Vikings Claim Former Browns RB Ben Tate Off Waivers
By Dan Zinski
The Vikings have resigned themselves to the reality that Adrian Peterson most likely will not be back with them for the remainder of the 2014 season.
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With that in mind, the Vikes on Wednesday made a move to bolster their running back corps, claiming former Cleveland Brown Ben Tate off waivers.
Tate was cut by the Browns yesterday after becoming a little too vocal about his lack of carries. The 26-year-old veteran became buried in the rotation on Cleveland behind youngsters Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell.
Tate’s numbers on the year are not exactly overwhelming. In 8 games he has rushed for 333 yards on 106 carries, for a less-than-impressive 3.1 average. He has four rushing touchdowns.
It’s a little bit surprising that the Vikings would move to bring in a veteran malcontent with fairly bad numbers, but I guess they think they’re still in it this year and need more than Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon.
Asiata has been good in a couple of games this year but his overall rushing numbers have not been that strong. His yards-per-carry average is only slightly better than Tate’s, though he does have two more TDs in about 20 fewer carries.
McKinnon on the other hand has shown genuine big-time talent at times, but unfortunately has struggled catching the ball and pass blocking.
I guess with Tate the Vikings are hoping they have found a back with better hands and better pass blocking instincts who can help out Teddy Bridgewater. He did have 34 catches in Houston last year so the receiving ability is there.
At the same time, you have to wonder how much Tate truly brings to the table at this point. The Vikings seem to be getting frustrated with their third down production. Which is understandable after this weekend’s game.