Vikings began revamping key roster spots within hours
First came the emotions.
The Vikings’ wild week started with five quarters of back-and-forth football ending in a 29-29 tie in Green Bay. Players from both teams expressed confusion over how to feel after a game in which both sides had layup chances to win in regulation. Quarterback Kirk Cousins said, “I don’t know what to feel after a tie.” Receiver Adam Thielen added “Am I happy? Am I sad? Am I mad? Angry? I don’t know.”
Then came the phone calls.
Within hours of the game’s awkward finish, the Vikings front office had already placed a call to veteran free-agent receiver Aldrick Robinson. Two of their young receivers, Laquon Treadwell and Stacy Coley, had untimely blunders against the Packers. Robinson said he wasn’t watching the game, but the Vikings quickly put things in motion to attain his services and eventually release Coley.
“I was actually on a flight going somewhere else to do another workout,” Robinson said Wednesday. “Then I got off the flight, and that’s when I heard that I was coming here.”
The reverberations didn’t stop with Robinson, though.
General Manager Rick Spielman acquired three veterans in Robinson, kicker Dan Bailey and defensive tackle Tom Johnson. Two of those moves, Robinson and Bailey, were aimed at directly helping areas in which the Vikings struggled in Green Bay.
“I texted the other night and told all those guys thank you for trying to get some more players in here,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “We felt like we needed to make some moves after that game.”
After missing three kicks in Green Bay, rookie Daniel Carlson showed up to work Monday for a normal workout and special teams meeting. He was instead told he was being waived after two NFL games. Spielman’s Monday then turned to hosting Bailey for a physical and reacquiring Johnson, whose weekend release from the Seahawks didn’t become official until that day.
Suddenly a Vikings roster that began the season as the NFC’s youngest needed three veteran reinforcements in the 34-year-old Johnson, 30-year-old Bailey and 29-year-old Robinson.
Only one of the additions is set up to be a seamless transition.
Johnson, who turned from a career journeyman to key contributor in Minnesota from 2014-2017, was greeted by familiar faces. But he still required a 90-minute tour Tuesday with Spielman around the Vikings’ spacious new Eagan practice facilities.
Change continued to hit Johnson as he went into the locker room. Friend Terence Newman is now an assistant coach. Former locker mate Brian Robison was cut Sept. 1 after 11 seasons in Minnesota.
“To not see them, yeah, it’s different,” Johnson said. “B-Rob is a big part of this locker room, always has been since I’ve been here and before I got here. So, without him around, it feels a little different.”
A whirlwind landed Johnson back in Minnesota after just one game for the Seahawks, who told him they wanted to bring him back on a cheaper deal this week. Then the Vikings swooped in to re-sign their former starter.
“This is where pretty much my career started growing up,” Johnson said. “So I think it’s a good fit, and it’s only going to get better.”
His addition is just one of the early-season tweaks to the Vikings lineup.
This wild week ends with the woeful Buffalo Bills (0-2) coming to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. The Vikings (1-0-1) have a chance to recalibrate their emotions against an underwhelming opponent.
http://www.startribune.com/vikings-began-revamping-key-roster-spots-within-hours-after-tie-game-against-packers/493780971/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
@"Vanguard83" said: Not the same without Robison.Not even close. The article talks about being one of the youngest rosters and needing veteran reinforcements. Uh we had that. Just sayin. I miss BRob.
@"Vanguard83" said: Not the same without Robison.
Yep. What we all were thinking gets said by a team mate.
Maybe I'm just too jaded after being a Vikings fan for my entire life, and maybe I just worry needlessly. It's ingrained in you as a fan of this team. I don't really know how to explain. All of the change, while mostly very exciting, also feels like it could blow up in our faces. There's no doubt that all of Rick and Zim's chips are pushed in the middle. The pressure is intense. We now have a "dream team." Dream teams haven't always worked out, though.
Our defense hasn't exactly broken but it has definitely bent. Despite the "stacked" roster there seems to be something a bit off. I have wondered if one of those things is Robison's absence. I've also had a slight nagging feeling in the back of my head that the league has figured out Zim and his defenses. I don't know...just a fleeting notion that's crossed my mind.
@"Vanguard83" said: Not the same without Robison.
Amen!!! Dude was the veteran leadership.
I'm not buying this was a conscientious decision made to age the roster, but rather improving where they had to and could.
This was a about a young kicker that sucked, a chance to get Johnson back as 3t depth over Parry and a kid who could stretch the field and had history with The Capt'n vs Coley.
@"prairieghost" said:@"Vanguard83" said: Not the same without Robison.Yep. What we all were thinking gets said by a team mate.
Maybe I'm just too jaded after being a Vikings fan for my entire life, and maybe I just worry needlessly. It's ingrained in you as a fan of this team. I don't really know how to explain. All of the change, while mostly very exciting, also feels like it could blow up in our faces. There's no doubt that all of Rick and Zim's chips are pushed in the middle. The pressure is intense. We now have a "dream team." Dream teams haven't always worked out, though.
Our defense hasn't exactly broken but it has definitely bent. Despite the "stacked" roster there seems to be something a bit off. I have wondered if one of those things is Robison's absence. I've also had a slight nagging feeling in the back of my head that the league has figured out Zim and his defenses. I don't know...just a fleeting notion that's crossed my mind.
I fear that the "business decision" may have erased some of what made our lockerroom great. So many players said there was something different, something special about the Vikings locker room last year. Now, I don't know.I sure hope not. But that is a concern of mine as well.
The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.
These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000964299/article/dan-bailey-completes-vikings-final-piece-of-super-bowl-puzzle
@"StickyBun" said: The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
lol, no one said not having BRob was the reason we lost. You might want to re-read the posts to get the feel for what other fans actually think about the issue.
These roster moves were made to: 1) improve the run D with T. Johnson, 2) A legit deep threat a WR, and 3) a reliable K. It had nothing to do with aging the team.
@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said: The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
lol, no one said not having BRob was the reason we lost. You might want to re-read the posts to get the feel for what other fans actually think about the issue.
Ha, did I miss the gist of it? I thought it was that cutting Robison changed the team chemistry and all the recent moves seemed reactionary. Is that wrong? I wasn't talking about why they tied the Packers, my point was that nothing has really changed without Robison and they are still a great team. At least that's what I thought you and ghost, vikergirl were referring to?It seems a few others got my take and understood it?
You know what I think the big take away here is? The Vikings ownership and management wants to win. They're not F'ing around.
Their actions are aggressive, agile and quick
As a fan or a player? That's all you can ask for...
@"StickyBun" said:@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said: The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
lol, no one said not having BRob was the reason we lost. You might want to re-read the posts to get the feel for what other fans actually think about the issue.
Ha, did I miss the gist of it? I thought it was that cutting Robison changed the team chemistry and all the recent moves seemed reactionary. Is that wrong? I wasn't talking about why they tied the Packers, my point was that nothing has really changed without Robison. At least that's what I thought you and ghost were referring to?
Neither PG nor I seemed to say that the recent moves were reactionary. She mentioned a nagging feeling that something is missing or could backfire. That is my question too, how will the players react to a "business" decision to cut a team guy that just took a paycut 2 years in a row. Not doom and gloom, but just a question or little nagging feeling.
@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said:@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said: The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
lol, no one said not having BRob was the reason we lost. You might want to re-read the posts to get the feel for what other fans actually think about the issue.
Ha, did I miss the gist of it? I thought it was that cutting Robison changed the team chemistry and all the recent moves seemed reactionary. Is that wrong? I wasn't talking about why they tied the Packers, my point was that nothing has really changed without Robison. At least that's what I thought you and ghost were referring to?
Neither PG nor I seemed to say that the recent moves were reactionary. She mentioned a nagging feeling that something is missing or could backfire. That is my question too, how will the players react to a "business" decision to cut a team guy that just took a paycut 2 years in a row. Not doom and gloom, but just a question or little nagging feeling.
Ok, so I did respond correctly to what was said: its fan sentimentality. The players know its a business and they can see the team is doing its best to win right now. Your 'nagging' feeling comes from not liking that Robison got cut, nothing you are seeing on the field. Robison's sack and tackle totals last year were the lowest of his career since 2010. He was a declining player that was strictly rotational, that's the hard truth.
I think everything else the team is doing with facilities, being agile, quick and decisive on the personnel front speaks volumes to the players.
Always tough to see a veteran go and I wish BRob, Pops and the family well. Brian has made a ton of $$$ and is blessed with a beautiful family.
I hope he's moved on to his post football career well.
@"StickyBun" said:Ok, thanks for letting me know. Didn't realize how I felt until now.@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said:@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said: The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
lol, no one said not having BRob was the reason we lost. You might want to re-read the posts to get the feel for what other fans actually think about the issue.
Ha, did I miss the gist of it? I thought it was that cutting Robison changed the team chemistry and all the recent moves seemed reactionary. Is that wrong? I wasn't talking about why they tied the Packers, my point was that nothing has really changed without Robison. At least that's what I thought you and ghost were referring to?
Neither PG nor I seemed to say that the recent moves were reactionary. She mentioned a nagging feeling that something is missing or could backfire. That is my question too, how will the players react to a "business" decision to cut a team guy that just took a paycut 2 years in a row. Not doom and gloom, but just a question or little nagging feeling.
Ok, so I did respond correctly to what was said: its fan sentimentality. The players know its a business and they can see the team is doing its best to win right now. Your 'nagging' feeling comes from not liking that Robison got cut, nothing you are seeing on the field.No, you responded to a conversation with condescension and a know-it-all attitude. I know the players know it is business. But the players also have said there was something special about the locker room. Do they feel that way this year after seeing some very harsh business?
No it isn't because Robison got cut, or was old. It was that it seems a bit personal. So you can say it anyway you like it, but don't assume to know what others are thinking. Especially without actually reading the comments.
I like what the team is doing by signing TJ and the WR Robinson and cutting Carlson. That has nothing to do with BRob. But some felt if there was a need for more pass rush from the 3Tech depth, BRob may have been a logical guy to bring back.
Asking "Why not sign Robison instead of Johnson" overlooks the possibility the team did reach out and Robison said, "No thanks". I've heard some remarks that make me think his attitude might be, "to hell with that team's management".
IMO they signed Johnson because Richardson was gassed and they need someone else who can play 3T and still get some penetration when he is out. I wish Jalyn Holmes was able to fill that role, but apparently he isn't there yet.
PK decision was simple. I saw the game..
#3 WR: I think this could still be an issue and Robinson is just the next experiment.
@"Jor-El" said: Asking "Why not sign Robison instead of Johnson" overlooks the possibility the team did reach out and Robison said, "No thanks". I've heard some remarks that make me think his attitude might be, "to hell with that team's management".IMO they signed Johnson because Richardson was gassed and they need someone else who can play 3T and still get some penetration when he is out. I wish Jalyn Holmes was able to fill that role, but apparently he isn't there yet.
PK decision was simple. I saw the game..
#3 WR: I think this could still be an issue and Robinson is just the next experiment.
I agree. And the sentiment was "wish it was Robison" not why TJ?
@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said:Ok, thanks for letting me know. Didn't realize how I felt until now.@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said:@"greediron" said:@"StickyBun" said: The sentimentality of fans know no bounds. Brian Robison not being on this team doesn't have anything to do with anything other than losing what would have been a decent rotational DE. He was very much a leader of the football team, without a doubt. But the team was a missed FG away from being 2-0, not sure where this low level doom and gloom in this thread is coming from other than typical Viking's fan angst. We can be a group of sad sacks that micro-manage everything the team does. Too close to the forest to see the trees sometimes, myself included. The Vikings were on a magic carpet ride with Keenum, that can't be duplicated. Its a new year.These latest moves where designed to rectify problems that could have continued to hurt the team going forward. Not sure why this should be anything other than applauded rather than some hand-wringing. Regardless of what the results are, the process was correct.
Read this for a different perspective:
lol, no one said not having BRob was the reason we lost. You might want to re-read the posts to get the feel for what other fans actually think about the issue.
Ha, did I miss the gist of it? I thought it was that cutting Robison changed the team chemistry and all the recent moves seemed reactionary. Is that wrong? I wasn't talking about why they tied the Packers, my point was that nothing has really changed without Robison. At least that's what I thought you and ghost were referring to?
Neither PG nor I seemed to say that the recent moves were reactionary. She mentioned a nagging feeling that something is missing or could backfire. That is my question too, how will the players react to a "business" decision to cut a team guy that just took a paycut 2 years in a row. Not doom and gloom, but just a question or little nagging feeling.
Ok, so I did respond correctly to what was said: its fan sentimentality. The players know its a business and they can see the team is doing its best to win right now. Your 'nagging' feeling comes from not liking that Robison got cut, nothing you are seeing on the field.No, you responded to a conversation with condescension and a know-it-all attitude. I know the players know it is business. But the players also have said there was something special about the locker room. Do they feel that way this year after seeing some very harsh business?
No it isn't because Robison got cut, or was old. It was that it seems a bit personal. So you can say it anyway you like it, but don't assume to know what others are thinking. Especially without actually reading the comments.
I like what the team is doing by signing TJ and the WR Robinson and cutting Carlson. That has nothing to do with BRob. But some felt if there was a need for more pass rush from the 3Tech depth, BRob may have been a logical guy to bring back.
I responded and called it fan sentimentality, which is what it was. There wasn't condescension, you read into that all by yourself. LOL, I read all the comments that's why I didn't know what you were talking about. They've handled the 3T depth by getting Johnson, a real DT which Robison isn't. And where have players said that the locker room isn't special now? Again, another purple-glasses inference by a fan.Robison is gone and we all loved the guy, so let's not act that with POPS around that there isn't even a deeper fan sentimentality for his return that there would normally be. But they cut him for a reason and either he A) doesn't want to return or B ) he hasn't been asked to. DE depth with young talent is incredibly deep. Weatherly has been playing very well.
Just be happy B Rob had a great career and has his health, physical and mental
If his amazing locker room mojo was valuable, i’m sure the Pack would have tendred an offer & he would have accepted. Thats show biz
Im glad the Vikies are not standing still & owning up to mistakes and tweaking
I think bringing Tom Johnson back was a great move. I liked him on the team, he played great giving the starters a breather. We didn't need to bring back an older DE...
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