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Didn't really pay much attention to Adam in Carolina, but the tape shows he was still moving well. I've seen some great athletes hit their mid-30s and look like they're running in molasses. The hands are still there (check the insane one-handed catch at 2:58). He pulled a hammy in week 3 and didn't return until later in the year. Injuries are always going to be a concern at that age. But Jerry Rice played into his 40s. Who knows, maybe 19's got something left in the tank.
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Hey, he already has the Griddy down…!!!  
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(08-27-2025, 01:51 PM)Kentis Wrote: Hey, he already has the Griddy down…!!!
Well shoot, he was taught first-person by the best.
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Great hands. Smart. Crafty. 103 catches as the #1 in Carolina in 2023 with a shaky Bryce Young at QB. Averaged 5 catches and 12.8 ypc last season where he battled back from a major hammy injury with 5 TDs. I'd say he's a good get. 35 is old for a WR, and injury at that age is a particular concern, but I think he will slot in nicely and work well with JJM -- including when Addison comes back from suspension.
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(08-27-2025, 03:53 PM)PurplePorsche Wrote: Great hands. Smart. Crafty. 103 catches as the #1 in Carolina in 2023 with a shaky Bryce Young at QB. Averaged 5 catches and 12.8 ypc last season where he battled back from a major hammy injury with 5 TDs. I'd say he's a good get. 35 is old for a WR, and injury at that age is a particular concern, but I think he will slot in nicely and work well with JJM -- including when Addison comes back from suspension.
If Nailor is iffy for week one, I would assume he'll be available week four. The WR room heading to Dublin should be Jefferson, Addison, Thielen and Nailor. Doesn't get much better than that.
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08-28-2025, 07:41 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-28-2025, 07:44 AM by StickierBuns.)
If he's got something in the tank, which I think he might, its a helpful trade. But Adam's forte at this point in his career is the 3rd down safety valve: the guy that gets open on 3rd and 7 for a first down, guaranteed. Hock and Thielen are going to be gold in that department, a young QB's best friend.
I still feel strongly that Tai Felton is going to produce next year, but he's a bit raw for the pro game this year. He's got a great group ahead of him to learn from, up to him. He's competitive so I think he will. Felton will give the speed merchant aspect next year that KOC loves as the cherry on the sundae.
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Watching those highlights, one thing that stood out to me is the consistent choice to NOT go out of bounds, but to fight for the extra 2-3 yards he could get by throwing himself at the tackler(s). This is both gratifying, seeing that kind of effort, but also concerning...as he's definitely in his "golden years" as a WR, you worry about him taking unneeded abuse.
One of the smartest things I've seen from WRs with long careers is choosing which hits to take, and which to avoid. Thielen looks like he still wants to get YAC by running straight at his opponents.
Take the Momentum and Build, Vikings!!
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(08-28-2025, 07:41 AM)StickierBuns Wrote: If he's got something in the tank, which I think he might, its a helpful trade. But Adam's forte at this point in his career is the 3rd down safety valve: the guy that gets open on 3rd and 7 for a first down, guaranteed. Hock and Thielen are going to be gold in that department, a young QB's best friend.
I still feel strongly that Tai Felton is going to produce next year, but he's a bit raw for the pro game this year. He's got a great group ahead of him to learn from, up to him. He's competitive so I think he will. Felton will give the speed merchant aspect next year that KOC loves as the cherry on the sundae. I think Thielen is excited to play for a team that has potential to be a post season contender. He won't often be the first read but should be open a lot with Jefferson in the lineup; and especially when Addison comes back. If he stays healthy, he will be a definite upgrade to the WR corps and a good outlet for JJ when other receivers are covered.
As far as Felton is concerned, I know he has speed but I expected to see more flashes of things to come than I did in pre-season. Hopefully he will flash in kick returns with good ball security and and decision making along with that speed.
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(08-28-2025, 11:10 AM)hogjowlsjohnny Wrote: I think Thielen is excited to play for a team that has potential to be a post season contender. He won't often be the first read but should be open a lot with Jefferson in the lineup; and especially when Addison comes back. If he stays healthy, he will be a definite upgrade to the WR corps and a good outlet for JJ when other receivers are covered.
As far as Felton is concerned, I know he has speed but I expected to see more flashes of things to come than I did in pre-season. Hopefully he will flash in kick returns with good ball security and and decision making along with that speed.
This is such a complex offense, I expected them to have to baby-bird feed Felton slowly (especially early)...I dont think he was ready for even WR3 yet, or Theilen wouldnt be here today.
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