Minnesota Vikings Make Smart Move Claiming Ben Tate
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
When the Cleveland Browns waived running back Ben Tate on Tuesday, people began throwing around teams that could scoop him up. The Minnesota Vikings were mentioned as one potential landing spot, and appear to have proven some folks (including us) right.
On Wednesday, the Vikings claimed Tate off of waivers, officially carrying the running back from one three-headed rotation to another.
Source: the Vikings have claimed RB Ben Tate.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 19, 2014
Now with the Vikings, Tate will likely fill in as the powerful compliment to Jerick McKinnon, the explosive speedster. Unfortunately for bruiser Matt Asiata, this likely ends his time as the Vikings’ goal line back, which means he’ll take his rightful spot on the bench as Minnesota’s No. 3.
With Adrian Peterson’s future up in the air following a season-long suspension, the Vikings needed a quality back who could be the thunder to McKinnon’s lighting. With Tate now in the fold, Minnesota has added a starting-caliber back to their arsenal.
The main issue with Tate has been his proneness to injury, which cost him opportunities with the Houston Texans and Browns. When he is healthy, though, he’s shown glimpses of being an above-average starter with great burst and power.
Especially with Teddy Bridgewater struggling through his rookie season, the Vikings need to be able to lean on their running game through the final six games. While Tate certainly is no Peterson, he’ll be able to shoulder some of the load and give the Vikings another option moving forward.
Smart move, Minnesota.
5 Changes Jaguars Need to Make for 2015 Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars are already changing offensive coordinators, but what other changes should the team make for the 2015 NFL season? Read More
Christie Will Join Jones At Lambeau Field
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be with Jerry Jones as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional round. Read More
Rex Ryan Likely To Use Marc Trestman As His OC
If Rex Ryan becomes the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, fans can expect to see Marc Trestman back as the offensive coordinator. Read More
5 Areas for Jaguars to Improve Over 2015 Offseason
It's another dreary offseason in sunny Jacksonville. Here are five things the Jacksonville Jaguars must improve to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Read More
Flacco-Harbaugh Just as Good as Brady-Belichick
Looking at the playoff successes for the tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, they actually stack up just as well as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. See why that may actually favor the Ravens. Read More
Dallas Cowboys Needs Fast Start in Green Bay
The key to the Dallas Cowboys coming out of Green Bay with a win is getting off to a fast start, and here's why. Read More
5 Changes the Philadelphia Eagles Need to Make
The Philadelphia Eagles need to change some things before the start of next season. Read More
5 Players the Texans Could Use A Franchise Tag On
Here are five players the Houston Texans could use the franchise tag on this offseason. Read More
5 Players Set To Break Out For Seahawks In 2015
The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a playoff run, but that does not mean it is too early to look ahead to next season. Here are five players set to break out in 2015. Read More
5 Youngsters Set to Break Out For Ravens in 2015
The Baltimore Ravens had a successful draft last year, and rookies are already establishing themselves as playmakers on this team. Here are five young guys I expect to have a great 2015 season. Read More
Photo: Chris Christie as a Cowboys Cheerleader
Here's a disturbing image of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader from The Trentonian. Read More
5 Things Houston Must Improve Over the Offseason
Here are five things that the Houston Texans must improve over the 2015 offseason. Read More