Matt Asiata playing for more than roster spot

[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

[Juice]

Good read. I'll definitely be pulling for him tomorrow as well.

[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.

[dead_poet]

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?

[Eli]

"Require"?

Maybe the Vikings can make more use of Harvin as a running back early on while Peterson recovers.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Good read. I'll definitely be pulling for him tomorrow as well.

Same here.

[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.

[Mothman]

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.

[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

[Crax]

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.

[Vikefan68]

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!

[S197]

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.