The roster has been set, the new offensive and defensive schemes installed and now things get serious for the Minnesota Vikings when they open the regular season on Sunday at St. Louis.
The Rams feature a strong defense and have good coaching with Jeff Fisher, but are without starting quarterback Sam Bradford, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Shaun Hill will start for St. Louis in the opener.
Our weekly mailbag returns for the regular season and a noted change is already apparent over last season. Minnesota's starting quarterback doesn't overwhelm the variety of questions we received this week.
The Vikings go into the season with Matt Cassel as the unquestioned starter and will continue to groom rookie first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater.
With that in mind, there were many other roster decisions made during the past week. Here's what's on your mind as Minnesota prepares for the Rams:
Question: What can Line do that Banyard can't? -- Greg, Idaho
Answer: Frankly, Zach Line and Joe Banyard are completely different players who play different positions. Line is a fullback who weighs 233 pounds. Banyard is a shifty running back who weighs 205 pounds.
There has been a lot of interest regarding Banyard, who led the Vikings in rushing in the preseason with 36 carries for 212 yards, a 5.9-yard average. Banyard was a popular name in my responses on Twitter (@MNBrianHall) over the past week, too. Banyard definitely showed some skills in the preseason, but he was solidly behind Adrian Peterson, Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon in the running back pecking order.
I was surprised Banyard cleared waivers after his impressive preseason, but Minnesota was able to sign him back to the practice squad on Sunday after he cleared waivers. Maybe there's a role eventually for Banyard on the Vikings, but for now the coaches wanted Line on the roster.
I was certainly surprised Minnesota kept two fullbacks with Line staying as a backup to Jerome Felton. Felton is sure to get the majority of the fullback snaps, particularly early in the season. But Line can possibly contribute on special teams, too. Banyard had spent some time as a returner, but Line can play in the kick and punt coverage units.
Q: Who is the starting QB and who is 2nd and 3rd string? -- Tommy, 757 VA.BCH,VA
A: This one is easy. There's really no debate this year. Matt Cassel is the Vikings' starter, the veteran who kept his job after a strong preseason. Cassel returned to Minnesota this offseason with the belief it was as a starter and he was able to hold off Bridgewater, the promising rookie.
Bridgewater is the second quarterback and coaches have been pleased with his development. Christian Ponder, the former first-round draft pick, is the third quarterback. One interesting aspect could be whether the Vikings' keep all three quarterbacks active on game day.
Q: Any truth to the gossip that Peterson wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys. -- Mike, Minneapolis
A: The report this week that Peterson had reached out to Dallas owner Jerry Jones was an interesting one. I don't dismiss the report that Peterson had called Jones, but I also wouldn't overreact to the possibility of a call.
Reportedly the call was earlier in the offseason and Peterson was still learning about the new coaching staff in Zimmer and Turner. Peterson has said all the right things regarding the new coaching staff and says he is pleased with the direction of the team. Not to mention, he's under contract through the 2017 season.
It wouldn't be any surprise if Peterson did want to finish his career -- which he sees as far down the road â with Dallas. Peterson is from Palestine, Texas, not too far from Dallas and he has family members who are Cowboys fans. He's a loyal Texan and now lives in Houston. Peterson might one day want to suit up for Dallas and maybe finish his career there, but that is also potentially a long ways away.
Q: What do you see the Vikings doing with the safety spot? Do you think they give it to Blanton? If he cant stay healthy that leaves us with Sandejo. He seems more of a thumper than a cover guy like Zimmer likes. Do you see us picking up another safety? Love what Zimmer has done and hoping for a top 10 defense! Skol Vikes! -- Bryce, Anchorage, AK
A: Robert Blanton has the starting strong safety job next to Harrison Smith. Smith is a budding star and Zimmer is hoping Blanton can fill the second spot next to Smith. Blanton gives Zimmer the coverage ability he wants at the position and Zimmer said Blanton is a smart player. Now we have to see if Blanton can develop and hold on to the spot.
With the Vikings cutting Kurt Coleman and Chris Crocker, as well as putting Jamarca Sanford on injured reserve, there isn't much depth. Sendejo started 10 games last season, but he's made his way in the NFL to this point because of his work on special teams. Rookie Antone Exum was the other safety on the roster and Zimmer has mentioned the possibility of cornerback Shaun Prater seeing time at safety.
For now, it's Blanton's job to lose and Zimmer will likely give his current group of safeties some time to see if they can perform. But Zimmer and the team won't be hesitant about bringing in a safety if they feel one is available who would be an upgrade. Blanton opens with the job and will have the chance to reward Zimmer's trust.
Q: There hasn't been much buzz or talk about Scott Crichton, since the draft. Which, he was considered a steal by some. His stats in the preseason are quite disappointing, even for a rookie. And he was outplayed by Justin Trattou. Has he performed better in practices, and can we expect much out of him this year? -- Albert S., Idaho
A: Minnesota's coaches are still high on Crichton, a third-round draft pick. However, he's a 22-year-old rookie who missed much of the offseason program. Coming from Oregon State, Crichton was set back by the school's late semester and missed a lot of valuable development time on the field with the coaches. In comparison, Trattou has been in the league since 2011.
Crichton is still seen as a possible rotation player along the defensive line as Zimmer will look to keep players fresh and bring the defensive line in waves. Crichton can rush the passer and is big enough to stand up in run defense at 273 pounds. He has been the backup to Everson Griffen at right end. Crichton is a young player who will likely progress as the season continues.
I believe early in the season Corey Wootton will be the top defensive end backup to both sides. He could play either side, or he could stick on the left side and Brian Robison could move to the right. Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr will also be in the mix as a pass-rusher on passing downs. Minnesota revealed the look in the preseason with Griffen moving to the left side, Barr rushing from the right and Robison sliding inside with defensive tackle Tom Johnson.
Q: What do you think the chances are of the Vikings picking up Chris Clemons? He has ties to the staff (George Edwards). And although Zimmer isn't a fan of PFF, Clemons is rated as the 16th best safety in the preseason this year. He's not an old player like many veteran FA. With the underwhelming performances at the safety position opposite of Smith, it seems like it could make a good fit. -- Albert S., Idaho
A: There has been no indication that Minnesota is planning to bring in Clemons, who was released by the Houston Texans on Aug. 31. Clemons, 28, was signed to a two-year contract in the offseason but didn't even make it into his first season. He was signed to start and Houston released him before the regular season.
Clemons was with Miami last season when Edwards was the linebackers coach, but I'm not sure how much the connection would matter in this case. It's possible Clemons, as a vested veteran, could find a job after Week 1 when his contract wouldn't be guaranteed. Any vested veterans on the roster on Week 1 have their contracts guaranteed.
Q: Please tell me Zimmer saw something, anything in the secondary to justify making some veteran cuts. We need all the experience we can get back there.-- Andrei, Lakewood
A: I believe Minnesota will give its current roster some time to see how the group plays. Particularly at cornerback where the Vikings have struggled, but have some interesting pieces.
I do believe Zimmer feels comfortable with his group of cornerbacks. I can't say for certain he feels the same way about the safeties, at least right now. On Wednesday he said Blanton won the starting job because he didn't make as many mistakes as the other safeties. Zimmer also said he might not have gotten a great indication on the potential at safety because of the injuries suffered by Blanton, Sendejo and even Sanford and Mistral Raymond.
As linebackers coach, and Zimmer's son, Adam Zimmer said in training camp the secondary is Mike Zimmer's "baby." Zimmer might feel he has the pieces he can coach and improve. We'll all find out about the secondary in the regular season, especially as Minnesota faces New England, New Orleans, Atlanta and Green Bay in Weeks 2-5.
Q: Make one bold prediction for this year. Mine is that we are forced to turn to Ponder to start at least one game due to injuries, ha! -- Gerry Andersen, Anoka
A: Ponder starting a game this season is a popular topic. And as we've seen from the Vikings in the past, nothing can be counted out. But I think Cassel and Bridgewater wouldn't be available before we'd see Ponder start a game.
A bold prediction from me? That's tough. I'd have to give it some more thought, but how about this one: The Vikings challenge for a playoff spot this season. I see positive steps being taken since Zimmer was hired and he added Turner as the offensive coordinator.
Minnesota's offense was middle of the pack last season and Turner has pieces to work with in Peterson, tight end Kyle Rudolph, receivers Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings, Jarius Wright and Jerome Simpson. The Vikings also have a steady offensive line entering its third season intact.
Add in Zimmer's defensive philosophy with a defense that has added nose tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, drafted Anthony Barr No. 9 overall and will have a healthy Harrison Smith at safety. The early season schedule will tell the tale of Minnesota's season and if the Vikings can survive the tough stretch through the first five weeks, maybe they can challenge in the second half as the players and coaches grow together.
Also, this is as much of a reflection on the rest of the NFC, which appears to be top heavy between the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and maybe the Philadelphia Eagles.
I see Philadelphia as the clear-cut favorite in the East and don't have strong feelings on Dallas, New York or Washington. Seattle appears to be just as strong coming off its Super Bowl run, but the recent troubles to hit San Francisco could derail a good team and leave the West with only one playoff team.
I see two good teams in the South in New Orleans and Atlanta, but Tampa Bay might be a year away and I think Carolina could fall back after last year.
Minnesota plays in the toughest division and Green Bay would have to be considered the favorite. Chicago is a good team but has some defensive issues and Detroit always seems to underperform.
Could the Vikings vie for a final wild card spot? I could see it. I'd lean to Atlanta and Chicago as the wild card teams, but Minnesota could make it interesting a year after going 5-10-1.
Q: It looks like J Brinkley will be starting at mlb and A Cole will step in against the pass,do you think this is a good idea because to me having one guy that can set the D and play against the run and pass is a better option,i know Cole isn't great against the run but give him time he seems to do much better in games then in practice.Do you agree? -- Winston Eaton, Sacramento, CA
A: Weakside linebacker Chad Greenway will be making the defensive calls as the one player with a headset to coaches, and Greenway will be on the field in the base defense and the nickel. So, Greenway will play a big part of the communication aspect. Jasper Brinkley could help set the defense as the middle linebacker and is a veteran player with experience.
I believe Brinkley could fill the two-down, run-stuffing role in the middle in Zimmer's defense. Audie Cole is a more versatile player, but Brinkley's strength is stopping the run and playing downhill. Cole is better in coverage and seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Zimmer came out Wednesday and announced Brinkley would start in the middle in the base defense, but Cole will see the field and I wouldn't be surprised if Cole's role eventually grows this season.
Q: With Gray aboard what are the chances they get rid of Ponder and use Gray as an emergency #3 QB if need-be? -- Adam, Bloomington
A: I don't see any consideration to releasing or trading Ponder at this point and I certainly don't think Gray's presence should have any bearing on the quarterback situation. Gray is a tight end, and perhaps can play fullback or halfback, but isn't in Minnesota to be a quarterback.
Gray said he ran some "Wildcat" quarterback in Cleveland last season under Turner, but there's been no indication Turner is thinking about doing something similar with the Vikings' offense. Finding a reason to get rid of Ponder has been a popular consideration -- we also heard it when receiver Kain Colter, a college quarterback, was on the roster before being put on the practice squad.
Fans are just going to have to get used to Ponder being on the roster, at least for the time being. There's no harm in his presence, as he's in the final year of his contract and is well behind Cassel and Bridgewater on the depth chart.
There's been plenty of criticism of Ponder, and some wondered if he might be cut, traded and why he is still on the roster. But Ponder gives Minnesota an experienced quarterback to provide depth. He's started 35 games over the past three seasons and has had moments of quality play. Turner and Zimmer, at least publicly, are in Ponder's corner.
Q: It's pretty obvious the Vikes need a good smart QB. How about trading to the Lions for Kellen Moore ? The winningest QB in College history. He's smarter than most coaches, does nothing but win everytime he gets on any field. He reads defense better than Peyton Manning, spreads the ball around and goes through the progression of reads and recievers better than Tom Brady. He rarely gets sacked cause he gets rid of the ball so well. Christain Ponder, Teddy Bridgewater ? Really, Seriuosly ? 2 Ryan Leafs, Busts, with a little bit better character. The vikes could get Kellen for a token player or a low draft pick. He would be a coach on the field. Cheers Jim -- Jim Batten, Edina, Minnesota
A: And then we jump another step further in the criticism of Minnesota's quarterbacks. Kellen Moore isn't available, as he made Detroit's roster. I don't think Moore has ever been confused for Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Let's slow down a little bit here. I would just preach patience to the Vikings' fans and see how Cassel does under Turner and how Bridgewater develops. Both have been positive signs through the offseason and preseason.
Q: Do the Vikings see a lot in Antone Exum? Never heard of him making a big splash in camp but they released both Crocker and Coleman and kept Exum on the team. What are your thoughts? -- Michael, Madison, SD
A: Exum appeared on the outside of the safety picture in training camp and early in the preseason but he improved toward the end of the preseason. With his longest exposure in the preseason finale last week against Tennessee, Exum played his best and perhaps clinched his roster spot.
A sixth-round draft pick in May, Exum tied for second on the team with four tackles in the game. Zimmer said he also had improved on special teams, which was a consideration for the backup safety jobs. Sendejo is a core special teams player.
Minnesota might have not felt comfortable about exposing Exum to waivers, either. A former college cornerback, Exum has the coverage ability Zimmer is looking for at safety and he offers potential for the future and perhaps a player who can grow into his role.
Thank you for your submissions. I hope we continue to hear from you in the future. Our Vikings' mailbag will run once a week on Thursday mornings during the regular season. Be sure to check FOXSportsNorth.com for upcoming mailbags.
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