First, before we get to the Vikings. A shout-out to the Bolts and their fans. An excellent showing at the Cards game Friday! Loud when necessary and quiet at the right time except for the stupid wave (I hate the wave! It always seems to show up when we have the ball and need quiet.) Never heard the Cards fans. Of course that’s because the Cards didn’t do much (quite a Bolts’ defensive effort) much to the chagrin of my son, a Cardinals fan.
Two things: 1) a little history with the Vikings and 2) let’s take a look at who stays and who goes based on the first two preseason games. This could all change depending on D.J. Fluker’s health. Anyway, starting with the Vikings.
In the mid-70’s the Bolts needed a guard. They had Shields and Washington at tackles, Rush, Perreta and Macek at different times at center and Wilkerson at left guard. They needed help on the right side. Ricky Young was a heck of a running back in a loaded backfield. In stature he was good sized but a lot like Danny Woodhead in the way he played. A good runner and a better pass receiver. During his best year with the Bolts, he had over 800 yards running and over 400 yards receiving. About 1300 yards combined – nice season. But the Chargers had Lydell Mitchell and Don Woods with James Brooks and Chuck Muncie coming soon. They made the trade. The Vikes sent Ed White, a 4-time Super Bowl participant and all-pro guard, to the Chargers and the Chargers sent Young to the Vikings to team with Fran Tarkenton and Chcuk Foreman in the backfield.
With the addition of White, the best line I’ve ever seen is born. Man, could these guys block! It seems they were rarely injured and Dan Fouts stayed upright most of the time. It’s kind of amazing how little credit this line gets from today’s fans. None of ‘Air Coryell’ exists without this group. All are in the Chargers Hall of Fame except Billy Shields and he was the blind side protector!!! The left tackle!!! Never quite figured that out. How can one of those guys not be in the Hall for the Bolts?
I think I’ve just found my new purpose in life…Shields for the Chargers’ Hall of Fame!!!
Moving on. The roster based on what we’ve seen so far.
Offense
QB-Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemons. Mike Bercovici to practice squad. Zach Mettenberger’s a disappointment.
RB’s- Danny Woodhead, Melvin Gordon, Branden Oliver, Derek Watt, Chris Swain. Swain can play FB or RB. Versatility counts. Either Watt or Swain is activated, not both. Kenneth Farrow to practice squad.
WR-Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman, James Jones, Tyrell Williams. Dom Williams or Isaiah Burse to practice squad. Still haven’t seen Rasheed Bailey.
TE- Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Sean McGrath. Tim Semisch to practice squad. Losing Jeff Cumberland really hurt.
Oline- King Dunlap, D.J. Fluker (Hope he’s OK.), Matt Slauson(Great pick-up), Orlando Franklin, Joe Barksdale, Max Tuerk, Kenny Wiggins, Chris Hairston, Jones or Burwell. Byoko, Jones or Burwell to practice squad if eligible.
Defense
DBs- Dwight Lowery (A much better tackler than I thought), Joseph Addae, Darrell Stuckey, Dexter McCoil (Has had some very good moments), Adrian Phillips, Casey Hayward ( Also solid tackling), Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers, Steve Williams, Craig Mager.
LBs- Denzel Perryman (Wow!!), Manti Te’o, Nick Dzubnar, Joshua Perry, Melvin Ingram, Kyle Emanuel, Jerry Attachou, Tourek Williams, Jatavis Brown (If Healthy). Ben Gardner to practice squad.
DLine- Brandon Mebane (wow, double-teamed a lot!!), Ryan Carrethers, Corey Liuget, Darius Philon (Some good moments), Damion Square (Some very good moments!), Tenny Palepoi. Joey Bosa takes Palepoi’s place if he’s back, Palepoi to practice squad.
Special Teams
Mike Windt, Josh Lambo, Drew Kaser.
I’ve only selected 52 instead of 53. Room for 1. Only 8 on practice squad, room for 2 more. Couldn’t decide.
What do you think, overall and who to add????