Discussion: Could Vikings Use Harvin As Reserve Back?

March 8, 2010 | Filed underNam's Thoughts,Vikes Fantasy,Vikings | Posted by

Kevin Seifert (ESPN.com NFC North Blog) brought up an interesting topic when he talked about the possibility of the Minnesota Vikings using receiver Percy Harvin as a running back in some sort of reserve role behind running back Adrian Peterson.

Seifert clearly is not a big fan of that idea when responding to a question by Tim of Stoughton, Wis.

My short answer: ARGGGHHHHHHHH.

OK, I’ll try again: Thank you, Tim, for your thoughtful and well-received suggestion. I respectfully posit that it might not represent the best use of Harvin’s skills.

I understand where Tim and others are coming from. Harvin is electric in the open field, he was a game-breaker from the backfield in college and there is no easier way to get him the ball than to thrust it into his stomach.

But to me, making Harvin a more-than-occasional running back would reduce his overall impact. Every play that starts with him in the backfield is one less play where he is pressuring defenses downfield or at least taking attention away from somewhere else.

Even making Harvin the third-down back is problematic. I wouldn’t want him picking up a blitz; I would want him catching a conversion pass against the blitz.

Minnesota Sports Zone’s Take:

I absolutely agree with Seifart on this one.  Harvin has the ability of playing running back, but his ability as a dynamic receiving threat overpowers his running ability.

Yes, we’ve seen Harvin line up at running back in either duel-set or as a single back for the Vikings this season, but we see that maybe once or twice at game at most.  Like Seifert said, I’m sure the Vikings don’t want to waste watching Harvin pass-block as a third-down back when he can be a threat to catch and move the chains past the line.

Harvin did cause some attention to defenses when lined up in the backfield.  I certainly see Harvin getting more carries next season, but not enough to call him a reserve back.  I certainly wouldn’t want him lined back there in third down situations.

What do you guys think?  Join the discussion on this blog or the linked message boards below.

Shortlink:

  • tl33487

    I agree with both of you. Making Harvin a situational third down back would waste his talents. We had this discussion in another thread but finding a solid replacement for Taylor really shouldn’t be all that hard to do.

  • Vikadan11

    I see him being used in the backfield at time ~ But not a lot ~ JMHO ~ I’m hoping that Darius Reynaud can make the conversion to RB ~ He would bring the same kind of talent that Harvin would ~ Not the same level but the same kind as Harvin ~

    The there is Albert Young who I know little about ~ I have heard he would be like a poor mans Chester Taylor ~ That would be OK ~ But I hope Reynaud can come through and take the job ~ Plus he is a very good punt returner so that would save a roster spot if Reynaud can take the job and run with it ~
    Just some thoughts ~