Brett Favre is scheduled to appear on “The Tonight Show” and it will air Thursday, March 4th, at 11:34pm EST. No one is expecting a decision on if he will return or not but it is most likely that the question will be asked. Nevertheless, it will be worth watching.
Paul Gantner
Chester Taylor - bleacherreport.com
Chester Taylor was a free agent pickup from the Baltimore Ravens in 2006. Taylor played behind Jamaal Lewis and had the potential to be an every down back. At age 26 he came to the Vikings to prove that he was a starting running back in the National Football League. Taylor answered his critics with over 1200 yards rushing in the 2006 season. Taylor had a spectacular 95 yard touchdown run against the Seattle Seahawks and also added 42 pass receptions. Taylor proved to be a great pick up by the Vikings as well as a starting running back in the NFL. Heading into the 2007 NFL season it was clear that the Vikings were set at the starting running back position.
So we head into the 2007 NFL draft and, “With the 7th pick of the 2007 NFL draft the Minnesota Vikings select, Adrian Peterson”. After such a great year from Chester Taylor the Vikings pick a running back? Well this proves to be the right move despite the Peterson fumble problems. Chester Taylor remained the starting running back but Peterson eventually took over. Despite resuming the backup position after earning the starting postion, Taylor took the high road and fulfilled his obligations admirably. Taylor became the 3rd down back and has proven not only to be a great runner but an excellent receiver as well. Taylor had 45 receptions in the 2008 season and 44 in 2009. Taylor picked up many first downs this year and worked well with Brett Favre.
So now Chester Taylor is an unrestricted free agent. He turns 31 in September. Would there be an NFL team out there willing to pay Taylor to be their starting full time running back at age 31? Taylor is going to be 31 years of age this NFL season but is not wore down like a LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlison is 30 years of age and has 2880 rushing attempts. Taylor also is 30 years of age and has 1028 rushing attempts. There is still plenty of tread left on the tires of Chester Taylor.
The Vikings need Chester Taylor to stay with them and need to take the steps necessary to keep him. When Rick Spielman, VP of Player Personnel, was asked about Taylor he had this to say, “Chester Taylor brings so much to this football team. He’s like the unsung hero of the offense.” He went on to say, “He may be, as we look and we evaluate all the free agents out there, one of the top free agent backs coming out, especially in that role he plays in third down, it’s so valuable for us.” The Vikings know how important it is to hang on to Chester Taylor. Now at age 31 it may be in the best interest of Taylor to stay with the Vikings. He will not be asked to carry the ball a lot and will not take the hits that Peterson will take. Taylor, especially if Favre returns, will have a good chance of getting to the Superbowl if he stays with the Vikings. However, if he gets a good offer from another team one cannot blame Taylor for leaving or at least entertaining the offers just to see whats out there. If Taylor wants a bigger role with another team he will most likely find some interest. But staying with the Vikings is also a good option for Taylor. Taylor has proven to be a class act on and off the field and has established himself as one of the very best 3rd down backs in the league. The Minnesota Vikings need Chester Taylor, but Chester Taylor needs the Vikings.
Paul Gantner
The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that Pat Williams will indeed return to the Vikings for another season. This is great news for the Minnesota Vikings. All Pro Pat Williams would be hard to replace and is considered to be one of the best run stoppers in the league. The only thing that stands in question at this point is if he will be suspended for 4 games along with fellow teamate Kevin Williams. The trial date is set for Marth 8th.
Paul Gantner
