Tracking the NFC North

[PikeBadger]

Vikings O-line is a mess. Last night they had their 2nd string LT playing RT. A third string LT that wasn't even on the team 3 weeks starting. Bradford didn't have time to even look over the field after the ball was put into play. The O-line can't seem to get a push off to even do a decent block for the runner. Of course it didn't help that Asiata kept running into the back of his own players instead of hitting whatever little hole there was.

Cutler seemed to play what looked like one of his best games in years. Of course I biased in that manner. Having 2 starting DB's out didn't help much either.

All I know is that if the O-line play doesn't improve, Bradford will be on IR before we play the Packers again.

Agree, in the second half,Bradford had that look of "I've been here before". I'd be very despondent if I were a Vikings fan. Howard had plenty of running room most of the night and no pass rush against a beat up Bears o-line. Bears had numerous good drives. The entire team looked a mess. They're in trouble.

 

[PackAttack12]

That defense is legit when it's firing on all cylinders, but when the Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler do that to you, there's some issues somewhere. I know Cutty is probably trying to get him one more fat contract, but still. Not good.

 

[bigbubbatd]

Vikings O-line is a mess. Last night they had their 2nd string LT playing RT. A third string LT that wasn't even on the team 3 weeks starting. Bradford didn't have time to even look over the field after the ball was put into play. The O-line can't seem to get a push off to even do a decent block for the runner. Of course it didn't help that Asiata kept running into the back of his own players instead of hitting whatever little hole there was.

Cutler seemed to play what looked like one of his best games in years. Of course I biased in that manner. Having 2 starting DB's out didn't help much either.

All I know is that if the O-line play doesn't improve, Bradford will be on IR before we play the Packers again.

Did I miss the second db out? Rhodes missed a series or two but played over 3 quarters. Sendejo was obviously out but he is the worst db who starts for the vikings.

 

[bigbubbatd]

Last thing on the Vikings. People keep bringing how Denver had a really bad offense but was still able to win a super bowl with their defense. Here is the main issues I have with that comparison

1. The broncos offense was ranked 16th in the NFL in yards per game. The Vikings are 30th. The Broncos had 60 yards more per game than the Vikings.

2. Points per game is also in Denver favor by 3 but I would guess it would jump to 5 or 6 if you took out defensive tds

3. Denver could at least sustain a drive. 314 first downs. The Vikings are on pace for 260 or so. That is the difference between new England and Cleveland last year

4. Ypa passing are almost equal but Denver had a 1.5 ypc difference. That is huge. Minnesota is at a dreadful 2.7 ypc. It has actually been that way all year even when ap was playing

And these numbers have been true most of the year. The Packers are not chasing a team similar to last year's Broncos

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Norv Turner has resigned as the Vikings offensive coordinator. Pat Shurmur will replace him.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Shurmur was Bradford's offensive coordinator in St. Louis and Philadelphia, have to wonder if they think he will improve that mess because of it?

 

[El Guapo]

Wow. I think that some fresh play calling may help, but it won't fix their offensive line.

 

[Raptorman]

Did I miss the second db out? Rhodes missed a series or two but played over 3 quarters. Sendejo was obviously out but he is the worst db who starts for the vikings.

Sherels was out as well. While not a starter, he does get a lot of playing time.

 

[bigbubbatd]

Sherels was out as well. While not a starter, he does get a lot of playing time.

Does he play ahead of Waynes? Or captain?

 

[Raptorman]

Does he play ahead of Waynes? Or captain?

Waynes yes. Captain, they switch.

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

Hey...what the hell did I do to upset you ??

I don't think he likes your accent.

DS

 

[bigbubbatd]

Waynes yes. Captain, they switch.

So this site that says Captain has 293 snaps and Waynes has 244 snaps to Sherels 4 must be wrong.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2016-snap-counts.htm

 

[Raptorman]

So this site that says Captain has 293 snaps and Waynes has 244 snaps to Sherels 4 must be wrong.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2016-snap-counts.htm

I thought he was getting more playing time than that. Wow.

 

[El Guapo]

He's a pretty good returner.

 

[bigbubbatd]

I thought he was getting more playing time than that. Wow.

I thought he got a little but I knew he played a little less than those two. He is a great returner though

Oddly I am a Sherels fan. Met him at hotel in Minneapolis once. Great guy

 

[OldSchool101]

I tried to explain to Several Vikings fans a few weeks ago how rare it is to start strong and finish the year on top but they didn't wanna listen. they knew I was a Packer fan so they were too busy celebrating their short lived virtual Chsnpionship run

 

[Chris398]

https://twitter.com/RobDemovsky/status/794232160358019072/photo/1

 

[Shawnsta3]

I don't expect the Falcons to be in contention for home field advantage because their defense isn't good enough.

Not only do I expect them to compete for homefield advantage with an explosive offense similar to Arizona's last year, I expect Matt Ryan to be in the running for MVP as well.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Not only do I expect them to compete for homefield advantage with an explosive offense similar to Arizona's last year, I expect Matt Ryan to be in the running for MVP as well.

The Falcons offense looks scary good nut their defense reminds me a lot of the 2011 Packers. Therefore I think Atlanta will lose some more regular season games resulting in them falling out of contention for home field advantage. I don't care about the MVP at all.

 

[InFamous]

There are rumours Shurmur called the plays for Bradford the first two games, since he is familiar with him and given back the play calling duties to Norv afterwards.

Could explain the drop-off beside playing behind a patchwork o-line the last few games.

I haven't watched the Queens closely, so my question, did the play calling change the last few games? Norv is known for his 5-/7-step pass plays which is a recipe for disaster behind that line...

And could it be, that the resigning makes the Queens offense getting better?

 

[Mondio]

I haven't watched every Vikings game, but it all boils down to this for me. IF Bradford can be under some pressure and toss pinpoint perfect passes 10-15 times a game for bigger plays, their defense can get a couple takeaways and their special teams are good, they'll still win games. Won't matter who's calling plays.

The hard part is, it's not hard to do that for a game or 2. It's hard to stay that accurate when you're offensive line is that bad and you're getting beat up pretty much every single down. If your defense isn't covering for an inept offense and giving it 2,3,4 extra possessions a game on a short field, it's harder to win. If their line doesn't improve, I don't card who is calling the plays, Bradford won't be able to hold up his end of the bargain. Maybe they get a shortlived blip in production because some tendencies changed, but new ones will be found and figured out in a couple weeks. There's only so much you can do behind an oline like that with limited playmakers and an immobile QB.

It's still going to take perfect defensive play and good special teams play to cover up for this offense

 

[bigbubbatd]

There are rumours Shurmur called the plays for Bradford the first two games, since he is familiar with him and given back the play calling duties to Norv afterwards.

Could explain the drop-off beside playing behind a patchwork o-line the last few games.

I haven't watched the Queens closely, so my question, did the play calling change the last few games? Norv is known for his 5-/7-step pass plays which is a recipe for disaster behind that line...

And could it be, that the resigning makes the Queens offense getting better?

I cannot see any way that norm would have given up play calling duties those first two games. Shurmer may help for a bit but unless he can play 3 offensive line positions, rb, and give them more threats at wr it will probably be a marginal increase at best

 

[Robert Mason]

Norv is known for his 5-/7-step pass plays which is a recipe for disaster behind that line...

That's probably why Zimmer interceded. They will now likely return to a west coast type offense of quick drop and quick release.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

That's probably why Zimmer interceded. They will now likely return to a west coast type offense of quick drop and quick release.

It wasn't Zimmer's decision to replace Turner as the Vikings offensive coordinator.

 

[Robert Mason]

It wasn't Zimmer's decision to replace Turner as the Vikings offensive coordinator.

I didn't say it was Zimmer's decision to replace Turner. Zimmer wanted Turner to adjust the offense to a quick drop, quick release. Then Turner resigned.


Man....You always misinterpret what other people say !!