Luft’s Locker Room

Posts Tagged ‘Jimmy Kleinsasser’

I was asked by a reader why this season’s Vikings free agency has been so silent.  I agree is has been nothing more than a whimper than roar [not that the Bears have been doing much of that either].  It has come in like a lamb but will hopefully conclude like a lion [not to be confused with the 0-16 Detroit Lions].  The remainder of the NFC North has been just as frozen and smelling of old Limburger cheese.  Why?

I cannot give you any sane reasons why the Vikes seem almost silent during this free agent period.  I don’t think it has to do with the economy, because any big name like TJ Houshmandzadeh couldn’t hurt ticket sales, but TJ almost seemed an afterthought.  I can only surmise that most available free agents this year don’t fit the “coming off of their first contract with plenty of potential” mode that the Vikings like so much.

To date, The Vikings signed Sage Rosenfels after two years of courting and no visits to back up pay.  Yes, he will compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job (as of now), but a 3 year $9 million contract is only good back up money.

Speaking of 3 years and $9 mil, one of the first things the Vikings have done right so far was to re-sign Jimmy Kleinsasser, one of the very best blocking tight ends in the league.  Jimmy has been with the team since being drafted in 1999 and now that Matt Birk is a new Raven, makes him the longest tenured Viking.  His power and blocking abilities come in handy when lined up next to Ryan Cook and even Bryant McKinnie.  He has been part of the blocking scheme for 4 of the 5 highest rushing seasons by Minnesota backs.  Matt Birk can’t even claim that due to the season he was out with his sports hernia operation.

The only free agent that was brought in so far was TJ Houshmandzadeh, and even though the Vikings offered the veteran receiver the best chance at winning, he sided with the money.  He had proclaimed earlier that he would, so that, and being closer to his LA home shouldn’t have surprised us that he chose the Seahawks.  Do you really want a player that doesn’t want to be there?  You can say the same about Matt Birk and wish him well as he moves on to the Ravens.

Then today, we hear the good news that the Vikings re-signed their special team ace and #4 linebacker Heath Farwell.  Heath, like Jim, was allowed to test the free agent waters and visited the Pats and the Browns but felt like his place was in Minnesota.  He, like Jimmy wants to be here.  The Vikings ended up signing him to the richest special teams player contract in their history, a 3 year, $7.75 million that calls for $3.25 mil in guarantees.  With the release of Vinny Ciurciu, who wasn’t as good as Heath anyway, the need to have the special teams ace was all the more important.  Vikings fans everywhere don’t want to see a repeat performance of the horrible coverage teams from last year.

Karl Paymah is scheduled to come visit this coming up week.  He is a cornerback from the Broncos who started a couple of games last year.  He is a second tier free agent that fits that “coming off of their first contract with plenty of potential” mold.  We need depth in the secondary with not only Antoine Winfield getting older, but also with Darren Sharper not being re-signed.  Paymah, if signed, will fit that depth role and could hope to earn more though improved play combined with an unfortunate injury to Winfield or Griffin.  He will only be the second free agent to visit if he makes it past his meeting with the Buccaneers and Browns first, and definitely nothing to get excited about.

Hoping for excitement, that roar of the warrior right before battle may manifest itself in a blockbuster trade like last year’s to get Jared Allen.  The only hint of that may be in the rumors of the Vikings being interested in disgruntled Jay Cutler from Denver, but the theories on how to pull that off are not real plausible.  It will take a huge leap on the Broncos’ part to give up their Pro Bowl quarterback with no real alternative waiting in the wings.  Here’s hoping to their stupidity.

The other big name quarterback situation that the Vikings are watching is of Donovan McNabb in Philly.  If that relationship sours again, you might see a move by the Vikes to trade for Brad Childress’ claim to fame.

Another option may be the discarded Terrell Owens, but word from Vikings personnel guy Rick Spielman said the Vikings have no interest.  “We would never say never, but you can put the pieces together and the history with Coach Childress [in Philadelphia].”  Word had it that Chilly and T.O. had buried the hatchet and were getting along, plus with George Stewart being T.O.’s father figure and old receiving coach from his 49ers days, you have to wonder if a deal could actually work.  T.O. does make quarterbacks into legitimate stars (at least for the first year) as pointed out by my good friend Pacifist Viking.  But he is getting older, his production is dropping off and he doesn’t fit the free agent mold the Vikings like, but then again neither did TJ Who…

Like the rest of the NFC North, free agency has been eerily quiet.  Hopefully the draft will stir more excitement, but the Vikings having the #22 pick won’t net the team any blue chippers.  Let’s just hope we can get some quality starters at need positions and depth where it is needed.  Our favorite coach, Brad Childress will be on the hot seat after finishing the season with a 21% approval rating, so you hope he tries to make some move to ensure that the Vikes win the division again and make a long drive into the playoffs.

I think the overall answer to your question is that there weren’t the players available to make the noise with so far, or at least ones that the Vikings and Brad Childress were interested in.  Let’s hope something changes for the better.   Here’s to a roar sometime this offseason and hoping that your spring will be a little more exciting.

Are you really looking forward to the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers opener?  Me too.  Even Zygi Wilf and his family have a new found appreciation for what is the premier rivalry in the division and one of the arguably all time best in football.  This season version was heightened by the Brett Favre saga and the immediate [and acquitted] charges of tampering leveled against the Vikes by the Pack.  Feel the love Baby!

The preseason has ended and the games are starting to count.  A few things came out of the games in the preseason that Vikings fans will look forward to.  First and foremost was the improved play by Tarvaris Jackson in the first two games prior to his knee sprain.  The sprain is easily at a point now, that not 100% will be fully functional and not impair his play.

Tarvaris this year also has an improved group of receivers led by Bernard Berrian and second year player Sidney Rice.  The big case of dropsies was traded off to Jacksonville earlier in the year and I don’t anticipate its return.  Even the under-achieving Visanthe Shiancoe has shown improvement at catching the ball.  This ability to throw should give the Vikings the ability to strike from anywhere on the field and compliment the run.  It will also be necessary to pull the safety from the box that will surely be there to stop the run.

Running the ball is what the Vikings of ’07 did best.  With the Rookie of the Year, Adrian Peterson, and the Chester Taylor providing a league leading tandem at running the ball, the only way that teams could stop them was to shut down the passing game and throw 8, 9, and sometimes 10 guys in the box.  The Vikes still drove the ball, but it eventually lowered the offensive output.  This year, Adrian Peterson has been learning patience and following his linemen, then when a hole opens up to break free instead of trying to force it.  Plus, he should be in on more passing situations either blocking or getting open in space where he is absolutely deadly.

If opposing teams, and by that I mean Green Bay this week try to fill the box, Jackson with weapons and confidence will beat them over the top.  The Vikings will be a run first team with the stable of backs they have but this year with the acquisition of Berrian and the improved play of receivers and more importantly Tarvaris Jackson, there should be more of a balanced attack with each facet of the offense feeding off of what the defense is trying to stop.

Monday night’s game, the Vikings will see an injury recovering Packers defense lead by linebacker A.J. Hawk and his sprained chest (questionable) and a slower Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila with a gimped knee not practicing Friday, but listed as probable.  This should help Artis Hicks who will be making his start at left tackle for the suspended Bryant McKinnie.

Artis Hicks should have help from Steve Hutchinson on his right and Jimmy Kleinsasser on his left.  The only thing I’m concerned about is that Childress will show which direction the play [run] is designed to go by which tackle is getting help from Kleinsasser.  Last year the left side of the line had a 5+ yard per carry average and the right side of the O-line had a league leading 7+ yards per carry average, and though Ryan Cook contributed, it was probably more due to the help of Kleinsasser’s and somewhat Tony Richardson’s blocking abilities.  This year Thomas Tapeh will be at full back, and along with Jimmy be helping more now no matter which direction the play is designed.

On the defensive side of the ball the Vikings will be testing the first season starter Aaron “I’m want my Mommy” Rodgers like he has not been tested before.  Just think, he’s named the starter and future of the franchise after Brett Favre’s retirement, Brett has a change of heart and a fight with the club, and the poor backup who is to be the new leader is stuck in the middle.  Even the young Packers fans where giving him grief.  All I can say is expect more.

Jared Allen was one of the best free agent acquisitions in the league this year and has bonded with the Williams Wall and the forgotten Ray Edwards to form the best defensive line in football today.  They will be busting through a highly suspect line due to injuries; Josh Sitton (G) is out with a knee, Chad Clifton (T) is listed as not participating with some sort of knees and chest problems, but is listed as probable, and Scott Wells (C) with back issues and only listed as questionable.  That lineup of wounded and substitutes will have all of the front four licking there chops in anticipation of many meetings in the backfield.

Take a first time starting QB, a busted line and throw in for good measure a starting running back in Ryan Grant that sat out most of the preseason, then once finally showing up tweaks a hamstring.  He did not participate Friday, but is still listed as probable.  Pat Williams is sure hoping he will be there, because he is the only back last year to gain over 100 yards against him [the Vikings run D] and he takes it personally.

Such a strong defensive line will command double team blocking from the opposition whether it be the Pack or the rest of the league.  This leaves the Vikings linebackers lead by E.J. Henderson in the middle to reek havoc and fill holes in the running game and hunt for receivers in the passing game.

In the passing game, a sore spot from ’07, pressure on the QB from that defensive line [thank you Zygi for getting Allen] should shorten the time Rodgers has to throw the ball along with mess with his mind causing bad decisions and wounded ducks that Darren Sharper will eagerly gobble up.  The Vikes only rookie starter, Tyrell Johnson will be playing next to him and should be holding his own.  He will be targeted for sure, but with help from Sharper, has shown throughout preseason that he is up to the task.

There were a few things that came to focus during the week.  This defense looks to be very, very good and the offense has greatly improved.  Leadership in the front office and coaching staff has made it possible, but what gets me psyched is the chemistry of the players.

Jimmy Kleinsasser, my favorite player also thinks so, and thinks it is unique because the closeness is for the team as a whole. He credits players such as defensive standouts Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams and offensive stalwarts Peterson and Steve Hutchinson with setting a good tone in the locker room.

“This group is probably the closest team I’ve been on in the NFL, that’s for sure,” he said. “And that’s across the board, every position, offense and defense. We’re not just having guys sitting as a position group or hanging out with the offense. We’re all for each other.”

And we as fans are for them too.  I expect the Vikings to go into Lambeau Field and start something special.  This is the ticket I’m voting for in ’08 and it will start by defeating the NFC North champs.  Skol Vikings!

Gonzo, over at the Daily Norseman has been doing pieces on who will probably make the final roster.  The discussion of the tight end position is spirited especially with fans appreciation [or lack there of] of last years big free agent signing and pass catching savior, Visanthe Shaincoe.  Here is my take of the tight ends and who I think will make the final roster.

Jimmy Kleinsasser is by far the best blocking tight end in the business, even at 10 years.  Did you see the hit he put on Pro Bowler Osi Umenyiora during the Giants game last year?  He blew him up and knocked him backwards on his back side!  It was a pancake block from hell!  Nobody else in the league can do that with the consistency game after game like Jimmy does.  Joe Gibbs knew that a few years ago and showed interest, which drove the Vikes to franchise him prior to resigning him.  He was a big part of the right side of the o-line leading the league with a 7.2 yard per carry average and that was while fortifying Ryan Cook in his first year as a full time starter.  Then take the fact that Bryant McKinnie is facing some sort of suspension; whoever will temporarily replace him might need some help.

I was stationed up in Grand Forks and had the pleasure of watching Jimmy at UND.  He was a pass catching machine there and dominated enough to make him stand out and be drafted by Enny Green.  He can still catch and is usually very reliable in the end zone.  He obviously has played H-back before and could easily move inside and play as a small tackle if needed.  If you cut Jim, there would be, “many teams would make room for him”, plus you’d be giving up a massive amount of capability that doesn’t exist elsewhere.  Kleinsasser will stay.

With coach Childress saying this about Shianco, “We’re hoping Visanthe Shiancoe makes a move this year. We think he’ll be better in the second year in the system.”  The likelihood of the underperforming Visanthe being cut is probably nil, especially his $18.2 million dollar contract.  He is probably the surest tight end on the team to make the final roster.

Garret Mills looked good in only the one game he ever played in, last year at Denver.  The Patriots liked him and so did the Vikes, enough to take him off waivers but he is on the smallish size at only 6’1” and 235 lbs.  He could possibly play some HB or FB if needed too.  But he has played only one game and that is what everybody is making their judgments on.  That worries me a little but coach Childress likes his, “natural wiggle and a natural feel in the passing game.”  I like his ability too, especially comparing that one performance against all of Shiancoe’s first year in Purple.

Braden Jones will be targeted to spend a year on practice squad, if he even makes the roster at all.  He is on the wrong side of this numbers game at this point.

If the Vikes keep these three tight ends, which I fully suspect will happen because of the chance of injury in that demands some sort of depth, which one of the two extra fullbacks gets cut, Tahi or Dugan?  Thomas Tapeh we know will start, so does will Childress go with the more traditional, human bowling ball style fullback at 6’0” and 254 lbs that he seems to like in his version of the West Coast offense, or will he go with the hybrid 6’4” 258 lbs Dugan that is a converted tight end?  That question will most likely be made on the final roster cut.  I like Dugan and feel he has more than proved himself, but it will ultimately be up to Childress and if everyone makes it through camp healthy.