Vikings Message Board.Com

The guy I want to watch closely on Thursday is Andre Smith. He got his backside handed to him on 2 of 3 plays on the first drive vs. the Bengals.

I'd also like to see our pass D play better. Both Dalton and McCaron were able to move the ball effectively with short passes.

Texas Vike wrote:The guy I want to watch closely on Thursday is Andre Smith. He got his backside handed to him on 2 of 3 plays on the first drive vs. the Bengals.

We might have to get used to seeing that. The same thing happened too often to Smith last year. I have a feeling he'll be little more than a band-aid on the right side, although even as a band-aid, he might be better than Clemmings was last season.

Mothman wrote: We might have to get used to seeing that. The same thing happened too often to Smith last year. I have a feeling he'll be little more than a band-aid on the right side, although even as a band-aid, he might be better than Clemmings was last season.

One thing to keep in perspective is that the Bengals was one of the better teams in the NFL last year. Until they self destructed in the playoffs. So they could very well be one of the tougher teams.

I'm looking forward to see how we do against Seattle on Thursday.

@ Moth

Unfortunately, that's been the MO of the front office: band aides instead of a more serious commitment to the OL. I must say, though, that I rewatched the first half once again today and the OL did MUCH better on the 2nd drive (granted without the Bengals starting DL from what I could tell) and the O looked solid as a result.

@ halfgiz

valid point. Another thing to consider is that Smith was a Bengal not long ago and their DL knows his tendencies well. I want to see him vs. the Seahawks too!

Texas Vike wrote:@ Moth

Unfortunately, that's been the MO of the front office: band aides instead of a more serious commitment to the OL. I must say, though, that I rewatched the first half once again today and the OL did MUCH better on the 2nd drive (granted without the Bengals starting DL from what I could tell) and the O looked solid as a result.

That's just it: they weren't going up against the Bengals starters anymore.

Let's hope their OL decisions don't bite them again this year.

Mothman wrote: That's just it: they weren't going up against the Bengals starters anymore.

Let's hope their OL decisions don't bite them again this year.

They will. Especially with Harris/Loadholt out (the former clearly unplanned/unseen). It's just going to be a matter of degree. OT will remain a priority position next offseason yet again. I'd argue the same for the center position (again).

dead_poet wrote: They will. Especially with Harris/Loadholt out (the former clearly unplanned/unseen). It's just going to be a matter of degree. OT will remain a priority position next offseason yet again. I'd argue the same for the center position (again).

And quite possibly Left Tackle too!

Its to the point where I would consider trying to address the position via trade within the next couple weeks if they don't show marked improvement immediately.

And quite possibly Left Tackle too!

Its to the point where I would consider trying to address the position via trade within the next couple weeks if they don't show marked improvement immediately.

Agree......interesting question to ponder......who to use for trade bait? Rudolph, Floyd, Asiata, or? Would have to be someone fairly substantial because we are looking for a difference maker not depth.

fiestavike wrote: And quite possibly Left Tackle too!

Its to the point where I would consider trying to address the position via trade within the next couple weeks if they don't show marked improvement immediately.

For who? We're not going to get a starting-quality tackle without giving up a lot in return. Unless we're faced with significant depth issues like last year it's not in Rick's DNA to do many trades, especially if it involves draft capital. Patterson is a loooow starting point that probably wouldn't be seen as more than like a sixth-round starting point.

I'm afraid we have who we have this year. RT will be an issue again. If Clemmings is getting first-team reps in place of Smith, that should say a lot about the current talent level at the position. Both are likely backup-quality players (which might be a kind description to Clemmings after his "backup" performance last year and similar camp reports this year.). It's now choosing from the least bad and hoping it doesn't derail the offense as bad as it did last year.

dead_poet wrote:
For who? We're not going to get a starting-quality tackle without giving up a lot in return. Unless we're faced with significant depth issues like last year it's not in Rick's DNA to do many trades, especially if it involves draft capital. Patterson is a loooow starting point that probably wouldn't be seen as more than like a sixth-round starting point.

I'm afraid we have who we have this year. RT will be an issue again. If Clemmings is getting first-team reps in place of Smith, that should say a lot about the current talent level at the position. Both are likely backup-quality players (which might be a kind description to Clemmings after his "backup" performance last year and similar camp reports this year.). It's now choosing from the least bad and hoping it doesn't derail the offense as bad as it did last year.

Good questions. I agree we are likely stuck with what we have. If I were Spielman, I'd at least be asking around and feeling out what might be had and at what cost.

I heard rumblings about Collins from Dallas could be available, but in sure they're looking for pass rushers. Other than that, who's out there and what would it take to land them? It's probably a futile exercise

dead_poet wrote:I heard rumblings about Collins from Dallas could be available, but in sure they're looking for pass rushers. Other than that, who's out there and what would it take to land them? It's probably a futile exercise

Maybe Robison and a draft pick. I doubt they'd be interested in Trattou or Moore, who i think will both make the team too. We could throw in Clemmings too

fiestavike wrote: Maybe Robison and a draft pick. I doubt they'd be interested in Trattou or Moore, who i think will both make the team too. We could throw in Clemmings too

We're not trading Robison.

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PurpleMustReign wrote: We're not trading Robison.

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Nobody would trade for Robison

dead_poet wrote:
Nobody would trade for Robison

Exactly.