The Pioneer Press is reporting today that rookie running back Ciatrick Fason will likely start for the final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. I sure hope so because I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Fason duringg the limited carries he’s gotten thus far. It will be nice to see what he can do with some extended playing time.
I’ve said before that I’m impressed with his ability to make lateral cuts. That’s what he has in common with Mewelde Moore. As good as Moore is, it’s awfully painful to watch him get run down from behind by linebackers. Fason, is a step or two quicker than Moore, so he has that going for him, which is nice. Michael Bennett, on the other hand, has a two or three steps on both of those guys but, Jeeezus, will he ever remain healthy for an entire season?!?
What I want to see from Fason is how capapble he is of picking up blitzes and if he can catch. Check out my Vikings training camp post for video of Fason and my Minnesota Vikings’ 2005 Draft Picks post for Fason’s profile and video clips of him rushing for Florida.
Yesterday, I wondered why the Bears have such an affinity with players with unpronounceable names; well, the Vikings have one of their own in running back Adimchinobe Echemandu, who looked impressive last week against the Chargers. He, too, should get some extended playing time with Bennett and Moore on the bench.