Bennett to get More Work.

[Guttpuppy]

PFW:Don’t completely block the “Randy Ratio” out of your memory, but remember head coach Mike Tice has emphasized ball control and the running game since he took over for Dennis Green. Sure, Moss, who set a personal best with 106 catches last season, is still a focal point of the offense and will get the ball often. But Tice wants to grind it with RB Michael Bennett first — a philosophy that also should benefit QB Daunte Culpepper — which is why he considers the team’s biggest offseason addition to be ORT Mike Rosenthal. The 6-7, 315-pound Rosenthal not only gives the Vikings one of the biggest offensive lines in the league, it allowed Tice to move Chris Liwienski back to right guard, a move Tice had been eyeing since Bryant McKinnie was drafted. “With that front five, Bennett will be hard for defensive linemen and linebackers to find, and with his speed, he can go the distance in a blink,” said one NFC pro personnel director. Short-yardage specialist Moe Williams will have a smaller role as long as Bennett has some early success in the red zone. Williams was re-signed more for his special-teams prowess and leadership than his utility RB skills.

[Azrael]

Bennett's a top 10 back if Williams doesn't vulture TD's from him. He could be an excellent 3rd or 4th rd pickup.

[Homeless]

Welcome Azrael...nice to see another Steelers fan at the Cafe.

Sadly Moe will grab the short yardage TD's again this year...shame really cos bennett would be golden if he didnt.

[kashikis]

personally i like what they are doing here but bennet got moved down a few notches on my list this year. he had offseason surgery on his foot and the initial reports said he was still having some trouble with it. this may be gone by week 1 but it wouldnt surprise me if it became a nagging injury this year for him.....

enter onterrio! i really think he is the true dark horse of the rookie RB's this year. remember the only reason bennet has a job is because there was no one to replace him last year when Tice wanted to yank the plug on him. He saved his job with a good 2nd half but thats all his career is 8 good games, and if he can't return to form due to injury or other things you can expect onterrio to get more and more touches as the season goes.

just a hunch of course

[fntsyrookie]

Being a Vikes fan I am a big supporter of Bennett. I am glad however that we got Onterrio as a nice little insurance policy. I can't wait to see what he looks like in the pre-season.

[Guest]

I am also a big fan of Onterrio. This situation reminds me a lot of the Broncs last year. Remember one Clinton Portis entered the pre season as the #3 runner behind Davis and Gary and we all know what happend. Onterrio Smith has very solid running skills but needs to improve the blocking