rec   YD  TDMoore, M          24   21   182   0

While Smith went like this in three games...

Targ  Rec   YD  TDSmith, O          18   15   224   1

It seems that Moore fits into the passing game much better than Smith, although Smith has more yards. But given the targets and receptions, it's only a matter of time before Moore breaks one. His confidence seems to grow with each game. While the situation looks murky this week, it could clear up as time goes on. Referring to a similar situation in Denver, Shanny says a guy steps up and takes advantage of a situation, he's your guy. Every week he has to prove himself. If MM struggles, his playing time will obviously be effected. But if he continues to make positive yardage, positive plays and improves his pass blocking a bit, I feel the job is his to loose. Play the hot hand while you can and keep your other backs in reserve if and when an injury occurs.

 

[bumpman]

I just looked up some interesting info...target data.In two games Moore went...

                 Targ  Rec   YD  TDMoore, M          24   21   182   0

While Smith went like this in three games...

                 Targ  Rec   YD  TDSmith, O          18   15   224   1

It seems that Moore fits into the passing game much better than Smith, although Smith has more yards. But given the targets and receptions, it's only a matter of time before Moore breaks one. His confidence seems to grow with each game. While the situation looks murky this week, it could clear up as time goes on. Referring to a similar situation in Denver, Shanny says a guy steps up and takes advantage of a situation, he's your guy. Every week he has to prove himself. If MM struggles, his playing time will obviously be effected. But if he continues to make positive yardage, positive plays and improves his pass blocking a bit, I feel the job is his to loose. Play the hot hand while you can and keep your other backs in reserve if and when an injury occurs.

I don't see the connection between the stats you pointed to and Moore suddenly fitting the passing game better than Smith. Smith was the team's leading receiver after three games. How does that make Moore a better fit? If you think Moore gets more YAC, I think you are wrong. Smith is extremely elusive. By the way, if you are trying to convince yourself that Tice is going to use Moore as his featured back (i.e., that he will get 75-80% of the touches), you are way off. Tice has already indicated that he was planning to platoon Smith and Bennett after the two came back. Moore's performance simply means he will be part of that platoon. Hell, after today's press conference, it sounds like Moe is going to keep his role as the short-yardage guy as well. Massive RBBC for the rest of the year.

 

[Leviathan]

Boy, what a mess in Minnesotta. Fantasy wise, that is to say. In the real world, they have the luxury of choosing from some pretty talented players!! Tice is sittin' pretty right now. My choices for RB2 this week are: Bennett, Moore or Droughns. Looks like the kid from Denver's gettin' the start for me.

 

[Warhogs]

Who do you think Moore has the most value to now? The Bennett owner or the O. Smith owner? I added Moore but am thinking of trading him while his value is high.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Moore owners can stop their rejoicing.Just heard Tice on his coaches show tonight and it was Moe Williams this and Michael Bennet that.This is a big time RBBC starting against Tennessee and Moore will never see the ball inside the 20 unless he takes it all the way himself.

 

[phrozen]

Moore owners can stop their rejoicing.Just heard Tice on his coaches show tonight and it was Moe Williams this and Michael Bennet that.This is a big time RBBC starting against Tennessee and Moore will never see the ball inside the 20 unless he takes it all the way himself.

TDs or No TDs I'll take his 100 rushing yard and 84 receiving yard average any day. Espically w/ 1pt rec.

 

[Da Masses]

Moore owners can stop their rejoicing.Just heard Tice on his coaches show tonight and it was Moe Williams this and Michael Bennet that.This is a big time RBBC starting against Tennessee and Moore will never see the ball inside the 20 unless he takes it all the way himself.

The Scooby Snack Pack is in the mail

 

[bumpman]

Might as well rejuvinate the debate . . . it's been a few hours after all . . .

Posted on Wed, Oct. 20, 2004

Will Moore mean less of Bennett, Smith for Vikings?

BY BOB SANSEVERE

Knight Ridder Newspapers

ST. PAUL, Minn. - (KRT) - Mewelde Moore was elusive. He wasn't about to let anyone pin him down. I'm not even talking about his running style. I'm talking about how he straight-armed attempts to get a clear-cut answer.

Asked if he thought he should be the Vikings' starting running back ahead of Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith, Moore said: "I'm just trying to do the things that help the team win. That's my main focus. That's what I'm here to do."

Moore is a rookie. He likes creating havoc on the field but not in the locker room. No way was he going to say he has played well enough to become the featured back from here on out.

"I just enjoy playing football," he said. "Getting a start is a bonus. Helping the team, contributing to a win, that's extra. I just go out there every game and play my game."

Based on the two starts he got because of Bennett's injury and Smith's suspension, Moore's game is making people miss when he runs the ball. His game is making catches and making yards after the catch.

He did the same thing at Tulane, where he became only the second player in NCAA history to rush for 4,000 yards and have 2,000 receiving yards in his career.

(Quickie quiz: Who was the first? Why, none other than former Viking Darrin Nelson at Stanford.)

Accounting for just about all of it in the past two games, Moore has become the Vikings' leading rusher this season with 209 yards and a gaudy 5.8-yard average. His 21 receptions are second-most on the team, just five behind Randy Moss.

With his knee healed up, Bennett is expected to be active Sunday. Tice already has said Moore will start against the Tennessee Titans, but how much will Bennett play? And what about in a couple of weeks when Smith returns? There will be a glut of running backs. Bennett, Smith and Moore all have shown they are capable of producing. Who gets the start and most of the work?

I know what I'd do: Stick with Moore until he messes up or defenses turn him into human mulch.

"You go with the hot back," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "Mewelde is the one constant we have now."

Then he threw in, as a disclaimer, "All (our backs) are going to give us a chance to win."

Moore might give them the best chance. In the two games he started, he averaged 184.5 yards running and catching. Nobody in the NFL is within 20 yards of that. If Moore stays within even 40 yards of that pace, coach Mike Tice would be loopy to reduce his playing time. And if Moore somehow maintained that 184.5-yard average, he would break the NFL rookie record and come within 30 yards of the league record for yards from scrimmage.

"He's probably the most versatile back we have," Tice said.

Probably? With Moore added to an already stacked offense, the Vikings scored on 11 of 21 drives against Houston and New Orleans, not including the drives when they ran out the clock at the end of the half and the end of the game against the Saints. Tice should continue featuring Moore because a) he produces in an XXL way; b) he doesn't keep you wondering if he'll get hurt again, the way Bennett does; and c) he's dependable and not likely to get himself suspended, as Smith did.

"We just have to see. Each guy has a different style," Tice said. "Each player brings something unique to the table."

You know what that means. Instead of even more Moore, Tice is likely to have Linehan tinker, working in Bennett and in a few weeks, Smith.

Tice and Linehan both joked that they might use the wishbone and put all three backs in the game. That's not such a cockamamie idea. Two can line up in the backfield and one could line up in the slot. Then one of the two in the backfield can go in motion. And then . . .

"We've got to look at that," Linehan said. "That'd be the fun part."

At the moment, Moore is having the most fun. Though Smith and Bennett want to play, they also juked questions about whether they should be the primary back.

"I don't make that decision," Smith said. "My only thing is go out and perform. I'm pretty sure I'll get opportunities and showcase myself. I think if I was out there, I could do the things (Moore) is doing and get me some numbers."

As for Bennett, he said, "They know what I can do." He also said, "When you win, why change the formula?"

"I just want to win. I'll run the ball five times if they get me the ball that much."

If Moore keeps producing, neither Bennett nor Smith should be getting the ball all that much.

---

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...rts/9972242.htm

 

[Wingnut]

Ah but Smith is healthy and was tearing it up when he was playing. He knows the offense better, too.What this means or how it affects the playing time remains to be seen.:nogoodinfohere:

 

[Deadzone21]

Will Moore mean less of Bennett, Smith for Vikings?BY BOB SANSEVEREKnight Ridder Newspapers---http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...rts/9972242.htm

That article pretty much sums it up...I think. It looks like M.Moore has the starting job unless he pulls a Q.Grif, which is unlikely. I have M.Bennett and still feel he's next in line over O.Smith.I hear the "It's the system" argument all the time for Denver, why can't it apply here in Min? It seems that no matter what back you plug in, they excel in both running and receiving yards.

 

[Da Masses]

Might as well rejuvinate the debate . . . it's been a few hours after all . . .

Posted on Wed, Oct. 20, 2004

Will Moore mean less of Bennett, Smith for Vikings?

BY BOB SANSEVERE

Knight Ridder Newspapers

ST. PAUL, Minn. - (KRT) - Mewelde Moore was elusive. He wasn't about to let anyone pin him down. I'm not even talking about his running style. I'm talking about how he straight-armed attempts to get a clear-cut answer.

Asked if he thought he should be the Vikings' starting running back ahead of Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith, Moore said: "I'm just trying to do the things that help the team win. That's my main focus. That's what I'm here to do."

Moore is a rookie. He likes creating havoc on the field but not in the locker room. No way was he going to say he has played well enough to become the featured back from here on out.

"I just enjoy playing football," he said. "Getting a start is a bonus. Helping the team, contributing to a win, that's extra. I just go out there every game and play my game."

Based on the two starts he got because of Bennett's injury and Smith's suspension, Moore's game is making people miss when he runs the ball. His game is making catches and making yards after the catch.

He did the same thing at Tulane, where he became only the second player in NCAA history to rush for 4,000 yards and have 2,000 receiving yards in his career.

(Quickie quiz: Who was the first? Why, none other than former Viking Darrin Nelson at Stanford.)

Accounting for just about all of it in the past two games, Moore has become the Vikings' leading rusher this season with 209 yards and a gaudy 5.8-yard average. His 21 receptions are second-most on the team, just five behind Randy Moss.

With his knee healed up, Bennett is expected to be active Sunday. Tice already has said Moore will start against the Tennessee Titans, but how much will Bennett play? And what about in a couple of weeks when Smith returns? There will be a glut of running backs. Bennett, Smith and Moore all have shown they are capable of producing. Who gets the start and most of the work?

I know what I'd do: Stick with Moore until he messes up or defenses turn him into human mulch.

"You go with the hot back," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "Mewelde is the one constant we have now."

Then he threw in, as a disclaimer, "All (our backs) are going to give us a chance to win."

Moore might give them the best chance. In the two games he started, he averaged 184.5 yards running and catching. Nobody in the NFL is within 20 yards of that. If Moore stays within even 40 yards of that pace, coach Mike Tice would be loopy to reduce his playing time. And if Moore somehow maintained that 184.5-yard average, he would break the NFL rookie record and come within 30 yards of the league record for yards from scrimmage.

"He's probably the most versatile back we have," Tice said.

Probably? With Moore added to an already stacked offense, the Vikings scored on 11 of 21 drives against Houston and New Orleans, not including the drives when they ran out the clock at the end of the half and the end of the game against the Saints. Tice should continue featuring Moore because a) he produces in an XXL way; b) he doesn't keep you wondering if he'll get hurt again, the way Bennett does; and c) he's dependable and not likely to get himself suspended, as Smith did.

"We just have to see. Each guy has a different style," Tice said. "Each player brings something unique to the table."

You know what that means. Instead of even more Moore, Tice is likely to have Linehan tinker, working in Bennett and in a few weeks, Smith.

Tice and Linehan both joked that they might use the wishbone and put all three backs in the game. That's not such a cockamamie idea. Two can line up in the backfield and one could line up in the slot. Then one of the two in the backfield can go in motion. And then . . .

"We've got to look at that," Linehan said. "That'd be the fun part."

At the moment, Moore is having the most fun. Though Smith and Bennett want to play, they also juked questions about whether they should be the primary back.

"I don't make that decision," Smith said. "My only thing is go out and perform. I'm pretty sure I'll get opportunities and showcase myself. I think if I was out there, I could do the things (Moore) is doing and get me some numbers."

As for Bennett, he said, "They know what I can do." He also said, "When you win, why change the formula?"

"I just want to win. I'll run the ball five times if they get me the ball that much."

If Moore keeps producing, neither Bennett nor Smith should be getting the ball all that much.

---

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...rts/9972242.htm

Several things to get from the aritcle* Reporter likes Moore a lot (So take that into consideration for the rest of this analysis)

* Bennett doesn't have the coaching staff trust and/or they're afraid of him getting hurt

* Coaching staff is big on Moore and will ride him until he wears down or screws up, but will plan to work everyone into the mix eventually.

* RBBC big in the upcoming weeks, no indication that they will have one featured back.

Since I drafted Bennett as a FEATURED high RB3/low RB2 not a part of a RBBC, this greatly downgrades his value. This also slightly downgrades Smith, but I still see him emerging as the primary if not featured back before all of this is said and done.

No choice but to start Bennett this week or drop him and pick up Lamont Jordan to handcuff to Martin and wait until Smith returns in two weeks.

Big mess

 

[Zasada]

Moore owners can stop their rejoicing.Just heard Tice on his coaches show tonight and it was Moe Williams this and Michael Bennet that.This is a big time RBBC starting against Tennessee and Moore will never see the ball inside the 20 unless he takes it all the way himself.

TDs or No TDs I'll take his 100 rushing yard and 84 receiving yard average any day. Espically w/ 1pt rec.

Ding ding ding!I don't care HOW I get the points, and the fact of the matter is MM gave me 20+ points in each of the last two weeks. I don't care if it's 100yds and a TD or 90 yards rush and 90 yards receving -- 20 points is 20 points.Thank-you for someone finally pointing out that yards actually count for something.In TD-only leagues, MM is worthless -- I'll give you that. But in any league that meaningfully counts yardage, he's the stud. Z

 

[superbowlchampion]

Vikings: Bennett is willing to help in any way

EXCERPT:

News flash: Michael Bennett practiced Wednesday! And better yet: He's cleared to practice today, too!

Yes, the Vikings' star-crossed tailback takes his victories in small doses these days. "The saga continues," Bennett said Wednesday as he completed only his second afternoon of football activity in the past 54 days, felled first by a sprained right knee and then by torn cartilage in the same knee.

After making it through practice unscathed, with the aid of a bulky brace, Bennett remains on track to make his 2004 debut Sunday against Tennessee. Coaches project he will take between five and seven carries behind rookie starter Mewelde Moore and veteran backup Moe Williams.

MORE:

"We're doing well right now as a team," Bennett said, "and we're winning games. When we're doing great with the guys we have now, then why change it? ... Everybody has a role on this team. Whatever the coach puts my role as, I will be happy. I can't come in here and demand what I want to do and say whatever I want to say. Whatever is going to help this team, I'm willing to sacrifice myself for."

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"We'll nurse Mike along a little bit," coach Mike Tice said. "What happens is that guys that don't play a lot come back and hurt a hamstring. We don't want to have that happen and set him back again. The poor guy would need therapy. We're going to make sure we're smart about it."

 

[ghosttothepost]

Vikings: Bennett is willing to help in any way

EXCERPT:

News flash: Michael Bennett practiced Wednesday! And better yet: He's cleared to practice today, too!

Yes, the Vikings' star-crossed tailback takes his victories in small doses these days. "The saga continues," Bennett said Wednesday as he completed only his second afternoon of football activity in the past 54 days, felled first by a sprained right knee and then by torn cartilage in the same knee.

After making it through practice unscathed, with the aid of a bulky brace, Bennett remains on track to make his 2004 debut Sunday against Tennessee. Coaches project he will take between five and seven carries behind rookie starter Mewelde Moore and veteran backup Moe Williams.

MORE:

"We're doing well right now as a team," Bennett said, "and we're winning games. When we're doing great with the guys we have now, then why change it? ... Everybody has a role on this team. Whatever the coach puts my role as, I will be happy. I can't come in here and demand what I want to do and say whatever I want to say. Whatever is going to help this team, I'm willing to sacrifice myself for."

MORE:

"We'll nurse Mike along a little bit," coach Mike Tice said. "What happens is that guys that don't play a lot come back and hurt a hamstring. We don't want to have that happen and set him back again. The poor guy would need therapy. We're going to make sure we're smart about it."

That quote from Tice was from yesterday and I believe it was made before they practiced. At that point, Tice was very clear that Bennett would have a minimal role this week. I'd be interested to know if Tice has had any change of heart following yesterday's or today's practice. Anyone know if he is going to be giving any further press conferences this week?

 

[K_Legacy]

Wait till Smith returns after his 4 game suspension.

yeah, cause then all the smith owners will be preaching how THEY have the man.please.... its week to week here. unless you have all three on your roster, I wouldnt feel confident from here out.

I agree...I have MWilliams, MMoore and OSmith on my roster...was trying to get Bennett to have all my bases covered but the owner of Bennett is convinced he will get half a season out of Bennett...i told him Bennett will be lucky to see the field on game day. He would probably sprain an eyeball during the coin toss.

 

[packersfan]

According to the article above, the plan for Sunday is to give Bennett 5-7 carries against the Titans. So far this season, the Vikings' RBs are averaging 18 carries a game (the most carries a Viking RB has gotten so far in a game is 17 by Smith in Week 3). So if the season average stays about the same and the Bennett plan is utilized, Moore is looking at 10-15 carries on Sunday. Obviously, plans can change and carries can go up (personally I expect to see the RB carries per game increase as the season goes on now that Bennett's back and once Smith returns in Week 9), but if Bennett does get the 5-7 carries the Vikings want to give him, that is shrinking the pie quite a bit for Moore in terms of the running game.Just some food for thought.

 

[ghosttothepost]

....So far this season, the Vikings' RBs are averaging 18 carries a game (the most carries a Viking RB has gotten so far in a game is 17 by Smith in Week 3). So if the season average stays about the same and the Bennett plan is utilized, Moore is looking at 10-15 carries on Sunday....

I don't know how reliable the Vike's past carries/game is going to be this week. First, consider that this is the first week they are likely going to be without their stud WR. Second, don't forget what Tice said yesterday:

We haven't had a rushing TD by a running back yet this year. Maybe this will be a great week to run the ball a whole lot and see if we can get some rushing TDs. That would be fun.

Both things point to a significantly increased rushing attack this week, IMO.

 

[packersfan]

I don't know how reliable the Vike's past carries/game is going to be this week. First, consider that this is the first week they are likely going to be without their stud WR. Second, don't forget what Tice said yesterday:

We haven't had a rushing TD by a running back yet this year.  Maybe this will be a great week to run the ball a whole lot and see if we can get some rushing TDs. That would be fun.

Both things point to a significantly increased rushing attack this week, IMO.

It could happen which is why I said the carries could go up and I expect them to go up as the season goes on. For what it's worth, here's a breakdown of the RB carries for the Vikings' games so far: Week 1: 22 Week 2: 10 (all by Smith) Week 3: 17 (all by Smith) Week 5: 20 (all by Moore) Week 6: 21

 

[RAIDERNATION.]

I have Moore and Bennett and Smif on my roster, and I watch every game, so I feel informed enough to opine on the situation. Here is the deal. Moore looks great, no question. You could drive a Mack truck through the holes the O-line is opening up, mainly thanks to the defense having to respect Minnesota's dynamic passing attack. If you don't commit extra defenders to Moss and Co., they will burn you repeatedly through the air. No secret there. But that does open up mammoth running lanes, giving credence to the "whomever the Vikings put back there at RB will have success," just like you hear regarding the Denver RBs.

Here is the difference. Those 10, 12, 14 yard runs that Moore has been ripping off? Those become 40 yard runs with Bennett in the backfield. Y'all can call him a glorified track guy all you want, but if Bennett gets those same holes, this offense will be completely unstoppable.

To answer a poster's earlier question, the back I'd like to have for the rest of the season is Bennett, if I could only have one of them. He has rare speed... speed you can't teach, and the cream will rise to the top eventually. Plus, Tice loves him. Don't downplay that factor.

 

[ghosttothepost]

I don't necessarily disagree with anything RaiderNation said, but I think you are overlooking the pass-catching element that both Smith and Moore do much better then Bennett. I think Tice loves the versatility that a rushing/receiving back like Moore or Smith offers. Speed isn't necessarily everything.

 

[Da Masses]

Plus, Tice loves him. Don't downplay that factor.

I sense a Switz sighting on the horizon with that last statement. Still I'm liking what I'm hearing about Bennett progress. I'm just wondering if he will be running the same way?

We're on the 3rd week mark on the 4-6 week projected recovery of the torn meniscus removal. So we're still on schedule. Earliest is next week, latest is wk 9, right when Smith comes back off suspension.

 

[Da Masses]

[QUOTE='ghosttothe]I don't necessarily disagree with anything RaiderNation said, but I think you are overlooking the pass-catching element that both Smith and Moore do much better then Bennett. I think Tice loves the versatility that a rushing/receiving back like Moore or Smith offers. Speed isn't necessarily everything.
[/QUOTE]Tell that to Vick :rotflmao:

 

[RAIDERNATION.]

[QUOTE='ghosttothe]I don't necessarily disagree with anything RaiderNation said, but I think you are overlooking the pass-catching element that both Smith and Moore do much better then Bennett. I think Tice loves the versatility that a rushing/receiving back like Moore or Smith offers. Speed isn't necessarily everything.
[/QUOTE]And that has been a big knock on Bennett, unfairly IMO. The guy can catch a screen pass, for gawd sakes. Remember the one he took for 80 yards @ Pittsburgh a couple of years ago? Think Moore takes that any more than 25/30 yards?

 

[Eagle Eye]

Couple more interesting blurbs from Harris' update page:

The Vikings' plan to bring back Bennett slowly is based partially on prior experience. He originally sprained the knee Aug. 27 against San Francisco, an injury that sidelined him for four weeks. In his first practice back, on Sept. 30, Bennett was pass-blocking during a physical full-pads drill when he felt a pop in the knee.

An MRI showed a torn lateral meniscus, and the resulting operation caused him to miss another two weeks. This time, the Vikings are leaving nothing to chance.

"We'll nurse Mike along a little bit," head coach Mike Tice said. "What happens is that guys that don't play a lot come back and hurt a hamstring. We don't want to have that happen and set him back again. The poor guy would need therapy. We're going to make sure we're smart about it."

But as Seifert put it: "That pace also reflects the Vikings' comfort level without Bennett -- an unfortunate result of his inability to stay on the field during his NFL career. Bennett missed three games to an ankle injury in 2001, eight games because of foot and hamstring injuries in 2003 and now five games with knee problems this season."

Perhaps Bennett, the Vikings and Fantasy owners can take solace in this injury-related fact: Of his 2,425 career rushing yards, almost 76 percent have come in games later than Oct. 26.

"I know I have to work my way back into this," Bennett said. "So I don't expect to be thrown right in there, right away. Hopefully I'll get some work, get into a rhythm, and then as the season goes on, just get back into it and be the starting running back by the end.

"Time will tell," he added. "That's the only thing I can say about it."

 

[socrates]

Allow me first to preface my comments by saying that I do have Smith and Moore; however, I obtained Smith for Bennett in a trade (straight across) earlier this season. Bennett has that one attribute that is unteachable -- speed, but his lack of durability will prevent him, imo, from nailing down anything more than a starting job in a RBBC this season. I think Bennett owners should be excited by Moore's success, as it lends credence to the argument that Smith's success was merely a product of the system. Moore has turned in the only 100 yard rushing effort on the season, plus his tremendous receiving ability makes him a double threat for the Vikes. Nonetheless, from what I have observed, Smith simply looks like the best all-around talent at the position. If there is one guy that will be featured at RB for Minnesota, I have to think it is Smith; although, I think the stronger likelihood is that we'll see a committee approach for the remainder of the season. It will be interesting, however, to see how this situation plays out in the offseason; all three backs look like starting material.

 

[switz]

And that has been a big knock on Bennett, unfairly IMO. The guy can catch a screen pass, for gawd sakes. Remember the one he took for 80 yards @ Pittsburgh a couple of years ago? Think Moore takes that any more than 25/30 yards?

No Moore wouldn't, but Smith would, and he woudln't get hurt doing it.

 

[ghosttothepost]

Here are the latest quotes from Tice (following Thurday's practice):

Q: Is Michael [bennett] on track?A: Mike looked good today. I think he's still trying to get used to that brace. He hit some good holes. There's some big damn holes out there lately. I think Sean Jensen could run through some of them, or Bill Williamson.Q: Will Mike have a role in this game or will he just take some snaps?A: I'm going to try to get him some snaps and just ease him back over the course of the next few weeks to where he's able to get his legs underneath him and become as explosive as he was when he left training camp. He looked great actually. We tried to give him some confidence in the leg and a feel for the brace and some stamina in the muscles in his legs so he can last for the rest of the season and be effective in the plan in the role we have for him, or we're planning for him once we get everyone back.Q: Is the brace something he'll wear for a while?A: I don't know how long he's going to wear it. I believe he's going to wear it this week. I don't know that he's going to wear it every week. Q: Sounds like he'd rather not [wear the brace]? A: I don't think he likes it. I think he's uncomfortable. It doesn't give him full range of motion. And I think that's bothering him a little bit. Not bothering him as far as the way he's running, but mentally. I think it's bugging the crap out of him.

All in all, it sounds pretty much like the same plan as he announced earlier -- Mewelde carrying the load this week, with Mike getting a few snaps here and there.