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20	Dezember 2018

Tuesday Open Thread: October 2 , 2018

Happy Tuesday, everyone!Well, it�s http://www.vikingscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-rashod-hill-jersey another fine fall day here in the upper Midwest. The temps are falling along with the leaves from the trees, I feel an early winter descending upon us. I hope so, it looks like the fall walleye rush won�t be as intense (and fun) on the river this year, mainly due to the high water levels we�ve had all summer, and that�s the only non-football related event that makes summer�s exit tolerable for me, so as far as I�m concerned, let�s just head straight into winter so we can start ice fishing. Also, it really doesn�t get any better than tailgating in sub-zero temps. Speaking of tailgating, we�re taking Little Fishin� to his first Vikings game this year, we�re thinking of hitting the Dolphins game in December. I�ll let y�all know when we know for sure, and hopefully we can arrange a little DN get-together if anyone else is up for it. By then, this little rough stretch that the team is having will be a distant memory, and they should be trying to clinch the North.....again.Around the DN since our last open thread:Chris shared Mike Zimmer�s update on Everson Griffen, the coach stated that Griffen could return by week six, but no earlier. Although I wish Griffen could return now, I�m happy to hear talk of his return. In those periods of time where you hear nothing, our minds tend to create their own scenarios, and they�re normally not pleasant. So, I�m glad to hear updates like this, it indicates that Griffen is making progress, and getting the help that he needs.Also from Chris, Dalvin Cook is still not operating at full capacity as he continues his recovery from the hamstring injury that ended his tremendous rookie season. I�m not surprised, these injuries don�t heal overnight, Adrian Peterson wasn�t 100% until after week six in 2012. It was probably harder for him, as he had to carry the entire offense while he recovered.The Vikings have signed Jonathan Wynn to the practice squad, per Chris. Don�t worry, I was told that he�s no relation to Spurgeon Wynne. It was the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the headline, too.The team worked out a couple of vet defensive ends, likely looking to add some depth until Griffen�s return http://www.vikingscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-eric-kendricks-jersey , per Chris. Lamarr Houston and Robert Ayers are the two players, we�ll see if the team makes a move to sign either of them.Vikings news from other sources and news from around the league:At Vikings.com, hear Latavius Murray talk about the lack of a run game so far this year, and Dalvin Cook talked about that and also about his recovery status, and there�s more traffic you can sort through in their media vault.At ESPN, apparently the cast supporting Kirk Cousins has lost their dog.....or something. I hope they find him.....or her. I also wish they�d post a picture of the missing dog, we could be on the lookout.FoxSports says the Vikings need to apply some pressure in order to beat the Eagles. I agree, applying pressure is also a good way to get bleeding to stop, which isn�t really relevant, but it�s true.From NFL.com, the Chiefs came back, then prevented the Broncos from coming back, as the Chiefs remained undefeated as they topped the Broncos last night on Monday Night Football.We come to today�s media selection:In one of my ramblings in the words up above, I gave myself an idea for today�s selection. Enjoy!Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:No discussion of politics or religionNo feeding of the trollsThis isn�t a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the doorKeep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tagsNo pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employerIf you can�t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go awayWhile navigating the open thread, just assume it�s sarcasmWith that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up and tie one on. Don�t forget to tip your waitress, and try the head cheese.George Iloka: How Does He Fit as a Viking ? When I saw George Iloka got cut by the Bengals - apparently a salary cap casualty - I wondered if Mike Zimmer would attempt to sign him.After all he made an attempt a couple years ago, and sure enough he did - only this time successfully.Signing Iloka looks more to be an opportunity signing, rather than a need signing, as the Vikings have All-Pro Harrison Smith, and Andrew Sendejo - who is coming off his best season - as returning starters.So how does Iloka fit as a Viking?WHAT ILOKA BRINGS TO THE VIKINGSFirst, coming from Cincinnati - which still runs a Zimmer defense - Iloka is well versed in the Vikings defensive scheme.Zimmer and Iloka both said he was familiar with around 80-85% of the Vikings� defensive calls, so that�s about as close to plug-and-play as you can get for a free-agent signing.Iloka is also coming off his 2nd best year with a 71.4 overall PFF rating last season - average and below Smith, Sendejo and even Anthony Harris. So Cheap Ben Gedeon Jersey , it�s doubtful Iloka starts at either safety spot this year, barring injury, given Harrison Smith is an All-Pro and Sendejo is an established starter coming off his best season.But even though Iloka may not be a starter, he could see the field in a number of ways.First, Iloka could likely have a special teams role.Obviously the Vikings punt coverage team could use some help after it's performance the first two preseason games, and Iloka could help out there and in other special teams as well.He is a larger (6�4�, 225 lbs.) safety with presumably more speed than a linebacker, so that has value on special teams.And speaking of linebackers - Iloka could fit as a strong safety/linebacker covering a tight end.His 6�4� frame and greater athleticism than a typical linebacker could be a better matchup in coverage - particularly in the red zone - who could deny the tall throw to a tight end in the end zone.It could be also that if Anthony Barr is used more as a pass rusher this year, having a taller safety/linebacker to cover a tight end makes some sense.That is usually a more difficult assignment for either Sendejo or Smith, and it�s also not Barr�s forte either.IF ILOKA IS IN, WHO�S OUT?Lastly, if the Vikings choose to keep Iloka on the roster - which seems likely - that will likely impact the status of other safeties - sooner and/or later.Beyond Smith and Sendejo as starters, Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse, Tray Matthews and Jack Tocho are fighting for backup spots.Harris and Kearse have been core special teamers that have played very well in those roles.Tocho has flashed well in coverage during preseason, but has been inconsistent as well.Matthews has made some good plays both as a safety and special teamer, but isn�t up to speed on the defensive scheme.Kearse has missed both pre-season games with minor injuries - which may not be the real reason - and this hasn�t been Anthony Harris� best training camp either.This is also his last year on Harris� rookie deal.Beyond that, Andrew Sendejo is going from a $3.5 million salary cap hit this year to a $5.5 million cap hit next year, with only $50k dead cap this year.While I doubt Zimmer would replace Sendejo at the last minute in training camp this year, it may be that Sendejo - who turns 31 next month, may not be in the Vikings plans beyond this season.It�s also possible that the Vikings opt to keep five safeties on the roster this season, and one less linebacker, particularly if Iloka can fulfill special teams responsibilities.But if I had to guess at the moment, it seems more likely Iloka replaces Kearse, and Harris may have more of a challenge from Tocho than last year.Beyond that, Iloka, 28, could be groomed as Sendejo�s replacement next year if he�s deemed worthy of an extension.Last, it�s also possible that Iloka doesn�t make the roster in two weeks and is released.That�s also happened before with defensive guys Zimmer has signed from his old team.But at the end of the day Iloka�s release was an opportunity for the Vikings to explore a potential upgrade to safety depth, and a potential replacement for Sendejo down the line.We�ll see how it pans out.