Football
Associated Press 18y

LB Smith finally paying dividends for Vikings

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Raonall Smith has been a bust for
most of his four-year career.

But with the Minnesota Vikings shifting to a 3-4 defense, and
with Smith finally staying healthy (knock on wood), the linebacker
is starting to live up to the promise he showed in college at
Washington State.

The Vikings raised eyebrows when they drafted Smith in the
second round of 2002, but injuries have kept him from making an
impact, until this season, somewhat vindicating coach Mike Tice.

"I really fought to have him drafted in 2002," Tice said. "We
probably took him a little earlier than we should have, but we were
really hurting for speed and playmakers at linebacker."

Smith had six tackles against Chicago before the bye week and
has impressed Tice with his play on special teams.

"He has got brilliant speed for a big guy," Tice said. "He is
powerful. He is a playmaker. ... He gets to the ball and he gets to
the ball real fast. We are real pleased with him. I wish he would
have done this two years ago."

For once, Smith finally hasn't had to answer questions about an
injury holding him back.

"Let me knock on that wood," Smith said with a smile. "It's
really nice to be feeling great and not have to talk about that
kind of stuff."

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HOMECOMINGS:@ Several Vikings have roots in the Carolinas, so
Sunday's game against the Panthers gives them a chance to play in
front of family and friends.

Koren Robinson is from North Carolina and attended North
Carolina State. He said he has purchased 40 tickets for friends and
family.

"I'm excited man, it's going to be a fun time," Robinson said.

Tight end Jermaine Wiggins played with the Panthers in the Super
Bowl and still knows a few players from that team.

Rookie Troy Williamson is from nearby South Carolina and starred
for the Gamecocks before becoming the Vikings' top draft pick this
year.

Wiggins figures to have the best chance for a big day as his
role in the offense increases. He has 12 receptions in the last two
games.

"I may not be the fastest guy I may not be the quickest guy but
I have a feel for the game and I do what I have to do to get
open," Wiggins said. "I always feel like when I do get an
opportunity -- make a play."<

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BUMPS AND BRUISES:@ Tice said the team's injury situation
continues to improve. He said giving linebacker Napoleon Harris
Wednesday off helped dramatically with his sore knee, "so we will
have a full contingent of players."

Harris practiced on Thursday, as did Dontarrious Thomas (knee)
and Nate Burleson (knee).

Of course, that brings up an altogether different dilemma for
Tice -- deciding who to keep active for the game on Sunday.

"We have a couple of tough decisions to make," Tice said. "Do
we go with Spencer Johnson, C.J. Mosley, or both? Do you go with
Dontarrious Thomas, Harris and (Heath) Farwell, all three or two of
the three? So we'll see."

Tice said that Burleson and cornerback Brian Williams have yet
to completely recover from their knee injuries, but they feel good
enough to play.<

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PUNT RETURNER:@ After releasing Keenan Howry before last week's
game against Green Bay, the Vikings are still searching for a
permanent punt returner.

Starting running back Mewelde Moore handled the duties last week
and will again this week, but Tice is looking for someone to take
the load off.

"I'd like to get a couple of other guys in there and take a
look at them," Tice said. "I think when Nate (Burleson) gets 100
percent healthy he will do it, but right now, Nate is not ready for
that."<

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LIWIENSKI STRUGGLES:@ Left tackle Bryant McKinnie is enjoying a
breakout season, but guard Chris Liwienski is struggling in his
return to the left side of the line.

Tice called McKinnie's performance in pass protection last week
against Green Bay "flawless."

But as McKinnie, Adam Goldberg, Mike Rosenthal and Melvin Fowler
continue to show improvement, Liwienski seems stuck in neutral.

"Chris needs to just, I don't know," Tice said. "Chris needs
to pick it up a little bit, I guess."<

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Jon Krawczynski can be reached at jkrawczynski(at)ap.org.

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