**Official '12 Vikings Training Camp Thread

[Eli]

What does tell you?

That fans have little more imagination than many NFL GMs.

[Cliff]

That fans have little more imagination than many NFL GMs.

It's a good thing the team's GM doesn't have too much of an imagination ... I don't think I'd like them finding a reason to trade every mid-round rookie who shows talent but isn't needed as a starter *immedately*.

Anybody remember what DE looked like before JA? That guy is no spring chicken either.

The average retirement age in the NFL is what ... 30?

[dead_poet]

@StribDW: Loudest roar of the day. Ponder to Jerome Simpson for 76 yards. Beat Winfield up right sideline.

[Eli]

Anybody remember what DE looked like before JA? That guy is no spring chicken either.

The average retirement age in the NFL is what ... 30?

And in discussions last year where some suggested trading Allen (because this team isn't likely to have a winning season before Allen is in a nursing home) everyone insisted he'd be playing and getting double digit sacks until he's 38.

Like I said, there little imagination today in the NFL, except maybe in the Patriots organization.

[Mothman]

And in discussions last year where some suggested trading Allen (because this team isn't likely to have a winning season before Allen is in a nursing home) everyone insisted he'd be playing and getting double digit sacks until he's 38.

Like I said, there little imagination today in the NFL, except maybe in the Patriots organization.

I don't think a lack of imagination has anything to do with it. There's just no reason to trade a player unless it's going to improve the team in either the short term or the long term. Trading Griffen could do that but it would take just the right deal and I think that would be hard to find. It could also be viewed as short term thinking. At 24, he could be an asset to the Vikes for most of the next decade if he lives up to his potential.

All we have to do is look at the current starter on the left side of the defensive line to see the benefits of keeping a talented young pass rusher and developing him. Robison was in Griffen's position for a few years and then both he and the Vikes reaped the benefits of taking the long view because when Ray Edwards left, Robison was able to step up and be a quality starter.

[Demi]

You're telling me you want Frazier too bash his players in public?

No, I'd just he rather keep his mouth shut then say stupid nonsense like that.

To be fair, even starting Chester Taylor ahead of Peterson was only a bad idea in hindsight.

We took the best HB in college football in the top 10 and had barely average Chester Taylor as our starter. And it was hindsight? No, it wasn't hindsight. It was obvious who should be starting. From the time he was drafted until the idiot head coach finally started him.

but if you're unable to figure out how to use a potentially valuable player

Maybe they'll be forced to give Robison and Allen less snaps to get Griffen out there. Instead of trotting them out there every snap until Allen is gasping for breath. (We've had this discussion before! And other then "you don't sit Allen unless Allen wants to be sit" can't find many reasons not to give him a break now and then). Or heck how about let him compete with Robison now that they've moved him back. Or is Robison just that good?

And if you're not going to do either, no use wasting him on the bench. Unless "move him to LB" is the only option you can come up with. The guy is some amazing athlete who *has* to see the field. Then he better see the field. If he doesn't yet another indictment on this coaching staff. Especially considering how much propaganda was spewed all offseason. (Maybe a smokescreen to try and move him to a 3-4 team? HA!)

[dead_poet]

@TomPelissero: Really liking what I've seen from Josh Robinson since he came back from the hamstring. Could rise quickly if this continues. #Vikings

[dead_poet]

@TomPelissero: Helluva catch by Kyle Rudolph in red zone period over Tyrone McKenzie. He doesn't need to be open.

@TomPelissero: I've now counted 10 snaps and two touches for Peterson. Defenders steering clear. He does look pretty good all things considered.

[dead_poet]

@TomPelissero: Another crazy catch for starters, with Percy Harvin elevating to pull it in in back of end zone. Offense struggled early. Now rolling.

[dead_poet]

@StribDW: Jamarca Sanford on orders given to the D about Adrian Peterson: “The rules are simple. Do not touch 28. If you touch him, you’re cut.”

[Mothman]

LOL! That's nice and clear.

I like that comment about Rudolph too: "he doesn't need to be open".

[losperros]

I like that comment about Rudolph too: "he doesn't need to be open".

The Vikings haven't been able to say that about any receiver since Cris Carter.

Well, actually, maybe about Rice during the 2009 season.

[Cliff]

The Vikings haven't been able to say that about any receiver since Cris Carter.

Well, actually, maybe about Rice during the 2009 season.

Moss? That guy used to make catches in triple coverage lol

[Mothman]

Moss? That guy used to make catches in triple coverage lol

Who?

[losperros]

Moss? That guy used to make catches in triple coverage lol

I agree about Moss, but I think Carter had even better hands and was more reliable in traffic. OTOH, Moss obviously had (and still has) excellent separation speed. I think Randy is one of the best receivers to ever play the game.

That said, the thing about Carter is that he could seemingly contort himself into making amazing catches in traffic against any team at any time.