Vikings/Texans Post-game Thoughts

[9man]

Wow! I was unable to see the game, only highlights, but the vikes stepped up today. Now take care of business back home!

[johnpf12345]

It was a great game. Watching the Texans go right down the field for that first field goal had me worried as it seems one of the defenses biggest problems this year has been getting off the field on third downs. Lo and behold they sure tightened that up, best I remember Houston was 1 for 11 on third down conversions. AWESOME. Now lets see something similar against the pack. Problem is Rodgers is a lot more mobile than Shaub. Go Vikes, even if they dont go deep into the playoffs, just beating the pack at home and making the playoffs would be a very successful season in my estimation, after last years record and some of Ponders games this year, ending up 10-6 would be great. And what an enormous goal line stand, first down inside the one and kicked a field goal on fourth down with the ball spotted at the 14 or so.

[jackal]

The Vikings are a pretty good team.. maybe after a few drafts we have a real shot a title??

we will see.. pretty encouraged to see them win two road games against some decent defenses
and one really good team overall

[yezzir]

Ponder didn't make the big mistake. He picked up 1st downs. He did have that awful fumble. But for the most part, he is doing what the coaches are asking him to do. Ponder deserves a big thumbs up in my book.

[Mothman]

A nice take on the game from SI's Don Banks:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/ne ... =uk_t12_a3

[w_huisman]

IMO-

The defense played lights out because the offense didn't repeatedly go 3-n-out.

That little change, just having a mildly productive offense, seems to make a HUGE difference on both sides of the ball.

That's why I think the Vikes can play with ANY OTHER TEAM IN THE NFL if they win the time-of-posession battle.

[Sutsgold]

Not only were Ponders stats different, he just looked different. The ball popped off his hand a little more that it had recently. Maybe someone with access to past game tape could tell me, but it seemed like his arm angle was higher and his mechanics seemed improved. I also like how they got the ball into Wrights hands. Seeing Wright's presence made me wonder if the writing isnt already on the wall when it comes to Percy Harvin.

[Mothman]

IMO-

The defense played lights out because the offense didn't repeatedly go 3-n-out.

That little change, just having a mildly productive offense, seems to make a HUGE difference on both sides of the ball.

I think it makes a difference but I don't think it's THE difference. The two units help each other. When the offense is moving the ball and scoring, the defense is able to play with a lead and be more aggressive. When the defense doesn't give up long, time-consuming scoring drives, it helps the offense maintain rhythm and continuity during the game. When the offense puts together time-consuming drives, it helps give the defense rest. There's a give and take between the two units (and the special teams too, since they have a big impact on field position).

That's why I think the Vikes can play with ANY OTHER TEAM IN THE NFL if they win the time-of-posession battle.

If they win the turnover battle along with it, I agree 100%. However, TOP is very much a team stat, not an offensive or defensive stat, and to finish with a distinct edge in TOP requires a good performance from both the offense and the defense.

[Mothman]

Not only were Ponders stats different, he just looked different. The ball popped off his hand a little more that it had recently. Maybe someone with access to past game tape could tell me, but it seemed like his arm angle was higher and his mechanics seemed improved. I also like how they got the ball into Wrights hands. Seeing Wright's presence made me wonder if the writing isnt already on the wall when it comes to Percy Harvin.

I seriously doubt it. Wright adds something to the team but he's no Percy Harvin and the Vikes know it.

Jim

[psjordan]

I have been silent most of this season (buried with work) but this was a "great" win for several reasons. And I use the word "great" when I really mean "very likely franchise-changing".

We won. Late season. On the road. Against a 12-win team. On grass. When it mattered. No Percy. No Brian.

This was not a "fluke" victory based on bad (good) bounces or non-repeatable plays. This was a SOLID FOOTBALL victory. I guarantee you the Vikes have the respect of every coach and every player in the Texans organization today.

I loved the way our OL played even though the box was crammed full of Texans and AD did not get what we hoped he'd get.

This was a game that very good teams win. I can almost guarantee you that some of us along with media pundits will point back to this game as the point "when it changed".

Rogers is not as skitterish as Schaub so I am not sure our defensive success will hold another week. I am not sure we'll make the playoffs. But I AM sure we have set the bar to a point that could very likely lead to great success for this group.

[losperros]

I seriously doubt it. Wright adds something to the team but he's no Percy Harvin and the Vikes know it.

Agreed. Wright is no Percy Harvin. Although, while he's not as good as Harvin, Jarius Wright plays his own game well.

I think the handwriting on the wall is that if the Vikings put both Harvin and Wright on the field, then good things will happen. All the more reason to retain Harvin.

[losperros]

I have been silent most of this season (buried with work) but this was a "great" win for several reasons. And I use the word "great" when I really mean "very likely franchise-changing".

We won. Late season. On the road. Against a 12-win team. On grass. When it mattered. No Percy. No Brian.

This was not a "fluke" victory based on bad (good) bounces or non-repeatable plays. This was a SOLID FOOTBALL victory. I guarantee you the Vikes have the respect of every coach and every player in the Texans organization today.

I loved the way our OL played even though the box was crammed full of Texans and AD did not get what we hoped he'd get.

This was a game that very good teams win. I can almost guarantee you that some of us along with media pundits will point back to this game as the point "when it changed".

Rogers is not as skitterish as Schaub so I am not sure our defensive success will hold another week. I am not sure we'll make the playoffs. But I AM sure we have set the bar to a point that could very likely lead to great success for this group.

Good points, Paul. It was interesting to see certain players step up in this game that hadn't really stepped up in any consistent way in other games this season. I'm thinking about Jenkins and Simpson here. Jenkins made a catch on a medium deep pass to extend a drive, while Simpson made a circus catch on a ball that was supposed to be thrown out of bounds.

On another note, Tom Pelissero listed a stat that I was unaware of regarding the Vikings. He said they are 9-0 this season when they've won the turnover battle and 0-6 when they've committed more turnovers than the opposing team. Focus and precise fundamentals do count.

[PurpleMustReign]

Not only were Ponders stats different, he just looked different. The ball popped off his hand a little more that it had recently. Maybe someone with access to past game tape could tell me, but it seemed like his arm angle was higher and his mechanics seemed improved.

Remember a few games back (I think it was the game against Chicago) where he threw a slant to Jenkins that basically sealed the game? I mentioned it in another thread that it looks like something clicked for him a little.. Jim responded it, maybe he remembers it... anyway, since then I don't think he has thrown an INT. He looks different. Not QB of the future different, but much more confident. Maybe he learned sometihng about himself or something... Will he be the answer? Time will tell, and I a m certainly not ready to annoint him anything, but for some reason, something looks different about him lately.

[psjordan]

Good points, Paul. It was interesting to see certain players step up in this game that hadn't really stepped up in any consistent way in other games this season. I'm thinking about Jenkins and Simpson here. Jenkins made a catch on a medium deep pass to extend a drive, while Simpson made a circus catch on a ball that was supposed to be thrown out of bounds.

On another note, Tom Pelissero listed a stat that I was unaware of regarding the Vikings. He said they are 9-0 this season when they've won the turnover battle and 0-6 when they've committed more turnovers than the opposing team. Focus and precise fundamentals do count.

Yeah Craig I am a big fan of success and attitude breeding success and attitude. Watching AD work his arse off has definitely affected (lifted) the OL IMO. It took awhile to catch on but here we are. While I have not thought Ponder's performance has lit the world on fire this season, his "unflappability" along with AD doing his part has I think make the WR's feel like they'd better start pulling their own weight around this place.

All good signs, and I will be very interested to see how it all pans out against GB at home. Another big game and a win would do wonders for this team. IMHO.

[w_huisman]

I think it makes a difference but I don't think it's THE difference. The two units help each other. When the offense is moving the ball and scoring, the defense is able to play with a lead and be more aggressive. When the defense doesn't give up long, time-consuming scoring drives, it helps the offense maintain rhythm and continuity during the game. When the offense puts together time-consuming drives, it helps give the defense rest. There's a give and take between the two units (and the special teams too, since they have a big impact on field position).
If they win the turnover battle along with it, I agree 100%. However, TOP is very much a team stat, not an offensive or defensive stat, and to finish with a distinct edge in TOP requires a good performance from both the offense and the defense.

Exactly what I was trying to say, you just say it better! The O and the D feed off of each other, its just the O has struggled to feed the D quite often this year. I hope to see that problem becoming less frequent.