Yardbarker: Steve Hutchinson

Roster Watch

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:24:10 -0500

The Vikings go into camp with 80 men on their roster, and will have to trim that to 53 by the time the season starts. The current position-by-position breakdown follows the jump (depth chart positions subject to debate in some cases; starters in italics): Offense Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson Gus Frerotte John David Booty Brooks Bollinger Running Back Adrian Peterson Chester Taylor Maurice Hicks Albert Young Fullback Thomas Tapeh Jeff Dugan Naufahu Tahi Tackle Ryan Cook Bryant McKinnie Marcus Johnson Chase Johnson Drew Radovich Guard Steve Hutchinson Anthony Herrera Artis Hicks Brian Daniels Mike Jones Center Matt Birk John Sullivan Dan Mozes Tim Mattran Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe Jim Kleinsasser Garrett Mills Braden Jones Wide Receiver Bernard Berrian Bobby Wade Sidney Rice Robert Ferguson Aundrae Allison Jaymar Johnson Martin Nance Nate Jones Darius Reynaud Daniel Davis Defense/Special Teams Defensive End Jared Allen Ray Edwards Brian Robison Jayme Mitchell Ellis Wyms Otis Grigsby Martail Burnett Defensive Tackle Kevin Williams Pat Williams Fred Evans Letroy Guiron Kenderick Allen Leger Douzable Linebacker E.J. Henderson Ben Leber Chad Greenway Heath Farwell Vinny Ciurciu Derrick Pope Rufus Alexander David Herron Erin Henderson Jeremy Leman Cornerback Antoine Winfield Cedric Griffin Marcus McCauley Charles Gordon Benny Sapp Dee McCann Marcus Walker Brandon Sumrall Safety Darren Sharper Madieu Williams Michael Boulware Tyrell Johnson Eric Frampton Jusain Abdullah Kicker Ryan Longwell Steven Hauschka Punter Chris Kluwe Long Snapper Cullen Loeffler Hard to find any real positional battles there. The best one is probably at tight end, where I'm hoping Garrett Mills, who showed flashes in the final game of last season, will push Visanthe Shiancoe. Maybe Marcus McCauley or Charles Gordon can make things uncomfortable for Cedric Griffin? Everything else looks set, barring injury or guys suddenly forgetting how to play. I'll continue to update this as camp progresses, reflecting cuts, and any changes in depth chart position.

Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Adrian Peterson Fantasy Football Projections

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:18:33 -0500

Ouija Boards, magic eight balls, tarot cards. For centuries, man has looked for supernatural ways to try and get answers. We here at Bruno Boys Fantasy Football are no different. Always looking for an edge for the upcoming fantasy season, we look to higher powers and turn to our magical crystal ball. The article below is the fifth of many that will reveal what we have seen. This time our look into the future is focused on the likes of Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson. To read what's in store for Peterson's 2008 fantasy football season, be sure to click below.

Four Vikings Make the Top 50 Players List

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:34:15 -0500

CBS Sportsline's Pete Prisco is out with his annual Top 50 NFL Players list, and the Vikings are all over the place, with no less than four players making the top 50 - Kevin Williams, Jared Allen, Adrian Peterson, and Steve Hutchinson. Here is the breakdown on the four: 10. Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings: He is a powerful inside player who teams with Pat Williams to form the best tackle tandem in the league. He is good against the run, yet quick enough to get pass-rush penetration. 12. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: He led the league in sacks last season with the Chiefs. The Vikings added him to give them the best defensive line in the league. Allen plays hard all the time. 15. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson was special as a rookie and should be even better this time around. He is a big, strong and fast and can rip off the big runs with an Eric Dickerson-like ease. 19. Steve Hutchinson, G, Minnesota Vikings: He wasn't his usual self in his first season with the Vikings in 2006, but bounced back to his dominating form last year.

Four Vikings Make the Top 50 Players List

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:34:15 -0500

NFL Hardware Predictions

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:06:56 -0500

After we finished up our, shall we say, controversial series of NFL Division predictions, thoughts of post-season awards started to pop into our minds. According to our projections, we'll have some fresh faces giving speeches and walking off with trophies this year.

Read It And Weep, Prisco

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:49:48 -0500

I loved Prisco's top 50, but there were definite faults in it. Even though he did a great job tackling the Brady v. Manning topic, some of his picks were, how do you say, questionable. Here is my attempt at naming the top 50 players in the NFL. With 1696 players on the active roster, cutting it down to 50 is tough, but here I go. 1. Tom Brady/QB/New England Patriots (Prisco Ranking-1): Ugh. I hate this. I hate putting Brady at number one. 50 touchdown passes does qualify him for this spot though. This doesn't feel right. Do I have to put Patriots players on my list? 2. Peyton Manning/QB/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-2): Ah, this feels better. Manning in his downyear through for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, got his team a first-round bye while missing his top wide receiver for most of the year. Scary to think of what he can do with the whole team in his "great" years. 3. Randy Moss/WR/New England Patriots (Prisco-4): When he's not bumping traffic cops, he's pushing off of cornerbacks and safeties to break the receiving touchdowns in a season record (although that title is complete bogus). He should do well again this year, but not 20+ touchdowns. 4. LaDanian Tomlinson/RB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-3): LDT is a Hall of Fame running back, but there are other backs in the league that are catching up to him. Tomlinson can do it all: run, catch, and even pass. He's the definition of an all-around back. 5. Bob Sanders/S/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-7): Sanders is definitely the best defender in the league. No other defensive player changes a game in the way that Sanders does. We've all seen what the Colts did on defense in 2007 as opposed to the Sanders-less 2006. 6. Jared Allen/DE/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-12): Legal matters aside, Allen has moved into the category of a healthy Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney as the game's premier pass rushers. He got 15.5 sacks in 14 games last year. It is crazy to put him out of the top 10. 7. Antonio Cromartie/CB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-NR): I have no idea how Antonio Cromartie was not ranked by Prisco. Cromartie led the league in interceptions, returned a missed field goal for a touchdown, and he recovered 2 fumbles. He was definitely the best corner in the league last year. 8. Adrian Peterson/RB/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-15): Peterson exploded onto the scene last season, running for over 1300 yards, leading the league in rushing yards per game, and taking home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 9. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-9): Last season, Ware had the best season of his career. He had career-highs in sacks and tackles, and he is only going to improve. 10. Walter Jones/OT/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-16): Even though the Seahawks have no offensive weapons, the Seahawks have a top 10 offense. How is it possible? This man is the reason why. 11. Nnamdi Asomugha/CB/Oakland Raiders (Prisco-29) 12. Brian Westbrook/RB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-20) 13. Reggie Wayne/WR/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-22) 14. Steve Hutchinson/OG/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-19) 15. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Tennessee Titans (Prisco-14) 16. Terrell Owens/WR/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-13) 17. Jeff Saturday/C/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-NR) 18. Champ Bailey/CB/Denver Broncos (Prisco-5) 19. Shawne Merriman/OLB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-11) 20. Kevin Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-10) 21. Dwight Freeney/DE/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-25) 22. Ed Reed/S/Baltimore Ravens (Prisco-23) 23. Jason Peters/OT/Buffalo Bills (Prisco-27) 24. Richard Seymour/DE/New England Patriots (Prisco-30) 25. Braylon Edwards/WR/Cleveland Browns (Prisco-34) 26. Devin Hester/RS/Chicago Bears (Prisco-50) 27. Andre Johnson/WR/Houston Texans (Prisco-26) 28. Chad Johnson/WR/Cincinnati Bengals (Prisco-28) 29. Asante Samuel/CB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-37) 30. Patrick Willis/MLB/San Francisco 49ers (Prisco-43) 31. Antonio Gates/TE/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-24) 32. Osi Umenyiora/DE/New York Giants (Prisco-42) 33. Tony Romo/QB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-NR) 34. Tony Gonzalez/TE/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-46) 35. Steven Jackson/RB/St. Louis Rams (Prisco-33) 36. Patrick Kerney/DE/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-NR) 37. Mario Williams/DE/Houston Texans (Prisco-6) 38. Ernie Sims/OLB/Detroit Lions (Prisco-39) 39. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-31) 40. Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Pittsburgh Steelers (Prisco-17) 41. Lofa Tatupa/MLB/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-40) 42. Adrian Wilson/S/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-NR) 43. Shawn Andrews/OG/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-38) 44. Tommie Harris/DT/Chicago Bears (Prisco-36) 45. Pat Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-NR) 46. Aaron Kampman/DE/Green Bay Packers (Prisco-45) 47. Drew Brees/QB/New Orleans Saints (Prisco-35) 48. Brian Urlacher/MLB/Chicago Bears (Prisco-32) 49. Larry Johnson/RB/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-NR) 50. Plaxico Burress/WR/New York Giants (Prisco-NR) Unranked Players On My List That Are On Prisco's List: Carson Palmer (8) Charles Woodson (18) Steve Smith (21) Vince Wilfork (41) Kellen Winslow (44) Marcus Trufant (47) Wes Welker (48) Fred Taylor (49)

“The Big Kid” Ranked The 5th Best Guard In The NFL

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:21:35 -0500

According to New Era Scouting, Eagles right guard Shawn Andrews is the 5th best guard in the entire NFL. Ahead of him on the list are Eric Steinbach of the Browns, Steve Hutchinson of the Vikings, Alan Faneca of the Jets, and Brian Waters of the Chiefs. Rounding out the top ten are Leonard Davis [...]

NEWS AND NOTES

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:22:04 -0500

Been out of town for a few days, so I'm majorly backed up on reader emails and links. Plus, there are a few articles ready to go up, as well as the full recap and breakdown of the Pittsburgh Sports Media Popularity Contest. So help me at least partially clear out my inbox with a few of the better reader-submitted links:

--Former Lions RB Kevin Jones worked out, and the Steelers were one of four teams in attendance. I thought they were overloaded at running back?

--CBS's Pete Prisco decided to stir the pot and rank the Top 50 NFL players. Ben Roethlisberger was the only Steeler to crack the list, at #17. Of course, he would have to be below Carson Palmer (#8). The biggest story may be that FOUR Vikings made the top 20: #10, Kevin Williams; #12, Jared Allen; 15, Adrian Peterson; and 19, Steve Hutchinson.

--Kiss 96.1 found video of Georges Laraque singing "Ice, Ice Baby". Not sure if this will help or hurt him in free agency.

--The DVE morning show mentioned www.rottenneighbor.com, a website to "locate, rate, and share good and bad neighbors before and after you move."

--Cecil from Cecil sent over the 2008 video of the Stephen A. Smith sock-puppet hecklers at the NBA Draft.

--Vote for Pierogis N'at's Big Snack, a.k.a. Contestant 9, in an ESPN Radio 1250 search for on-air talent.

--Bob Smizik makes the case that Tampa Bay's turaround gives the Pirates hope. I think of the Rays kind of like the Penguins: a team blessed with so many high draft picks that they are just overloaded with young talent. Sorry, but the Pirates aren't in that boat yet.

--Any thoughts on the respective Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts jackpots from the Lightning?

Much more to follow later today

Four Vikings in Sportsline Top 50

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:54:37 -0500

Pete Prisco of CBS Sportsline really likes the Vikings. He placed four members of the Purple in his rankings of the Top 50 players in the NFL. Actually, the four all placed in the top 20. You can probably guess the names. Here's the complete top 20 with the Vikes in bold: Tom Brady Peyton Manning LaDainian Tomlinson (I'm assuming this is regular season only) Randy Moss Champ Bailey Mario Williams (yeah, picking him over Reggie Bush was a real mistake) Bob Sanders Carson Palmer DeMarcus Ware Kevin Williams Shawne Merriman (still has whiplash from AD running by him) Jared Allen Terrell Owens Albert Haynesworth Adrian Peterson Walter Jones Ben Roethlisberger Charles Woodson Steve Hutchinson Brian Westbrook So we know where we're good - defensive line and running game. Pete Prisco and Dr. Z are official Friends of the Purple.

Lightning Round

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:45:37 -0500

Cleaning up some business from the past week… Kenechi Udeze, who has been stricken with leukemia, announced on KFAN host Dan Barreiro's show Friday that he will have a bone marrow transplant early next month. Udeze will receive the donor marrow from his older brother Thomas Barnes who is a 100% match. Obviously, we wish Kenechi well. But from a heartless pragmatic strictly-business point-of-view? Udeze's loss became irrelevant when we traded for Jared Allen. On the legal front: Bryant McKinnie learned Friday that his criminal case will be continued. McKinnie's lawyers have been trying to get the assault charges dismissed by convincing the judge to let him enter a pretrial diversion program. The next court date is September 24, but it won't interfere with Bryant's football schedule because he doesn't have to show. It somewhat sucks having the McKinnie thing hanging over the team, especially given all the enthusiasm we feel over Jared Allen and Bernard Berrian and a second season of Adrian Peterson. But that's how it is when you have an overgrown juvenile delinquent on your squad. On the personnel front: The Vikings pared their roster down closer to the 80-man limit by cutting RB Arkee Whitlock and WR Justin Surrency. I like the name Arkee. It reminds me of legendary B-movie producer Samuel Z. Arkoff. Darren Sharper participated in an NFL broadcasting bootcamp. Said Darren of the experience: It's excellent. I'm learning a lot about all the different areas of broadcasting from script writing, to reporting, to interviewing guys. It's a great because I'm meeting a lot of great contacts and learning things that will help you grow to be in whatever type of broadcasting that you want to get into. Darren will one day work for ESPN I suppose. They have a never-ending need for ex-players who have nothing to say, and are willing to become pure corporate stooges. A final item of interest: USA Today says Maurice Hicks is the favorite to return kicks. Well, that's why they signed him. Cripes, USA Today is really on top of things, hey? I bet they'll soon report that Steve Hutchinson is the favorite to start at left guard.

Alexander to visit Saints after Bengals

Wed, 07 May 2008 06:11:09 -0500

The Saints will bring in free-agent tailback Shaun Alexander for a visit this week, a sign that they're still in the market for some insurance in case Deuce McAllister is unable to return to form. Alexander, 30, was released by the Seattle Seahawks last month after two disappointing, injury-plagued seasons. The former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowl player was scheduled to make his first free-agent visit with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed Alexander's visit, but he declined further comment. McAllister said he wouldn't be surprised or opposed if the Saints add another tailback before training camp. "I anticipate they'll continue to look at veteran running backs," McAllister said. "They have to have some protection just in case there are any setbacks with my rehab, even though there haven't been any. It never hurts to have a Plan B." McAllister, who is coming back from surgeries on his knees last September, said he feels good about his recovery timetable. He has been running and doing some cutting and planting for about three weeks, and he was able to run full-speed pass routes with teammates for the first time Monday. He expects to participate in a limited capacity when the team begins its organized team activities this month. The Saints have not made the tailback position a huge priority this offseason, with McAllister, Reggie Bush, Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas on the roster. Alexander averaged 1,501 yards rushing and 19.6 touchdowns per season between 2001 and '05. He was the MVP in 2005 when he scored 28 touchdowns, then an NFL record, and led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Alexander's downfall came swiftly after that, though. He missed nine games in 2006 with a cracked bone in his foot. Last season he played through a broken wrist but missed three games with a sprained knee. He also lost two of his most valuable blockers when All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson signed with Minnesota in 2006 and fullback Mack Strong retired the next season. Alexander ran for 716 yards and scored five touchdowns in 13 games last season both his lowest totals since his rookie season. The home fans had turned on him by Week 6, when they booed repeatedly as he ran for 35 yards on 14 carries against the Saints. He was released with six years remaining on a $62 million contract extension he signed after his MVP season. The Seahawks replaced him with free agents Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett. McAllister said Alexander has something left in the tank, though, and something to prove. The two have known each other since their days together in the SEC (McAllister starred at Ole Miss, Alexander at Alabama). "I will be playing for another NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute," Alexander said after his release. "I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career." Ouch then what happens to duece?

Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Analysis

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:58:55 -0500

This article includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season.

Highest Paid Offensive Linemen

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:53:22 -0500

It used to be the guys protecting the QB was underpiad but those days have long gone check out these top paid O-linemen

Fbkid's all underrated team offense

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 02:10:38 -0500

It has been a great year so far in the NFL and the playoffs are only making it better but not all is well for everyone on this list. These are all players who put up big numbers and are productive but they don't get their due. Here is the offense of my all underrated team. QB: Matt Hasselbeck Seahawks: Hasselbeck always is consistent and puts up big numbers but for some reason never gets publicity. Hasselbeck's rating was over 90 this season with 28 touchdowns and had 3,966 yards. Trust me if you have him on your fantasy team you won't forget who he is. RB: Justin Fargas Raiders: I bet coming into the season more people knew that Fargas'dad played Huggy Bear on "Starsky and Hutch" than the fact that his son is on the Raiders. Fargas came into his own this year though with 1000 yards on less than 225 carries. You may not know him know but Fargas is going to get some major money this offseason. WR:Marques Colston Saints: Colston was one of the most talked about players in football last year but now he's considered underrated? That's because the myth of the Sophomore slump. As most people thought Colston would have a poor 2nd season,he did even better with 98 catches 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wow that's some slump. WR:Brandon Marshall Broncos: Heading into the season Marshall was overlooked as Javon Walker was supposed to be the no.1 receiver in Denver. A few weeks later Walker went down and Marshall had a great year. Marshall had 102 catches for 1325 yards and 7 touchdowns. He might also be the best receiver after the catch in the league. WR:Jerricho Cotchery Jets: Cotchery this season as the new go to guy. The problem was the team was so bad nobody noticed. Cotchery had 82 catches for 1130 yards and 2 touchdowns. Imagine what that would be with a full time quarterback. TE: Chris Cooley Redskins: Cooley was one of the most productive tight ends in the league but hardly gets the credit of the Antonio Gates and Kellen Winslow's of the league. Cooley was 4th among all tight ends in receptions with 66 and had more touchdowns than Winslow and Tony Gonzalez with 8. That kind of year is why Cooley will be enjoying Hawaii in February. T:Jason Peters Bills:Peters went from an undrafted free agent to a quality tackle and is getting rewarded going to Hawaii. He is the major reason why Marshawn Lynch had over 1100 yards in his rookie season. G: Steve Hutchinson Vikings: For what Hutchinson does he doesn't get enough credit. There is a reason why Sean Alexander looks like an average back when he leaves. Just look at Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor now. C.Jeff Saturday Colts: To read the defense and make constant changes at the line is something Saturday excels at. Without it the Colts might be a totally different team. He compliments Peyton Manning perfectly. G:Vince Manuwai Jaguars: Manuwai has improved in every season and is opening holes for one of the best running attacks in all of football. Don't be surprised if he gets to Hawaii soon. T: Michael Roos Titans: Roos has established himself as one of the best young tackles in the league but hasn't got he credit he deserves. In the next few years he will be in Hawaii. KR: Josh Cribbs Browns: Cribbs is a do it all player as he averaged over 30 yards per return and took 2 back for touchdowns. He also added 1 punt return score. Cribbs averages 9 yards more per kick return for Devin Hester and what one gets all of the hype? Plus Cribbs is a gunner on special teams and had 20 special teams tackles.

7 Vikings to the Pro Bowl

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:57:44 -0500

Six of them are starting and Viking Country is buzzing. The Vikings will be represented with 3 starters on each side of the ball. On the offensive side they will have the entire backfield with Adrian Peterson and Tony Richardson. Peterson is having a monster year if you haven't noticed, but what some people overlook is the Fullback that gives the Halfback some of those wide open gaps. Richardson has been a staple in Minnesota on and off the field since he came from Kansas City last year. Also starting will be Steve Hutchinson. One of the best Guards in the league, I doubt anyone is really going to argue with this one, either. On the defensive side of the ball they will be represented by the two big guys in the middle. Kevin and Pat Williams are one of, if not the best combos in the league. And on top of the run stopping ability, Kevin has a knack for finding the end zone for six. The other rep is Darren Sharper at safety. Sharper is one of the league premiere ball hawks in the league, and all of the sports broadcasters love to spout stats about how many picks he's had in the past few years. Any snubs from the Purple? Well, some have pointed out the lack of Center Matt Birk in the starting lineup. Birk is having another solid year and the evidence of his stellar play is shown partly in Adrian Peterson's big year. He'll be backing up Anthony Gurode, but I'd rather see him as a starter. Another slight snub would be the Punter Chris Kluwe. Kluwe may have deserved to go, but no one is really going to gripe about it. Except maybe his Mom. And lastly, special teams expert Heath Farwell was not selected. The man can flat out rock people on kick-offs but he gets no love. I will hold true to the fact that Brendon Ayanbadejo always gets picked mainly for the fact that his name is first on the special teams ballot.