This quote gets to me:
"We've got to keep working," offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. "The last few weeks we haven't had (Harvin), and Stephen Burton and Jarius Wright have stepped into that role and really done a fine job for us, so we're going to keep working with those guys -- and we'll have to make due."
I don't understand that . Wright is seldom ever targeted, even though he's the leading WR on the team in the last 3 games (what does that say?). Burton usually has slippery hands and is nobody's answer to any WR question. Looking at the situation right now, it seems clear that TE Rudolph will continue to carry the load as being the Vikings go-to receiver.
Musgrave has to get over three notions. First, as I've probably pointed out too often by now, Wright is not Harvin-lite. Never was. Never will be. He played wide receiver for the Razorbacks and he can do it now. He can play slot as well but he definitely can split out wide. As a matter of fact, so can Rudolph, for that matter. Second, Simpson never was a typical receiver but rather an athletic player with great speed and jumping abilities. Now he's playing hurt and cannot *athletically* do the things he normally can do. Simpson isn't a hands or possession receiver and never will be. Third, Jenkins and Burton are not good-sized receivers that can help in any possible way. They might be bigger guys (especially Jenkins) but they can't get separation, can't catch to save their lives, and don't do anything physical to help their games. Bottom line, they've become nearly useless.
If it was up to me (and we're probably all lucky that it isn't

), I would seriously consider starting Wright and Aromashodu. Yes, I know Wright is inexperienced and Aromashodu defines "inconsistent" but I am that dissatisfied with what Simpson, Jenkins and Burton bring to the field. Both Wright and Aromashodu can at least stretch the field and occasionally make a big play. That might be a good complement for Rudolph. But I admit that I'm reaching for ideas here.