A year ago, Zimmer said, he was optimistic that his offensive line was in good shape entering the season
“And then the titanic crashed,” he said.
Injuries to nearly every starter began in training camp and never stopped, a large reason for Minnesota’s failure to make the playoffs. After a 5-0 start, the Vikings lost eight of its final 11 games, and finished dead last in rushing among 32 NFL teams, averaging 75.3 yards a game.
That’s why Zimmer is curbing his enthusiasm on this year’s rebuilt unit, which appears close to set with rookie Pat Elflein possibly starting at center, and either Joe Berger or Nick Easton at right guard.
http://www.twincities.com/2017/08/22/vik...ve-roster/

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur know they need someone to back up starting quarterback Sam Bradford. The question is: Do they need more than one?
Vikings coaches are trying to decide whether to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster or whether to place one of them on the practice squad, even if risks losing that player on waivers.
“I think it’s extremely important that you’re always developing quarterbacks,” Shurmur said. “You just never know how it’s all going to play out.” 
http://www.twincities.com/2017/08/22/vik...ve-roster/

Vikings' Pat Shurmur says no limits on roles for Dalvin Cook and Latavius MurrayWhen asked if Murray, taller and heavier than Cook, would be more suitable for short-yardage situations, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur dodged the labels.
Before seeing Latavius Murray play a game in a Vikings uniform, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur says he’s not going to limit the veteran running back’s potential role in his offense.

The team just named him starter for the all important game 3 of preseason: I think its a good move on the Brown's part. Why not? He's been impressing since he got into their facility. They know 2017 is going to be a developmental year for the whole team. If the kid can handle this game as he's handled everything else, wouldn't be surprised to see him start the regular season. This is his audition.

If Cleveland can hit on the all important QB spot in the NFL, it makes their whole 'Money Ball' experiment a ton easier to implement. 

I need to update the list since we changed software

1. With the regular season just three weeks away, it's time to be very, very afraid.
   • The Colts must fear starting the season without their starting quarterback. And they aren't alone.
   • The Broncos must fear there will be no clear winner of their quarterback competition. And they aren't alone.
   • Blake Bortles must fear losing his starting job. And he isn't alone.
   • The Seahawks must fear their offensive line is coming unglued. Again.
   • The Raiders must fear their secondary is coming unglued. Again.
   • If you look up in the sky Monday afternoon, you may go permanently blind. That's also scary.
   If you aren't afraid, then you haven't been paying attention to the preseason. Luckily, Digest is here to bring you all of the action, excitement and reasons to lie awake at night.
   

With my schedule ive been unable to record a show over the past few weeks, but I wanted to get some thoughts out there.  Here are some thoughts on Teddy Bridgewater returning and what it may mean to the team.  The battle at left guard, which I posted about earlier, inspired me to write the blog to begin with.  Lastly, there are some comments on some big time rookies standing out on the defensive side.  You can check it out here....
https://homersradio.com/skol-thoughts-te...d-rookies/

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of Alex Boone.  My opinions on who should start at LG are probably a little bias just based on the fact that I simply don't like Boone.  With that said, I think Nick Easton is making a case to take his job.  I realize it was only one preseason game, but the starting OL unit looked as good as we've seen in quite some time.  I'm all for a complete overhaul of a the worst unit in football over the past 2 seasons.  Sure, Boone was one of the better pieces of the line, but he still wasn't good.  Reiff/Hill, Easton, Elflein, Berger, Remmers would make 5 new starters along the line.  As long as Reiff returns, you're going to have some pretty good depth with Sirles, Hill and Isadora. 
At the end of the day, I do think Boone will start just based on his salary alone.  He has a pretty good size dead cap number, so i dont think he will be cut and im not sure anyone would trade for him.  Just based on his contract though, I do expect this will be his last season with the team.  He has 0 dead money after this year.  Baring a major step up in his play, of course.  The coaches have been saying they are going to play the 5 best guys.  I will be interested to see if they see Boone as a better option than Easton.  I'm not sure he is?

http://min.247sports.com/Bolt/Ed-Sharock...-106345461

RIP, Ed....

The NFL is close to finalizing a deal that would extend the tenure of Commissioner Roger Goodell through the 2024 season, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Monday, citing a person informed of the talks.
Goodell, 58, succeeded Paul Tagliabue in September of 2006. He first joined the league as an intern back in 1982.
Goodell's tenure has been one of the most eventful for a commissioner in recent history. From the continued effort to make football safer to sweeping changes in how the game is officiated, reviewed and even watched on multiple platforms by fans, Goodell has been atop the league's masthead for a period of booming popularity and change.
The deal would make Goodell present through the end of the league's current collective bargaining agreement, which expires following the end of the 2020 season.
Garafolo reported Monday that the deal should be completed following the resolution of a few "minor issues." Around The NFL will have more on the pact as news becomes available.


http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...-extension