Star-Trib is running a poll: "How should the Vikings replace Robert Smith at running back?"

I'm curious what your opinions would be.

The options are:

A)Use their first-round draft choice

B) Trade for or sign a featured running back

C) Look at current roster: Moe Williams, Doug Chapman

D) Forget about it: Concentrate on improving the defense

-- Clark (cdvike@mindspring.com), February 13, 2001

Answers

I would like to see a proven back to help the offense run smooth, I don't want defenses keying on Culpepper figuring that there's not much help in the backfield, Saying that I would like to see Corey Dillon but with Cincy tagging him that option looks weak, I would also look at Ricky Watters from Seattle but after that I'm for trying out Williams and Chapman and getting help defensivly. Ralph

-- Ralph (RFELIX7550@aol.com), February 13, 2001.

When definitly need a top notch running back. Like Ralph said, without one Daunte is a marked man. I dont believe Williams or Chapman are the answer. If nothing is done to improve what we have Daunte's learning will be severly hampered. Cory Dillion is a great back and I think he would be a perfect fit, especially if Moss is traded, he has the talent to step in right where Robert left off. If Moss is really on the trading block then I believe Dillion will be well worth it.

KT

-- Kevan Thomas (ktthomas@earthlink.net), February 13, 2001.

I would submit that R Smith and DC and the entire Viking offense is a product of the system, with the primary cog being the O line. Over the past three years the O line has been the constant. Yea, we lost McDaniel and Christy, but who would argue that birk and Lacina were not of AT LEAST the same caliber? I think Denny SUCKS as a game coach, (especially a BIG game coach), but he is able to get the pieces of the puzzle to fit. My vote is for Chapman--he's young, and from what I hear, quick and slashing. We may not get as many 15-20 yard pops, but that will be balanced by more 4-7 yard pops that open up the passing game to include the TE. I believe in Denny's understanding of the personnel, the strengths and weaknesses, and the design of a system to capitalize...

-- manders (thewitts1@home.com), February 14, 2001.

I believe that in a perfect world we would all prefer that the Vikings sign or trade for a top featured RB to replace Smith. However, with the team so bad on defense and so far over the cap, I would vote for C and D above. Concentrate on improving the defense, go with Chapman and Williams and perhaps go after a relatively cheap RB (N. Kaufman ?) to help out.

The team needs balance. No team has ever won a Super Bowl without a top 10 de

-- Mark (Karch 222@aol.com), February 14, 2001.

Chapman was a third round draft choice. I'd give him a chance if they can't get a proven veteran for a low price. It may be a year too early to have Chapman starting but I think the Cap money is better spent on defence.

-- Jack (Cloquet33@mmcable.com), February 14, 2001.

When I first saw this question, my first reaction was to vote to trade/sign a feature running back. After thinking about it further and after reading some of your responses, I'd now vote to "forget about it and concentrate on improving the defense". Actually, considering the pathetic state of the defense, is there really any other choice? On top of everything else, it appears we'll be losing J Randle, O Thomas, and possibly McDaniel and Rudd. I don't see anyone on the bench who can fill their shoes.

I liked Manders' comment - ...the entire Viking offense is a product of the system, with the primary cog being the O line. Over the past three years the O line has been the constant. Hopefully this and an "adequate" running back will be enough to protect Culpepper and allow for a much needed shoring-up of the defense.

-- Clark (cdvike@mindspring.com), February 14, 2001.

The defense HAS to be addressed so I would go with C and D. I also think Levens may be a cap casualty in GB so he would be someone to look at when he is cut.

-- Bruce (sixxking@aol.com), February 14, 2001.

I also vote for C and D. The defense has been neglected far too long and we are in deep trouble without a real good defense.

-- Jan Zumbo (dvt99@aol.com), February 15, 2001.

I gotta go with B, and agree with Kevan's and Ralph's thoughts on this.

-- Deb Cross (debcross2000@aol.com), February 15, 2001.

I like Mander's comment "I Think Denny SUCKS! as a game coach (especially a BIG game) better!

-- Ralph (RFELIX7550@aol.com), February 15, 2001.

C & D are my picks, look for a decent backup free agent but only at minimum cost and try like hell to sign some of the best free agent CB's to hit the market in the last 5 years!

-- Chris Morales (krondor105@aol.com), February 16, 2001.

I vote for C & D. I even throw in a vote for E (throw Denny out of town and get a coach who can win more then one playoff game per year)!

-- Dan (hookti1@aol.com), February 18, 2001.

I'm telling you guys that our #1 priority is to replace Smith with a guy like Dillion. Our D is so bad that it cannot be revived in one season. It will probably take 2-3 seasons. Of course rebuilding our D is is a major priority but we have the best chance of winning with an O hitting on all cylinders. Believe me if we do not have a strong ground attack Daunte will be eatin alive and we'll go from having a very good O to an average one. Couple that with an average/below average D and we're in for a losing season.

I think Moss is the one we should get rid of and use his return value to build the D. I like Moss' quick strike abality but I'd rather have a great ground attack.

-- Kevan Thomas (ktthomas@earthling.net), February 18, 2001.

I say go for Dillon and stick with the same model we had this year, we got to the final four with it. And Dillon is a healthier body than Smith.

-- Truth Teller (viking3124@aol.com), February 18, 2001.

I am inclined to vote for C & D. We really don't know what Moe and Chapman can do. Neither has had a good shot at the position. Moe has shown positive flashes at times. Our first priority should be improving the defense. As Mark alluded, no team has won the big one without a decent defense. Our own history in recent years has indicated that. IMO, it all starts up front. With an effective pass rush our DB's MIGHT be able to perform better. I don't by any means think that we should stick with the DB's we have.

-- John (Maccody@aol.com), February 18, 2001.

For those that answered D not to worry the Vikings plan to center their defense around Kailee Wong! Now that the defensive problems have been solved let's look ahead at signing a replacement for Smith!

-- Ralph (RFELIX7550@aol.com), February 18, 2001.

I say sign He Hate Me.

-- Iz (izmorrow@aol.com), February 21, 2001.

"He-Hate-Me"

LMAO IZ!

-- Clark (cdvike@mindspring.com), February 21, 2001.