RB Chester Taylor not in shape? (1 Viewer)

[Chris Smith]

from the Footballguys Blogger: http://news.footballguys.com/new/blogger.php

June 3, 2006, 19:32

Vikings :: RB

RB Ch. Taylor Out Of Shape?

Kevin Seifert, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Sporting News - [Full Article]

RB Chester Taylor gets his chance to start after years as Jamal Lewis' backup in Baltimore. He is out to prove himself as a starter but there are rumblings that he is out of shape.

 

[zadok]

I'm still thinking very big things for Chester Taylor this season...

 

[Warhogs]

Certainly not what you want to hear though. Hard to believe.

 

[Boston]

Certainly not what you want to hear though.  Hard to believe.

Agreed. I like Taylor this year but he's not an all world talent that can turn it on and off. If this is true that would send up some big warning signs. Getting out of shape after signing a big contract (this is known as an Eric Dampier in NBA circles or an Alexi Zhamnov in the NHL) is never a good sign. Hopefully more info is provided on this because Taylor is a guy you'll have to use a pretty high pick on if you want him...and if he is actually dogging it than maybe it's better to look elsewhere.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back. Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

 

[jerseys finest]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back. Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

fason is going to need mewelde moore to get injured before he gets a chance to prove himself

 

[fatness]

Taylor got in Billick's doghouse last year for skipping practices, I believe.

 

[Vikes Fan]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back. Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

I am going to say this again and again...Fason was the GL back for Tice, not Childress. We have no idea if Childress sees him as a goaline back or a third down back or an everydown back. We need to wait and see before we can say what he is or isn't. The only opportunity he got last year to run the ball outside of goaline was unimpressive, so before people say Fason is the next Walter Payton, lets see what he can do with a coach not named Tice.Hyjack and rant over...please resume Taylor talk.

 

[CalBear]

Adimchinobe Echemandu!

 

[gman8343]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back.    Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

fason is going to need mewelde moore to get injured before he gets a chance to prove himself

from what I've heard Moore is slotted to play some third downs and special teams and Fason is going to be given the opportunity to be the primary backup. No idea how true this is, just heard a couple of blurbs on the radio a couple of weeks ago about it.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Adimchinobe Echemandu!

Kazoontite!!! (sp??)

 

[StuntRock]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back. Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

fason is going to need mewelde moore to get injured before he gets a chance to prove himself

He won't be waiting long, then!

 

[jerseys finest]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back.     Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

fason is going to need mewelde moore to get injured before he gets a chance to prove himself

from what I've heard Moore is slotted to play some third downs and special teams and Fason is going to be given the opportunity to be the primary backup. No idea how true this is, just heard a couple of blurbs on the radio a couple of weeks ago about it.

good to know.. but as an eagles fan, childress LOVES backs with ability running and catching the ball.. taylor was brought in for this purpose and moore also has the same combo of ability. from what i saw of fason last year, he was relatively effective on short yardage, but that was about it.. both taylor and moore have their injury issues, so fason still may be getting a chance earlier then expected

 

[vikingdave]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back.     Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

fason is going to need mewelde moore to get injured before he gets a chance to prove himself

from what I've heard Moore is slotted to play some third downs and special teams and Fason is going to be given the opportunity to be the primary backup. No idea how true this is, just heard a couple of blurbs on the radio a couple of weeks ago about it.

good to know.. but as an eagles fan, childress LOVES backs with ability running and catching the ball.. taylor was brought in for this purpose and moore also has the same combo of ability. from what i saw of fason last year, he was relatively effective on short yardage, but that was about it.. both taylor and moore have their injury issues, so fason still may be getting a chance earlier then expected

When did you see Fason effective on the GL? Fason was garbage last year, anytime I saw him play, GL or otherwise. I think he averaged like 2.1 YPC. It was mainly in GL situations but still, I wouldnt be worried if I was Chester Taylor.

 

[jerseys finest]

Ciatrick Fason, he's more than a GL back.     Taylor better watch or the kid will show them earlier than later what he can do.

fason is going to need mewelde moore to get injured before he gets a chance to prove himself

from what I've heard Moore is slotted to play some third downs and special teams and Fason is going to be given the opportunity to be the primary backup. No idea how true this is, just heard a couple of blurbs on the radio a couple of weeks ago about it.

good to know.. but as an eagles fan, childress LOVES backs with ability running and catching the ball.. taylor was brought in for this purpose and moore also has the same combo of ability. from what i saw of fason last year, he was relatively effective on short yardage, but that was about it.. both taylor and moore have their injury issues, so fason still may be getting a chance earlier then expected

When did you see Fason effective on the GL? Fason was garbage last year, anytime I saw him play, GL or otherwise. I think he averaged like 2.1 YPC. It was mainly in GL situations but still, I wouldnt be worried if I was Chester Taylor.

reitterating my point that moore is the main backup in minny..

 

[Floyd The Barber]

There was a full article on Taylor in the Pioneer Press (sorry, no link) that explained why he was "out of shape". It's simply that Brian Billick is less of a task master than Brad Childress is going to be. Hence, Taylor was in "Ravens shape", but not in Vikings shape. Not unlike Mike Martz saying that all of the Detroit Lions aren't in shape.

There's nothing to it.

Unless, of course, you're looking to acquire Taylor and use that blurb as ammo to try to lower the price.

 

[H.K.]

This news concerns me. You would think he'd be in prime condition looking to take advantage of the shot at being "the man" that he said he wanted so badly as he tried to get out of Baltimore.

I thought Taylor would be in for a big season, but now I have my doubts. IIRC he created some problems in Baltimore with his attitude (maybe some Ravens homers can confirm/deny this) and I now question if this guy is head case.

 

[Mapmaker]

I'd be more concerned if there was any truth or confirmation to this ....

"IMPACT NEWCOMER: RB Chester Taylor gets his chance to start after years as Jamal Lewis' backup in Baltimore. The Vikings are banking on Taylor's talent, low mileage and desire to prove himself as a starter. We'll see. There are rumblings that Taylor is out of shape. The running game last year was atrocious, and it wasn't all because of poor line play. Onterrio Smith sat out the year because of a fourth violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Michael Bennett, whose legs basically are shot, had another terrible year. And Mewelde Moore underachieved, in part because of a role that was undefined. If Taylor steps up and Moore's role is defined, the running game could be dramatically improved."

It's oh so easy to have a reporter say "so and so" is out of shape ... when the coaching staff say's it's so then perhaps there's reason for worry ... otherwise just another puff piece ....

 

[joffer]

if you're doing survivor drafts right now, Mewelde Moore has been and continues to be a nice value where you can draft him.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm sooooo glad that the Vikings thought Taylor was so good that they didn't need to draft DeAngelo Williams.

 

[reg]

I'm sooooo glad that the Vikings thought Taylor was so good that they didn't need to draft DeAngelo Williams.

I am sure you would know better Barreiro, errr Andy...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm sooooo glad that the Vikings thought Taylor was so good that they didn't need to draft DeAngelo Williams.

I am sure you would know better Barreiro, errr Andy...

WTF is with the opinion police around here?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Adimchinobe Echemandu!

Kazoontite!!! (sp??)

"Gesundheit" is a german word that translates to something like "good health to you".

 

[Buttmonkey]

Adimchinobe Echemandu!

Kazoontite!!! (sp??)

"Gesundheit" is a german word that translates to something like "good health to you".

I thought it meant "You're so good looking"

 

[Armando]

Chester Taylor - RB - Vikings

(Rotoworld)

The Vikings have reportedly become increasingly concerned with Chester Taylor's work ethic.

Multiple sources have confirmed Taylor showed up to camp out of shape and that the Vikes' coaching staff has not been pleased with the ex-Raven's work habits. Taylor is still expected to start this season in front of Mewelde Moore, who's recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Jun. 24 - 11:54 pm et

Source: foxsports.com

How can you finally get your chance and be out of shape? I wouldn't touch him unless I had Moore too.

 

[broncofan13000]

Chester Taylor - RB - Vikings

(Rotoworld)

The Vikings have reportedly become increasingly concerned with Chester Taylor's work ethic.

Multiple sources have confirmed Taylor showed up to camp out of shape and that the Vikes' coaching staff has not been pleased with the ex-Raven's work habits. Taylor is still expected to start this season in front of Mewelde Moore, who's recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Jun. 24 - 11:54 pm et

Source: foxsports.com

How can you finally get your chance and be out of shape? I wouldn't touch him unless I had Moore too.

c'mon chester, get your head out of your ###.

 

[CA_7]

I'm still thinking very big things for Chester Taylor this season...

Are you talking about his weight or performance?

 

[DoubleG]

I'm sooooo glad that the Vikings thought Taylor was so good that they didn't need to draft DeAngelo Williams.

So am I....as a Bears fan.

 

[Islander]

No way we should spend a 3rd round pick for him unless we read something more positive later this summer.

 

[Burning Sensation]

fluff piece

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Chester Taylor - RB - Vikings

(Rotoworld)

The Vikings have reportedly become increasingly concerned with Chester Taylor's work ethic.

Multiple sources have confirmed Taylor showed up to camp out of shape and that the Vikes' coaching staff has not been pleased with the ex-Raven's work habits. Taylor is still expected to start this season in front of Mewelde Moore, who's recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Jun. 24 - 11:54 pm et

Source: foxsports.com

How can you finally get your chance and be out of shape? I wouldn't touch him unless I had Moore too.

I saw the same report yesterday, but I haven't seen any coach's quotes or anything. Not that I expect them to come out and say it, but wouldn't you at least brag up another guy to light the fire under him??? Childress doesn't say much so I'd be careful about putting too much stock in these reports.

 

[Sinrman]

Only makes me feel a little more justified for avoiding him in drafts. He did ok in filling in for Jamal Lewis, but I haven't been convinced that he's ready for a starting role. That, and I'm not too convinced the Viking offense will do much this year...

 

[H.K.]

Chester Taylor - RB - Vikings 

(Rotoworld)

The Vikings have reportedly become increasingly concerned with Chester Taylor's work ethic.

Multiple sources have confirmed Taylor showed up to camp out of shape and that the Vikes' coaching staff has not been pleased with the ex-Raven's work habits. Taylor is still expected to start this season in front of Mewelde Moore, who's recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Jun. 24 - 11:54 pm et

Source: foxsports.com

How can you finally get your chance and be out of shape? I wouldn't touch him unless I had Moore too.

I saw the same report yesterday, but I haven't seen any coach's quotes or anything. Not that I expect them to come out and say it, but wouldn't you at least brag up another guy to light the fire under him??? Childress doesn't say much so I'd be careful about putting too much stock in these reports.

Where there is smoke, there is fire. Sounds like he is happy with his signing bonus and isn't too motivated any more.

 

[fatness]

This is the article linked in the Blogger this morning. Fox Sports

While the Vikings are confident in what they will get from Hutchinson, Taylor might be another story. There already have been rumblings that the 5-foot-11, 213-pound Taylor isn't in the best of shape and the Vikings aren't thrilled by his work ethic.

Remember, Taylor was a backup to Jamal Lewis in Baltimore and the most carries he has had in a season is 160. He only has four career touchdowns in four seasons. Taylor, though, is guaranteed $5.6 million in the four-year, $14.1 million deal he received from the Vikings.

That certainly isn't backup money and the Vikings will be looking for some big things from him come September.

All these reports talk about "rumblings". It's hard to tell if they're actually reporting something they've heard off the record, or just repeating what other articles have said about "rumblings."

 

[H.K.]

This is the article linked in the Blogger this morning. Fox Sports

While the Vikings are confident in what they will get from Hutchinson, Taylor might be another story. There already have been rumblings that the 5-foot-11, 213-pound Taylor isn't in the best of shape and the Vikings aren't thrilled by his work ethic.

Remember, Taylor was a backup to Jamal Lewis in Baltimore and the most carries he has had in a season is 160. He only has four career touchdowns in four seasons. Taylor, though, is guaranteed $5.6 million in the four-year, $14.1 million deal he received from the Vikings.

That certainly isn't backup money and the Vikings will be looking for some big things from him come September.

All these reports talk about "rumblings". It's hard to tell if they're actually reporting something they've heard off the record, or just repeating what other articles have said about "rumblings."

Mostly this is the time of year when all you hear about are positives, especially about FA's that were targeted and signed to a big bonus to be a focal point of an offense. The best beat writers gain the confidence of people inside NFL teams because they keep their sources confidential when its appropriate. This news is popping up all over the place about Taylor, and it isn't good.

 

[Weiner Dog]

If I was handed a $5mm+ check for simply signing my name to a contract, I'd probably get fat within a few months also.

 

[Armando]

In addition:

Chester Taylor - RB - Vikings

Rotoworld

The Vikings have reportedly told Chester Taylor he's not guaranteed a starting job.

Taylor needs to get in shape and prove in training camp he's the all-around back the Vikings thought they were getting when they gave him a $14 million contract. While his fantasy upside in Minnesota's West Coast offense is high, competition from Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason looms. Jun. 25 - 11:51 am et

Source: vikings.scout.com

 

[vikingdave]

Is Chester Taylor-Made?

Chester Taylor By: Viking Update Staff

Date: Jun 25, 2006

Concerns have begun to surface about the commitment running back Chester Taylor has to being the featured back in the Vikings backfield, with some theorizing that the big money Taylor earned has diminished some of his drive to be his best.

In the weeks leading up to free agency, there was talk that the Vikings might make the biggest splash of all by going after All Pro running backs Shaun Alexander or Edgerrin James. As it turned out, the Seahawks took Alexander out of the equation with a long-term deal and the Vikings weren't interested in adding James due to his age and the amount of mileage on his body through a strong NFL career.

Instead the Vikings went after career backup Chester Taylor, who seemed to be more a victim of circumstance than lack of ability. Playing behind Jamal Lewis, who ran for more than 2,000 yards in a single season when Taylor first arrived with the Ravens, Taylor seemed mired in the background. Last year, however, when both players got a chance to run the ball, it was clear that Taylor was hitting the hole faster and looked considerably better than Lewis. In the end, the Ravens inkled that they would like to sign-and-trade Lewis to the Vikings. The Vikes balked and ended up signing Lewis.

The rub now seems to be that there are rumblings that Taylor has not taken his offseason workout habits too seriously. He showed up to minicamps overweight and there have been some internal griping that he doesn't have the greatest work ethic.

The organization believes his motivation should be the four-year, $14.1 million payday he received from the Vikings, which includes $5.6 million in guaranteed money.

While this should raise any red flags, the Vikings are said to have told Taylor to be ready to give his all during training camp and that a full-time starting job hasn't been locked up. With players like Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason not looking to be part-time situational players, it would appear Taylor has been put on notice -- get in shape and stay in shape or your starting job may be on the line before it ever began.

 

[Gandalf]

I know this is a red flag, but how unusual is it to be out of shape in the off season? Is this really all that uncommon? Doesn't Taylor have a some time to get in shape?

 

[Hammerage]

One thing coming out of this. If you are drafting in the next couple of weeks Taylor may come even cheeper and if he excels he is a bargain and if he flops at least he wasn't a 1st-3rd round pick.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Chester Taylor - RB - Vikings

(Rotoworld)

The Vikings have reportedly become increasingly concerned with Chester Taylor's work ethic.

Multiple sources have confirmed Taylor showed up to camp out of shape and that the Vikes' coaching staff has not been pleased with the ex-Raven's work habits. Taylor is still expected to start this season in front of Mewelde Moore, who's recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Jun. 24 - 11:54 pm et

Source: foxsports.com

How can you finally get your chance and be out of shape? I wouldn't touch him unless I had Moore too.

I saw the same report yesterday, but I haven't seen any coach's quotes or anything. Not that I expect them to come out and say it, but wouldn't you at least brag up another guy to light the fire under him??? Childress doesn't say much so I'd be careful about putting too much stock in these reports.

Buy the rumor, sell the news.

 

[H.K.]

If I was handed a $5mm+ check for simply signing my name to a contract, I'd probably get fat within a few months also.

I am sure the Vikes are working the phones hard to get someone in the fold that wants to play....Tennessee has an excess of RB's, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Travis Henry acquired by Minnesota prior to the end of TC. Childress really blew it right out of the gate by signing Taylor. Maybe the other FA's they nabbed will help erase this debacle from memory, but suddenly Bennett and even O.Smith probably don't sound so bad anymore.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

This is the article linked in the Blogger this morning. Fox Sports

While the Vikings are confident in what they will get from Hutchinson, Taylor might be another story. There already have been rumblings that the 5-foot-11, 213-pound Taylor isn't in the best of shape and the Vikings aren't thrilled by his work ethic.

Remember, Taylor was a backup to Jamal Lewis in Baltimore and the most carries he has had in a season is 160. He only has four career touchdowns in four seasons. Taylor, though, is guaranteed $5.6 million in the four-year, $14.1 million deal he received from the Vikings.

That certainly isn't backup money and the Vikings will be looking for some big things from him come September.

All these reports talk about "rumblings". It's hard to tell if they're actually reporting something they've heard off the record, or just repeating what other articles have said about "rumblings."

Mostly this is the time of year when all you hear about are positives, especially about FA's that were targeted and signed to a big bonus to be a focal point of an offense. The best beat writers gain the confidence of people inside NFL teams because they keep their sources confidential when its appropriate. This news is popping up all over the place about Taylor, and it isn't good.

 

[metoo]

Good info. I did pass on him in an initial dynasty draft(took FWP).

How out of shape is he? 10 pounds? I would not be worried, if it's that. I would make sure everyone in my league knew about this, if that were the case.

But if it's 15+, i'd stay away.

Our version of being in shape and the NFL's is 2 different things. With this being a new regime in Minnesota, it's hard to tell. Parcells thinks 2 pounds over playing weight is fat. You have to know the source.

By the way, could someone tell Parcells to stop fastening his pants above his navel.

edited forgot 's'.

 

[H.K.]

Good info. I did pass on him in an initial dynasty draft(took FWP).

How out of shape is he? 10 pounds? I would not be worried, if it's that. I would make sure everyone in my league knew about this, if that were the case.

But if it's 15+, i'd stay away.

Our version of being in shape and the NFL's is 2 different things. With this being a new regime in Minnesota, it's hard to tell. Parcells thinks 2 pounds over playing weight is fat. You have to know the source.

By the way, could someone tell Parcells to stop fastening his pants above his navel.

edited forgot 's'.

Its not that he is out of shape, its his overall attitude that is the major concern. Being out of shape is the sympton, being lazy and unmotivated is the real ailment. See below from one of the above articles, its about the work ethic.

The rub now seems to be that there are rumblings that Taylor has not taken his offseason workout habits too seriously. He showed up to minicamps overweight and there have been some internal griping that he doesn't have the greatest work ethic.

 

[CA_7]

Good info. I did pass on him in an initial dynasty draft(took FWP).

How out of shape is he? 10 pounds? I would not be worried, if it's that. I would make sure everyone in my league knew about this, if that were the case.

But if it's 15+, i'd stay away.

Our version of being in shape and the NFL's is 2 different things. With this being a new regime in Minnesota, it's hard to tell. Parcells thinks 2 pounds over playing weight is fat. You have to know the source.

By the way, could someone tell Parcells to stop fastening his pants above his navel.

edited forgot 's'.

Its not that he is out of shape, its his overall attitude that is the major concern. Being out of shape is the sympton, being lazy and unmotivated is the real ailment. See below from one of the above articles, its about the work ethic.

Exactly. There seem to be more and more players these days that don't respect the situation they are in.

 

[metoo]

Good info. I did pass on him in an initial dynasty draft(took FWP).

How out of shape is he? 10 pounds? I would not be worried, if it's that. I would make sure everyone in my league knew about this, if that were the case.

But if it's 15+, i'd stay away.

Our version of being in shape and the NFL's is 2 different things. With this being a new regime in Minnesota, it's hard to tell. Parcells thinks 2 pounds over playing weight is fat. You have to know the source.

By the way, could someone tell Parcells to stop fastening his pants above his navel.

edited forgot 's'.

Its not that he is out of shape, its his overall attitude that is the major concern. Being out of shape is the sympton, being lazy and unmotivated is the real ailment. See below from one of the above articles, its about the work ethic.

The rub now seems to be that there are rumblings that Taylor has not taken his offseason workout habits too seriously. He showed up to minicamps overweight and there have been some internal griping that he doesn't have the greatest work ethic.

That's going a little to far, at this time. It's not a quote. I would keep it in mind when drafting, but I wouldn't avoid him because of this.

 

[H.K.]

That's going a little to far, at this time.

Actually, the only reports coming out of MN since he has participated in team drills have all been consistently negative. IF it was being consistently reported that he showed up in great shape and was was hustling all over the place, then this thread wouldn't exist. This guy is bad news, tigers don't change their stripes.On a personal note, I like the dynasty team you put together in your sig, especially D. Hamilton (Clemson )!

 

[metoo]

By the way H.K., you do know if you compliment someone's team in their sig, it takes away any fight in them they had left.

F***, CHESTER, H.K. LIKES MY TEAM!!!!

 

[fatness]

By the way, could someone tell Parcells to stop fastening his pants above his navel.

That's his "Assisted Living" look.