VIKES @ LA 10/24/24

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

In our house we're blaming my son who was at the wolves and Vikings games this week. 

Funny because I went to LA three years ago to watch the Vikings play the Chargers and the Lakers ALSO played the Wolves.

At least MN split that one, with the Vikings winning. LeBron didn't even play against the Wolves, but we were already four breweries in so we didn't much care.

[TheLeviathan]

1 minute ago, Vanimal46 said:

Agreed. But I’m not sacrificing the 2025 1st round pick anymore until we know Darrisaw’s injury diagnosis. If he’s out for the season it’s over. 

Agreed.  I'm more on the Calaias Campbell wagon.

[Aggies7]

[Vanimal46]

Really bad offense called from KOC again for the final 3 quarters. Unfortunately this is becoming a trend 

[Vanimal46]

3 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

R3 bet the Rams +3 and wanted to cash in. Jesus Christ 

[nicksaviking]

4 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

That was photoshopped. This was the real video:

[Mike Sixel]

29 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

KOC is safe, but Kwesi is getting exposed… Where is Dallas Turner? That guy Kwesi traded half of the 2025 draft for? Patrick Jones is a classic just a guy who shouldn’t prevent any talented player from taking his snaps. 

This is a really good take. How could we all be so wrong so far?

[Mike Sixel]

Sorry I was so cranky. I almost never get to watch this team live....I guess I was channeling the twins game threads. I'll be better.

[Aggies7]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Sorry I was so cranky. I almost never get to watch this team live....I guess I was channeling the twins game threads. I'll be better.

Nah, that was a letdown game after losing on Sunday. The penalties especially were frustrating. I know they got their receivers back but I did not expect a ten point loss to a team who people thought was about to have a fire sale as recently as last week 

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

This is a really good take. How could we all be so wrong so far?

To be fair, in the first five games Jones had six tackles for loss and seven QB hits including five sacks, all while playing less than 50% of the snaps. He WAS doing exactly what they wanted from him. I'm not surprised it was going to take more than two games for them to give Turner his reps.

And, while I'd switch to Turner now, I wouldn't be surprised if they give Jones more rope. He was one of the things that was working early.

Really, I think missing Cashman is a bigger deal than we thought. I don't know how to look for the stats, but the best part about Greenard, Van Ginkel and Jones was that they could drop back into coverage OR blitz. Clearly, Pace has no business being on the field in coverage situations and I'd guess those guys are picking up some of the slack.

[Vanimal46]

Sometimes I really wonder if we’re watching a legitimate league or WWE wrestling. That ref needs to be fired or investigated for sports betting. 

[nicksaviking]

7 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Sometimes I really wonder if we’re watching a legitimate league or WWE wrestling. That ref needs to be fired or investigated for sports betting. 

Sorry, only happening if it happens against the Cowboys or Aaron Rodgers.

[nicksaviking]

Yup, here we go. 

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-must-make-face-mask-fouls-reviewable

It'll be reviewable next year, at which point the Vikings are going to end up on the wrong end of it.

[Aggies7]

6 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Yup, here we go. 

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-must-make-face-mask-fouls-reviewable

It'll be reviewable next year, at which point the Vikings are going to end up on the wrong end of it.

Wonder how they’ll work it. Add another coach’s challenge? Or auto booth review like college? Whatever it is can’t slow things down more. College ball is nearly impossible to watch because of the reviews 

[nicksaviking]

So Darrisaw's injury is reportedly a knew injury? Based on the video, the defensive player landed fairly low on the side of his shin and I figured he broke his tibia or fibula. I didn't see the twisting kind of action you normally see with torn ligaments. This could be the (too many) IPAs talking (don't judge, I took tomorrow off work!), but maybe the MCL just got stretched and it turns out to be just a strain.

[nicksaviking]

2 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

Wonder how they’ll work it. Add another coach’s challenge? Or auto booth review like college? Whatever it is can’t slow things down more. College ball is nearly impossible to watch because of the reviews 

It's such an easy call, every GD one of them should be radioed in from New York.

And I hope the radio call goes something like, "Hey Stevie Wonder, that was a facemask, throw the flag."

[Danchat]

I didn't see this kind of game from the defense coming - only 3 pressures from them IN THE ENTIRE GAME! Compared to 5 penalties from 1st downs. Hard to tell if scheme was the issue, just looked to me like they were out of gas after playing 4 days ago. The CBs looked bad, but that's kinda how it goes when you face 2 elite WRs and your pass rush blows. But it doesn't help that Gilmore and Murphy can't tackle. Gilmore looked like he was making business decisions on some of those attempts.

The offense is frustrating as they continue to look amazing on scripted drives and then sputter out (6 points in 3 quarters is unacceptable). Darnold has been wringed for all of the talent he has, but deep down he is a middling starter. Getting in the plays late and all of the pre-snap penalties are beyond frustrating, O'Connell has to crack the whip. How Bradbury screws up so many times despite being a veteran is unfuriating.

Despite this loss, I expect the Vikings to play .500 football down the stretch which still means 10/11 wins. The Colts/Jags/Titans aren't good and they're likely going to win 2 of the next 3 games. This team is poised for a first round playoff exit, I can smell it all the way from October to January.

[Vanimal46]

Flores needs to make some adjustments during this mini bye week. Harry the Hitman and Gilmore looked their age the last 2 games. 

Dallas Turner has played 7 total snaps the last 2 games. Unacceptable. Patrick Jones is just a guy, not someone that prevents a 1st round pick they traded up for from playing. 

I still believe KOC is the guy to lead this team for several years, but the play calling needs to improve. Or else give it up to Wes Phillips. 

[Aggies7]

8 hours ago, Danchat said:

I didn't see this kind of game from the defense coming - only 3 pressures from them IN THE ENTIRE GAME! Compared to 5 penalties from 1st downs. Hard to tell if scheme was the issue, just looked to me like they were out of gas after playing 4 days ago. The CBs looked bad, but that's kinda how it goes when you face 2 elite WRs and your pass rush blows. But it doesn't help that Gilmore and Murphy can't tackle. Gilmore looked like he was making business decisions on some of those attempts.

The offense is frustrating as they continue to look amazing on scripted drives and then sputter out (6 points in 3 quarters is unacceptable). Darnold has been wringed for all of the talent he has, but deep down he is a middling starter. Getting in the plays late and all of the pre-snap penalties are beyond frustrating, O'Connell has to crack the whip. How Bradbury screws up so many times despite being a veteran is unfuriating.

Despite this loss, I expect the Vikings to play .500 football down the stretch which still means 10/11 wins. The Colts/Jags/Titans aren't good and they're likely going to win 2 of the next 3 games. This team is poised for a first round playoff exit, I can smell it all the way from October to January.

I think you’re right about the defense being tired. Part of it is that the offense hasn’t been holding the ball very long lately. They were gassed against the jets and somewhat against the lions. And I find it odd that they were asked to travel to the west coast for a Thursday game. I believe the rams were home last Sunday too. Not a good excuse but just a thought.

[Aggies7]

I think Darnold did fine honestly. The Nailor drop was massive. I do think he holds on to the ball too long especially considering he has fair mobility.

The Jefferson catch was a curse in disguise. I hated rushing up there and calling an outside running play and then following it up with another running play. That field goal pretty much set the stage for a loss IMO 

[gunnarthor]

Quick thoughts

1) we lost a classic trap game. Not going to ruin our season but ugly game.

2) I'm more worried about our offense than our defense. The offense seems to shut down when Jefferson isn't getting the ball, I think Darnold locks on him a bit much (understandable), but KOC's play calling isn't working as well lately. We've been settling for far too many field goals lately. And we are committing far too many pre-snap penalties.

3) Re: Turner. If you remember the pre-draft stuff about his was that he was still small and young (20 during the NCAA season) and would need time to beef up. I think that's likely what is happening. 

4) We're 5-2. Look at our pre-season expectations, relax. Enjoy the season. This is a playoff team and probably still a top 3 team in the NFC. I do think the coaches have to make some adjustments but I think both KOC and Flores can make the adjustments. Root for the Jags this weekend.

[Aggies7]

18 minutes ago, gunnarthor said:

Quick thoughts

1) we lost a classic trap game. Not going to ruin our season but ugly game.

2) I'm more worried about our offense than our defense. The offense seems to shut down when Jefferson isn't getting the ball, I think Darnold locks on him a bit much (understandable), but KOC's play calling isn't working as well lately. We've been settling for far too many field goals lately. And we are committing far too many pre-snap penalties.

3) Re: Turner. If you remember the pre-draft stuff about his was that he was still small and young (20 during the NCAA season) and would need time to beef up. I think that's likely what is happening. 

4) We're 5-2. Look at our pre-season expectations, relax. Enjoy the season. This is a playoff team and probably still a top 3 team in the NFC. I do think the coaches have to make some adjustments but I think both KOC and Flores can make the adjustments. Root for the Jags this weekend.

I think it’s fair to question if the Flores defense is sustainable long term. If you’re going to blitz everyone on almost every down, are you not going to wear everyone out more quickly? What the hell good is a blitz if they just run smack into the o line and backs and get no pressure? Seems like that’s making our guys get worn out prematurely 

[nicksaviking]

12 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

I think it’s fair to question if the Flores defense is sustainable long term. If you’re going to blitz everyone on almost every down, are you not going to wear everyone out more quickly? What the hell good is a blitz if they just run smack into the o line and backs and get no pressure? Seems like that’s making our guys get worn out prematurely 

Have they blitzed that much lately? The last three games were the first three against veteran QBs. I’m wondering if the shock and awe approach is reserved for the kids. Either way, what’s happening now isn’t as effective.

But I can’t figure Josh Mettelus. Last year he was one of the few guys that could do the blitz-or-cover switcheroo. He was making plays at the line of scrimmage and backfield every game. Now he’s just used as a coverage nickleback.

[gunnarthor]

18 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

I think it’s fair to question if the Flores defense is sustainable long term. If you’re going to blitz everyone on almost every down, are you not going to wear everyone out more quickly? What the hell good is a blitz if they just run smack into the o line and backs and get no pressure? Seems like that’s making our guys get worn out prematurely 

I'm not sure it's as dire as that. We don't blitz every down. In fact, i think we're fifth in blitz rate this year (as opposed to last year when we were first). 

I think the bigger issue is dumb penalties (and probably health but health is an issue for every NFL team). The Rams second scoring drive was kept alive by two penalties on third down by the defense. On their last TD drive, we again had two stupid defensive penalties and gave up a first down on a fourth and short. Similar stupid things happened against Detroit. Generally, it's hard for offenses to successfully dink and dunk down the field without help from the defense. 

As to the worn down angle, that was actually a gripe against Zimmer for playing so much man to man. I have no idea if one type of defense wears people down more than others. It's the NFL. It's excessively violent so I would tend to doubt that. But you are right that teams with depth are probably better so it would be nice to see Turner and a few others step up and push for playing time. 

[Danchat]

58 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Have they blitzed that much lately? The last three games were the first three against veteran QBs. I’m wondering if the shock and awe approach is reserved for the kids. Either way, what’s happening now isn’t as effective.

But I can’t figure Josh Mettelus. Last year he was one of the few guys that could do the blitz-or-cover switcheroo. He was making plays at the line of scrimmage and backfield every game. Now he’s just used as a coverage nickleback.

They blitzed 55% of the snaps against the Lions, Goff was just as good against it as when they didn’t.

Metellus played basically the whole Lions game at LB next to Pace and it looked like he did vs the Rams too. They need to get him back to his Swiss Army knife role when Cashman is back. Pace is also proving to be challenged as an every down player, he’s clearly more fit to be a rotational chess piece.

And the there is the concerning usage of Dallas Turner, who might be looking at a best case scenario of a Year 2/3 breakout. Not surprising given he’s only 21 years old but it’s not a good look seeing Verse being top 10 in pressures and being taken 2 picks later. It helps that he is 24 and had a lot more college experience than Turner.

[Mike Sixel]

You trade that many picks for a guy, he has to play and be very good. He's not even on the field. Other than ST penalties every week. 

This lame excuse of a trap game is lame. Truly. They haven't looked decent in the second half most of the year. It's not one game. It's a pattern. 

[gunnarthor]

I laughed

[Mike Sixel]

That was great

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Danchat said:

They blitzed 55% of the snaps against the Lions, Goff was just as good against it as when they didn’t.

Metellus played basically the whole Lions game at LB next to Pace and it looked like he did vs the Rams too. They need to get him back to his Swiss Army knife role when Cashman is back. Pace is also proving to be challenged as an every down player, he’s clearly more fit to be a rotational chess piece.

And the there is the concerning usage of Dallas Turner, who might be looking at a best case scenario of a Year 2/3 breakout. Not surprising given he’s only 21 years old but it’s not a good look seeing Verse being top 10 in pressures and being taken 2 picks later. It helps that he is 24 and had a lot more college experience than Turner.

Kwesi misses again.  Big problem.

[Mike Sixel]

11 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Kwesi misses again.  Big problem.

Ya, I can't imagine anyone saw Turner being this irrelevant.