Wild & Crazy Guy Returning

[infantrycak]

Steve Martin is returning to town and may even get the starting nod over the Vikings' 2000 1st round draft pick, wonder boy Chris Hovan:

What came first for Chris Hovan, the injury or a sudden shift to the Vikings' second-team defense -- a move that caused Hovan to confront coach Mike Tice after practice?

Hovan suffered a bruised knee during a full-pads practice Monday, and he is listed as questionable on the injury report. Hovan, however, appeared unencumbered by the bruise and did not miss a drill.

Yet during the 40 minutes of practice open to the media, nose tackle Steve Martin worked with the first team. Hovan replaced Martin in the nickel packages.

Link

Hope Martin is less motivated against us than he was last year against the Patriots.

 

[Lucky]

Former Texan NT Steve Martin may get the starting nod at DT for the Vikings this Sunday over Chris Hovan.

During a three-day team study during the bye week, Tice tabulated the "Play Ratio" of each defensive lineman: The ratio of playing time to the number of "plays" such as sacks, forced fumbles and tackles for losses. He then met with every defensive lineman except Kenny Mixon and Lance Johnstone.

In different ways, Tice gave each player an elevated set of expectations. Martin, for one, stands to be a beneficiary of that approach: He could start Sunday against his former team.

"All you need is a chance," Martin said. "You only need one big play, and someone will remember you forever. It's a great opportunity for me, especially going back to Houston. I don't need any motivation this week."

Here's what Viking HC Mice Tice had to say, in general, regarding Hovan's demotion:

"I can't sit here and say that players win games, and then play players that don't make plays. Then I'm a hypocrite. If they can't make plays, then they can't help us win. And if they don't make plays, they shouldn't play. That's the way it goes. Regardless of who it is."

Looks to me that the Vikings are expecting a ground oriented attack by the Texans and are replacing a pass rusher with a run stuffer. Probably, a good move by Tice.

 

[texasguy346]

I agree that it's a good move by Tice, but it also looks to be another attempt to motivate Hovan. If Martin starts then it gives added incentive for Hovan to improve and produce what they Vikes are expecting for him. He had a dissappointing season last year, and he lost weight to improve his speed. Guess he didn't improve enough just yet. They'll definately need their best 4 DLineman out there because they'll be starting some young and inexperience LBs. A bad read by a LB could spell a big run for DD or Wells.

 

[JustBonee]

... Hope Martin is less motivated against us than he was last year against the Patriots.

Hope so too. Several Patriot fans made mention of the fact after that game and wondered how he got away from them. Revenge is such a strong motivater.