Can Taylor carry the load for Vikes?

By Krupka  |   Thursday, June 08, 2006  |  Comments( 6 )

Minnesota Vikings
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The biggest question among first time starting running backs always comes down to whether or not they can carry the load for a rigorous, tiring 16-game schedule. The most asked question concerning the Minnesota Vikings and their offense deals with that very issue. The organization signed Chester Taylor to a four-year, $14.1 million contract luring him away from the Baltimore Ravens. Taylor has never been a featured back, but is likely to assume the role in Minneapolis this season.

It really seems to be a coin-flip's chance as to whether or not Taylor will become dominant or just another average back. However, luckily for the Vikings, there are plenty of good signs pointing towards the positive 50 percent chance. If the team has truly struck gold, the team's fans could be seeing the next Priest Holmes. Like the Kansas City Chiefs back, Taylor comes as a former backup that was underutilized and hasn't endured the wear and tear of an every-down back.

Can Chester Taylor carry the load? He has heard this question muttered numerous times already this offseason. Nobody will question his confidence after his response.

"I'm ready for the challenge. I had my spurts in Baltimore when Jamal got hurt, and then he got suspended and I had to take the load. I know I can do it. I just want to prove I can do it for a whole season this time," said Taylor.

It's good to see that kind of confidence from the 5-11, 213-pound back out of Toledo. The five-year veteran has carried the ball 373 times for 1,599 yards, good for a 4.3 yards per carry average in his career.

The signs pointing to Taylor becoming a terrific back for the Vikings--immediately--start up front with the offensive line. The signing of free-agent guard Steve Hutchinson, an All-Pro, and arguably the best guard in the NFL, helps shore up an offensive line that was leaky and penalty-prone last season. In addition to Hutchinson, the organization brought in former Philadelphia Eagle Artis Hicks via trade. With the renewed health of former All-Pro center Matt Birk teaming up with rock solid tackle Bryant McKinnie and the new acquisitions, the offensive line has quickly become one of the least areas of concern on the team. Every running back, outside of maybe Barry Sanders, needs a good offensive line to be successful.

"I had a great offensive line in Baltimore, but I'm really looking forward to playing behind this line," said Taylor.

Another reason Taylor should be successful is his great hands. In the West Coast offense the team will be instituting for the upcoming season, the running back has to be a pass-catching threat. Taylor is a tremendous pass-catching option out of the backfield (41 receptions last season), much like former San Diego Chargers back Ronnie Harmon.

Also, while Taylor will likely be carrying the load, he will have a great second back in Mewelde Moore to spell him, and Ciatrick Fason to handle the goal-line carries. Taking those backs into account, there is no reason to believe that Taylor can't put up a Pro Bowl-caliber season, while helping to lead the Minnesota Vikings' offense to a great season.

The only troublesome thing is that Taylor has reportedly come to camp overweight and a little out of shape. However, this shouldn't be blown out of proportion, because after all, he has three months to get himself into playing shape, which should easily be enough time.

Can Taylor carry the load for the Vikes?

He says he can, and frankly, there's no reason to doubt him yet.

Get more Chester Taylor insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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CommentsComments: 6  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Kelechi EzeAgu		03:30 PM
06/09/2006
No Chester Taylor can not carry the load because he is not as powerful as mewelde moore. Mewelde showed that he can be a starter...
No.2
Dim Gim		10:08 AM
06/10/2006
First off he is more powerful between than the tackles than Mewelde although I feel Mewelde is the more complete back. He just...
No.3
amit		03:12 AM
06/22/2006
I live in Baltimore and watch the Ravens and KNOW Chester Taylor can carry the load because he will have a good offensive line...
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