Opener vs. Jacksonville (sans Maurice Jones-Drew)

[Just Me]

Toby's rushing average is 4.9 ypc from last year. IIRC he is doing better than that this pre-season. Obviously, Peterson is our guy, but he's (Gerhart) better than alot of first string RBs on other teams. I don't think the defense will be able to discount our rushing threat whether or not AD is playing...

[dead_poet]

Toby's rushing average is 4.9 ypc from last year. IIRC he is doing better than that this pre-season. Obviously, Peterson is our guy, but he's (Gerhart) better than alot of first string RBs on other teams. I don't think the defense will be able to discount our rushing threat whether or not AD is playing...

I agree. Toby isn't going to be a threat for the home run, but he gobbles up yardage fairly consistently. There's a lot of value in entering second and third downs with five or fewer yards to go. I'd rather have Gerhart than any of the "starting" RBs from, say, the Packers, Jets, Patriots, or Steelers, to name a few examples.

[vikeinmontana]

where did they say AD won't be playing against jacksonville? i know he's out for preseason but i'll be shocked if he doesn't start week one.

[Just Me]

where did they say AD won't be playing against jacksonville? i know he's out for preseason but i'll be shocked if he doesn't start week one.

The only "official word" I've been able to find refers only to pre-season. I think any other is pure speculation.

[dead_poet]

The only "official word" I've been able to find refers only to pre-season. I think any other is pure speculation.

Thankfully, that's the highest quality speculation you can get.

[Just Me]

This was the only thing I could find that "hinted" at a possibility Peterson might not play:

In referring to Peterson not playing during the preseason:

Frazier says, "We think he's doing a good job, there are no setbacks, not reasont (sic) we're doing it, still like more time with him at practice, for some of the things we're doing, progression to get ready for the season, doesn't guarantee he'll be ready for Jacksonville, but what it does that it gives us more time to throw more things at him at practice and get him prepared."

[NextQuestion]

Is it wrong to think that I'm relieved he might not play in a game or two to start? Toby is totally capable to handle the load.

[dead_poet]

Is it wrong to think that I'm relieved he might not play in a game or two to start? Toby is totally capable to handle the load.

It's not wrong. You're just a nervous Nelly. We're all going to be the first time we watch AD in live action. He's just come back so much faster than typical players that in the back of our minds we're thinking "He's going to get re-injured! He's not ready yet!"

I guess my mindset is that these are some of the best trainers in the country and AD has seen some of the best specialists in the nation (or world). If everyone is giving him clearance to take regular season action, they are confident he is 100%. And you can't get more than 100%. When AD is 100% I want him to play. I just hope he doesn't change the way he plays and becomes all jittery. I don't think he will though. But it's a possibility.

[Texas Vike]

I think so too but where did you see that about AD? I know Sid Hartman is speculating that he won't play in the opener but is there some info beyond that?

I'm guessing even if Peterson plays, he'll be used sparingly and strategically and Gerhart will be asked handle the majority of the workload.

My bad guys. I should have referred to Sid's article in the strib this morning as my source. In fact, double my bad, the second mea culpa being that I used Sid Hartman as a source!

Perhaps more importantly though, I think it's likely that AD will be at most used in very limited situations. I would guess he will be "eased" into playing again. If for no other reason, I would guess that the coaches want to slowly see how his knee reacts to some real game action. Better not to throw him in all the way with a 25 carry game only to discover that it was too much.

[NextQuestion]

FWIW - Hartman is sort of crazy these days. RE: Twins he questioned why Willingham would even be considered for All Star game? (for those who don't know the guy had like 20HRS at that point)

[Texas Vike]

FWIW - Hartman is sort of crazy these days. RE: Twins he questioned why Willingham would even be considered for All Star game? (for those who don't know the guy had like 20HRS at that point)

There's no doubt Sid is not a reliable source and that his clear thinking days are fading.

I think the Vikings are smart to NOT announce their plans so Jacksonville has to prepare for both possibilities.

[Demi]

Why do I feel like Jaguars fans are posting this same basic thing as we speak. Ditto Colts fans. I think they're all looking at the Vikings as their easy win too!

Gabbert had a 135 QB rating last preseason game, imagine the posts!

[Eli]

Wow, 4.5 points??

Judd Zulgad ‏@1500ESPNJudd
Just saw Week 1 line in Vegas with Vikings giving 4.5 to Jacksonville in opener at Metrodome. How bad are the Jaguars. Don't answer that.

[Demi]

Isn't it usually 3 points for the home team anyway?

[Hunter Morrow]

Home point advantage, depending on team and time of season is about 2.5 to 3.5 points. So a 4.5 point spread for Jags/Vikings doesn't mean OH WOW THE JAGS ARE SO BAD LOL.