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Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 8:20 pm
by dead_poet
I like the guy. Here's hoping he makes it. I'll be watching him tomorrow.
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Peli ... ings082912
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 8:49 pm
by Juice
Good read. I'll definitely be pulling for him tomorrow as well.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:28 pm
by Eli
There isn't a running back or fullback on the roster behind Peterson and Gerhart that I'd be sorry to see cut. It's a truly amazing assemblage of low talent fringe players, as far as I'm concerned. I still marvel at how the Vikings got to this point, when they knew that Peterson probably wouldn't be 100% to start the season.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:32 pm
by dead_poet
Eli wrote:There isn't a running back or fullback on the roster behind Peterson and Gerhart that I'd be sorry to see cut. It's a truly amazing assemblage of low talent fringe players, as far as I'm concerned.
Can you provide an example of a team that has a third or fourth RB that is an outstanding player to the caliber that you require?
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:02 pm
by Eli
"Require"?
Maybe the Vikings can make more use of Harvin as a running back early on while Peterson recovers.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:22 pm
by PurpleKoolaid
Juice wrote:Good read. I'll definitely be pulling for him tomorrow as well.
Same here.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:24 pm
by Crax
Asiata had an 18 yd gain last game and a 22 yd long the week before, so even though he's a bigger back, he's also shown the ability to do more than 5 yard runs. I think he is the third best back we have, and I honestly think his pass catching skills are better than shown so far. His ability to double up as both a FB and RB and his ability to catch makes him a good use of a roster spot IMO. Completely biased, but I think he's earned it compared to the other guys.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:22 pm
by Mothman
Eli wrote:There isn't a running back or fullback on the roster behind Peterson and Gerhart that I'd be sorry to see cut. It's a truly amazing assemblage of low talent fringe players, as far as I'm concerned. I still marvel at how the Vikings got to this point, when they knew that Peterson probably wouldn't be 100% to start the season.
What did you expect them to do, spend a high draft pick or serious free agent money on a high profile back? They already have Gerhart and he averaged almost 5 ypc last season.
Hilliard's an NFL veteran who hasn't been particularly impressive up to this point in his pro career so I agree that he's a fringe player but Asiata has looked very good in his two preseason appearances, averaging something like 5.7 ypc. He had a good college career too. Jordan Todman was Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and has excellent speed. He's undersized but definitely talented. Hopefully, he'll show it tonight.
There's definitely talent among the backup RBs competing for a spot behind Peterson and Gerhart.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:44 pm
by Vikefan68
The article was a good read and a nice story, I am pulling for Todman to make this team for a few reasons.
1) I am an UConn Alumn
2) I think he brings more to the table with his speed, elusiveness, ability to catch out of the backfield and he played on the special teams return at UConn
3) While Asiata did some nice things last week I feel he is a redundant piece on this roster with Gerhart and Felton (who I am assuming is a lock at FB)
4) I am an UConn Alumn
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 1:16 pm
by Crax
Vikefan68 wrote:3) While Asiata did some nice things last week I feel he is a redundant piece on this roster with Gerhart and Felton (who I am assuming is a lock at FB)
Just to be clear, it's actually been the last two weeks

. He had a nice 22 yd run that you may have only caught a part of if you were watching it on the preseason nfl channel streaming. They had cut to I think Leber interviewing ponder on the sideline, cut back for the very end of the play and then back to leber/Ponder. Asiata definitely seems to be getting more chances so far than Todman.
SD VS MIN
Rushing ATT YDS TD LG
M. Asiata 9 48 0 18
J. Todman 2 7 0 4
Receiving REC YDS TD LG
J. Todman 1 11 0 11
M. Asiata 2 6 1 5
BUF VS MIN
Rushing ATT YDS TD LG
M. Asiata 7 43 0 22
Todman didn't play vs BUF as far as I can tell.
Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:31 pm
by Vikefan68
Crax wrote:Just to be clear, it's actually been the last two weeks

. He had a nice 22 yd run that you may have only caught a part of if you were watching it on the preseason nfl channel streaming. They had cut to I think Leber interviewing ponder on the sideline, cut back for the very end of the play and then back to leber/Ponder. Asiata definitely seems to be getting more chances so far than Todman.
SD VS MIN
Rushing ATT YDS TD LG
M. Asiata 9 48 0 18
J. Todman 2 7 0 4
Receiving REC YDS TD LG
J. Todman 1 11 0 11
M. Asiata 2 6 1 5
BUF VS MIN
Rushing ATT YDS TD LG
M. Asiata 7 43 0 22
Todman didn't play vs BUF as far as I can tell.
Yes you are right, but Todman has been hurt and I think that is the only reason why he hasn't separated himself from the "pack". The coaching staff definitely hasn't seen enough of him but they thought highly enough of him to stick him on the roster at the end of last year and to cut Derrick Coleman in the first wave of cuts.
I like how we are both advocating for our home guys!

Re: Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:38 pm
by S197
Vikefan68 wrote:The article was a good read and a nice story, I am pulling for Todman to make this team for a few reasons.
1) I am an UConn Alumn
2) I think he brings more to the table with his speed, elusiveness, ability to catch out of the backfield and he played on the special teams return at UConn
3) While Asiata did some nice things last week I feel he is a redundant piece on this roster with Gerhart and Felton (who I am assuming is a lock at FB)
4) I am an UConn Alumn
I like Todman's upside and I agree he would bring better diversification to the Vikings' backfield. Unfortunately it looks like a few guys who looked promising may be cut because injuries prevented them from getting enough observation.