I grew-up on a steady diet of Steely Dan...

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/w...67-w500956

Full letterDear Mr. President - 

The Minnesota Vikings were awarded TE Blake Bell on waivers from the San Francisco 49ers Sunday morning, adding to a position that has Kyle Rudolph, David Morgan and rookie Bucky Hodges.
Bell was a fourth-round pick of the 49ers in 2015 and had 19 catches for 271 yards in his two years with San Francisco. He played in 13 games for the 49ers last year.
http://scout.com/nfl/vikings/Article/Min...-106886940

wonder who they cut...?  :/

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First I heard of it! Vikings place defensive tackle Datone Jones on IR, may part ways

The Vikings signed free-agent Riley Reiff this offseason to play by Boone and the expectation was the left side of the line would be shored up. But Reiff missed significant time in training camp because of a back injury suffered on the first day.
As for Boone, it appeared as if he was having trouble adjusting to the Vikings’ zone running scheme and soon there were whispers that his roster spot could be in jeopardy.
Jettisoning Boone seemed unlikely given he was due $6.6 million this season, including $3.4 million in guarantees, but it was odd when he was replaced by Nick Easton in the second quarter of the Vikings’ third preseason game as many of the starters remained. Boone also had missed the Vikings’ second exhibition in Seattle because of an apparent knee injury.
On Saturday, the Vikings decided despite the money Boone was owed, and the fact he carried a $6.7 million salary-cap hit for this season, his subtraction from the 53-man roster would be best for all sides.
Boone was cut after one season and, according to the Star Tribune, after he declined the team’s request to take a pay cut. Even if he had accepted the salary reduction, there’s no guarantee he would have kept a starting job that’s now expected to go to Easton with rookie third-round pick Pat Elflein starting at center.
While the decision will be an expensive one for the Vikings, Boone’s release reportedly will cost Minnesota $3.4 million in dead money, it’s the right move.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/0...releasing/

The Vikings acquired cornerback Tramaine Brock in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday with the anticipation that he might be able to help by playing inside in their nickel defense.

The Vikings acquired cornerback Tramaine Brock in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday with the anticipation that he might be able to help by playing inside in their nickel defense.
But there remains a chance Brock could be facing discipline from the league that would take him off the field for multiple games.
Brock was arrested in April on suspicion of domestic violence, leading to him being released a day later by the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks signed the veteran to a one-year, $980,000 deal in August after his case was dismissed – the Vikings also showed interest – but just because the legal system is done with Brock doesn’t mean the NFL won’t act.
Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman, said in an e-mail to 1500 ESPN on Saturday afternoon that “the matter remains under review,” when it comes to Brock’s case.
This is important when you consider the NFL handed Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott a six-game suspension last month, despite the fact he was not arrested and no charges were filed by Ohio authorities against him after accusations of domestic violence emerged a year ago.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/0...-violence/

First, I admit I know little about offensive line philosophy.  My question is whether, with revamping of the Oline (and especially the release of Boone) are we seeing a change in Oline philosophy?  

Here is an article I just read to help me understand this:  https://www.dailynorseman.com/2016/1/14/...ach-scheme

I know there are people here knowledgeable about zone blocking schemes, etc. and I would love for them to explain to me whether we are seeing a shift n philosophy (and why).

The theme of the Vikings’ roster is youth.
The 53-man unit was set Saturday, and 11 rookies made it, including three who were undrafted. And in the surprise move of the day, the Vikings released an eight-year veteran in Alex Boone, 30, who had been their starting left guard.
Boone was let go after declining to take a pay cut. Of Boone’s $6.6 million salary for 2007, $3.4 million of it is guaranteed, and will count against the Vikings’ salary cap. He also already has earned a $100,000 workout bonus.
While the Vikings are going with a lot of young players, not with their specialists. In expected outcomes, kicker Kai Forbath beat out Marshall Koehn and punter Ryan Quigley won the battle with rookie Taylor Symmank.
Other drafted rookies on the 53-man roster are defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson, guard Danny Isidora, wide receivers Rodney Adams and Stacy Coley and tight end Bucky Hodges. Defensive end Tashawn Bower, linebacker Eric Wilson and tackle Aviante Collins made it as undrafted rookies.
Three seventh-round picks from April, though, were cut. They were defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, linebacker Elijah Lee and safety Jack Tocho.
http://www.twincities.com/2017/09/02/vik...lex-boone/