Lions @ Vikings post game

[Pondering Her Percy]

Dantzler was bad in coverage, but he made up for it with poor tackling, except for one play where he must have closed his eyes and got the solo tackle. On a serious note, he lacks the size to take on bigger receivers (or TE's, or RB's) and he's not exceptionally quick. I don't see the upside.

And PP on the other side just looks slow and is consistently behind the play. He's first to arrive after a tackle has been made.

Outside of the Detroit game, dantzler was actually a beast when it came to tackling. And if I remember correctly, dantzler was the #1 CB in the nfl last year against the run. Or at least was at one point. He’s starting to remind me of a Trae Waynes. Great tackler, shaky at times against the pass. I wish they would allow him to play tighter and more physical. I feel like they always have their corners way off. Including Peterson

[JJBreaksRecords]

Dantzler was bad in coverage, but he made up for it with poor tackling, except for one play where he must have closed his eyes and got the solo tackle. On a serious note, he lacks the size to take on bigger receivers (or TE's, or RB's) and he's not exceptionally quick. I don't see the upside.

And PP on the other side just looks slow and is consistently behind the play. He's first to arrive after a tackle has been made.

Outside of the Detroit game, dantzler was actually a beast when it came to tackling. And if I remember correctly, dantzler was the #1 CB in the nfl last year against the run. Or at least was at one point. He’s starting to remind me of a Trae Waynes. Great tackler, shaky at times against the pass. I wish they would allow him to play tighter and more physical. I feel like they always have their corners way off. Including Peterson

I agree with you. Cam still needs to learn to cover better, but he is good at stopping the run. I was trying to remember who he reminded me of, and its Waynes. That guy could sneak up to the line and tackle like a LB. He got better at coverage but I think most will remember him for stopping the run. He tackles a bit like Harrison Smith does.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Outside of the Detroit game, dantzler was actually a beast when it came to tackling. And if I remember correctly, dantzler was the #1 CB in the nfl last year against the run. Or at least was at one point. He’s starting to remind me of a Trae Waynes. Great tackler, shaky at times against the pass. I wish they would allow him to play tighter and more physical. I feel like they always have their corners way off. Including Peterson

I agree with you. Cam still needs to learn to cover better, but he is good at stopping the run. I was trying to remember who he reminded me of, and its Waynes. That guy could sneak up to the line and tackle like a LB. He got better at coverage but I think most will remember him for stopping the run. He tackles a bit like Harrison Smith does.

It was honestly surprising how good of tacklers both Waynes and Dantzler were/are because both are 100lbs soaking wet but can hit like a truck

Also I thought Waynes improved immensely later in his career here in coverage. I’m hoping dantzler can do the same. What kills him is how far off he always is. He was very good in college against the pass and actually shut down Chase when they played LSU. Let him play physical, we already know he’s a physical player against the run

[CharVike]

Sorry in advance for what is going to be a downer post, but is anyone else getting concerned at the inability of the Vikings offense to sustain drives? They were 2-9 for the game, partially contributing to a whopping disparity of only 25:56 in TOP compared to the Lions' 34:04.

No explosive plays until the very end when they literally had no choice. I know Kirk overthrew Osborne on the one play, but the offense continues to under-perform with largely safe, conservative throws. This is 3 regular season games now where this pattern has repeated. They got away with it against the Packers mostly because the Packers didn't bother covering JJ and he got a lot of YAC as a result, but Cousins is rarely looking downfield.

While the result was favorable, the Vikings were largely outplayed for most of the game yesterday. I can understand that to a degree on the road against Philly, and while the Lions are a much better team than they were last year, I expected the Vikings to come out much sharper and ready to play on Sunday only to watch them dominated in the first quarter. The crowd was as silent as I think I've ever seen them through much of that time.

I'll give the Vikings credit for getting back into it, but as others noted, Dan Campbell seemed to do his part to help that.

This team really seems like the same team we watched most of last year. Incredibly streaky on both sides of the ball and consistently inconsistent. Maybe they will clean some things up, but honestly if nobody told me who the head coach of the Vikings was I can honestly say I'm still watching the 2021 Zimmer-led Vikings.

No need to feel sorry. This certainly doesn't feel like a Zimmer-led team. He would have sat on it and settled for the FG tie and then hope to kick another FG in OT. After the tying FG the Lions would have drove 60 yards and beat us with a FG at the buzzer. That's Zim ball particularly at the end of game. That didn't happen. We have lacked explosive plays for a long time. Diggs was getting deep for a year, 17.9 YAC, which is incredible and then he asked to be dealt and hasn't averaged that with Allen since. I don't know what the problem is but it might have to do with scheme, QB, no explosive WR threat, bad blocking ect...... I don't see us with an explosive guy at the Diggs level. As per another fan JJ couldn't get off tight CB coverage at the LOS. He was eliminated. Adam isn't explosive and Osborn is he considered explosive? Does he run explosive routes. Bottom line we put up 28 points which should win a game for you. If not then your D sucks. If we made one of those FGs it would have been 31. It's hard to win playing good but we played flat in the beginning. That's 2 games in a row and nothing out of the gate. Do that this week and it will be over because the Saints aren't the Lions. They play dam good D. That D with a lead will turn it lose. We need to get on the board fast.

[VikingsVictorious]

“Their fans”

You can edit your original post to correct it. Or you can do this.
I think the Vikings had plenty of business winning that game and it's not to me obvious that the defense will not be improved. Such a shame TB didn't convert the 2 and beat the Pukers.

[VikingLord]

Kirk Cousins may actually do better playing street ball
I know you all will think I'm crazy, but hear me out.

...

Sometimes, I think Kirk Cousins would do better with less structure ... because he's sort of a slave to structure. Almost every person in this world is creative to a degree. It's just that many don't use their creativity unless they're forced to do it. Maybe when you force Kirk to be creative, he's actually a better quarterback. Obviously I could be wrong, but he sure seems to do better when the entire play is just winging it.

I like the idea and I've noticed the same thing. I'm not sure if KOC can just tell him to play that way or if Cousins himself has to be in the right mindset to play that way, but it does seem like Cousins has two "settings" - his conservative setting and his aggressive setting. He plays better aggressive even if he makes a few mistakes. Then again, if the rest of the team is playing well he can get away with being conservative most of the time.

This is all about what is going on in Kirk's head I think. Maybe if KOC can just tell him to go out and play like he's down by 2 TDs with 7 minutes left in the 4th, but right out of the gate, Cousins could just go for it. I'd like to see that, actually.

[VikingLord]

We need to get on the board fast.

I agree, and even more, sustain drives by converting more on 3rd downs. The first 3 weeks have been pretty dismal in terms of sustaining drives and time of possession for the offense. They had enough big plays against the Packers to win comfortably despite those shortcomings, but these last two games have not been as kind. If not for the late heroics against the Lions, the Vikings would be 1-2 right now, largely because of these offensive struggles.

I really hope KOC can get this figured out. The offense should be better than they've been.

[allday1991]

Main question, how come Cine isn’t 2nd on the depth chart? Is he really that far from being ready? To me this is so much bigger than the lions game and I don’t think anyone in vike land has answered why there first round pick isn’t 2nd on the chart. Plenty of players available at 12 that are starting and doing just fine. Surprised there isn’t more noise about this.

[StumpHunter]

Main question, how come Cine isn’t 2nd on the depth chart? Is he really that far from being ready? To me this is so much bigger than the lions game and I don’t think anyone in vike land has answered why there first round pick isn’t 2nd on the chart. Plenty of players available at 12 that are starting and doing just fine. Surprised there isn’t more noise about this.

I think because Mettelus had a good game it isn't as big of a story, but sounds like Cine is completely lost in this defense and just not ready.

[Texas Vike]

Main question, how come Cine isn’t 2nd on the depth chart? Is he really that far from being ready? To me this is so much bigger than the lions game and I don’t think anyone in vike land has answered why there first round pick isn’t 2nd on the chart. Plenty of players available at 12 that are starting and doing just fine. Surprised there isn’t more noise about this.

It's a bit odd. I wonder if Donatell is like Zimmer, hesitant to start rookies. It may also just be that Metellus is just surprising coaches with his play--he certainly looked good. But that begs the question, why did we trade back to take a safety? Especially since we had so many needs on D?

[VikingLord]

It's a bit odd. I wonder if Donatell is like Zimmer, hesitant to start rookies. It may also just be that Metellus is just surprising coaches with his play--he certainly looked good. But that begs the question, why did we trade back to take a safety? Especially since we had so many needs on D?

I don't think KAM traded back for a safety, or for any particular position for that matter. He traded back to maximize the value he felt he could get out of the draft, and at the position he landed on, a safety happened to be the BPA there.

We're in a new world now with KAM as the GM I think. In some ways he'll resemble Spielman in terms of willingness to trade in the draft and even other FA moves. In other ways, he is something new in that I think he's looking less at particular positions and more in terms of valuation. Someone posted that KAM views players and draft picks more like stocks. If he sees something overvalued, he'll "sell", and if undervalued, he'll "buy".

It will be interesting to see how that pans out.

[Texas Vike]

It's a bit odd. I wonder if Donatell is like Zimmer, hesitant to start rookies. It may also just be that Metellus is just surprising coaches with his play--he certainly looked good. But that begs the question, why did we trade back to take a safety? Especially since we had so many needs on D?

I don't think KAM traded back for a safety, or for any particular position for that matter. He traded back to maximize the value he felt he could get out of the draft, and at the position he landed on, a safety happened to be the BPA there.

We're in a new world now with KAM as the GM I think. In some ways he'll resemble Spielman in terms of willingness to trade in the draft and even other FA moves. In other ways, he is something new in that I think he's looking less at particular positions and more in terms of valuation. Someone posted that KAM views players and draft picks more like stocks. If he sees something overvalued, he'll "sell", and if undervalued, he'll "buy".

It will be interesting to see how that pans out.

I think you are correct in terms of his general overall philosophy, but I recall reading that they wanted Cine and were targeting him specifically and were getting nervous as their pick came that someone else would take him. It might be the kind of thing you say to the media to make your pick feel the love. We'll never know.

[J. Kapp 11]

Sorry in advance for what is going to be a downer post, but is anyone else getting concerned at the inability of the Vikings offense to sustain drives? They were 2-9 for the game, partially contributing to a whopping disparity of only 25:56 in TOP compared to the Lions' 34:04.

No explosive plays until the very end when they literally had no choice. I know Kirk overthrew Osborne on the one play, but the offense continues to under-perform with largely safe, conservative throws. This is 3 regular season games now where this pattern has repeated. They got away with it against the Packers mostly because the Packers didn't bother covering JJ and he got a lot of YAC as a result, but Cousins is rarely looking downfield.

While the result was favorable, the Vikings were largely outplayed for most of the game yesterday. I can understand that to a degree on the road against Philly, and while the Lions are a much better team than they were last year, I expected the Vikings to come out much sharper and ready to play on Sunday only to watch them dominated in the first quarter. The crowd was as silent as I think I've ever seen them through much of that time.

I'll give the Vikings credit for getting back into it, but as others noted, Dan Campbell seemed to do his part to help that.

This team really seems like the same team we watched most of last year. Incredibly streaky on both sides of the ball and consistently inconsistent. Maybe they will clean some things up, but honestly if nobody told me who the head coach of the Vikings was I can honestly say I'm still watching the 2021 Zimmer-led Vikings.

No, not concerned.

1. This is a brand-new offense, and from all accounts quite complex.
2. None of the starters played in the preseason.
3. It may take 5-6 weeks for the offense to gel.

And this is as far from a Zimmer offense as a team could get. As evidence, I offer the final drive for the Vikings against Detroit. Everybody who follows the Vikings knows that Mike Zimmer would have played for the field goal and the tie to get the game to overtime. Kevin O’Connell said after the game that his only goal was to score the touchdown and end the game in regulation. He even mentioned sending the fans home happy, something that never would have crossed Zimmer’s mind.

The offense may not be that explosive yet, but in philosophy and game management, it’s completely new. And refreshing.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Sorry in advance for what is going to be a downer post, but is anyone else getting concerned at the inability of the Vikings offense to sustain drives? They were 2-9 for the game, partially contributing to a whopping disparity of only 25:56 in TOP compared to the Lions' 34:04.

No explosive plays until the very end when they literally had no choice. I know Kirk overthrew Osborne on the one play, but the offense continues to under-perform with largely safe, conservative throws. This is 3 regular season games now where this pattern has repeated. They got away with it against the Packers mostly because the Packers didn't bother covering JJ and he got a lot of YAC as a result, but Cousins is rarely looking downfield.

While the result was favorable, the Vikings were largely outplayed for most of the game yesterday. I can understand that to a degree on the road against Philly, and while the Lions are a much better team than they were last year, I expected the Vikings to come out much sharper and ready to play on Sunday only to watch them dominated in the first quarter. The crowd was as silent as I think I've ever seen them through much of that time.

I'll give the Vikings credit for getting back into it, but as others noted, Dan Campbell seemed to do his part to help that.

This team really seems like the same team we watched most of last year. Incredibly streaky on both sides of the ball and consistently inconsistent. Maybe they will clean some things up, but honestly if nobody told me who the head coach of the Vikings was I can honestly say I'm still watching the 2021 Zimmer-led Vikings.

No, not concerned.

1. This is a brand-new offense, and from all accounts quite complex.
2. None of the starters played in the preseason.
3. It may take 5-6 weeks for the offense to gel.

And this is as far from a Zimmer offense as a team could get. As evidence, I offer the final drive for the Vikings against Detroit. Everybody who follows the Vikings knows that Mike Zimmer would have played for the field goal and the tie to get the game to overtime. Kevin O’Connell said after the game that his only goal was to score the touchdown and end the game in regulation. He even mentioned sending the fans home happy, something that never would have crossed Zimmer’s mind.

The offense may not be that explosive yet, but in philosophy and game management, it’s completely new. And refreshing.

Facts

[CharVike]

Main question, how come Cine isn’t 2nd on the depth chart? Is he really that far from being ready? To me this is so much bigger than the lions game and I don’t think anyone in vike land has answered why there first round pick isn’t 2nd on the chart. Plenty of players available at 12 that are starting and doing just fine. Surprised there isn’t more noise about this.

I hate trading down away from the talent. This is Speilman part 2 and we are collecting a bunch of bench players. If you have a talented starting 22 then sure collect bodies to go on a long term development cycle. We need guys to jump in now and fill glaring holes. I expect the same BS next year. Camryn Bynum is a converted CB who is learning the S position. Cine should be able to beat that out. Then this multiple late round picks is about as dumb as it gets. 2 5ths and 6ths which is basically worthless. All this dealing did nothing. How about dealing up and getting a top ranked player who can step in and make an impact. That's what a smart GM would do. We were taken for a ride with the trade. Yes Ingram is starting and can't pass block. What good is that.