Thoughts Week 1

[PurpleMustReign]

This is probably the ugliest win that I have ever seen by a Vikings team. The only positives out of the game (other than the score) was that Hill wasn't sacked, despite being horribly immobile and the defense's ability to create turnovers in the second half (and sacks).
Danielle Hunter= STUD
Harrison Smith= STUD
Stefon Diggs=STUD


If I am Zim, I don't start Griffen next game and make him sit out the first series. That was the dumbest penalty I have ever seen.

And if we don't bring a kicker in thi week, I will blow up Winter Park.

[S197]

Everson Griffen points to his chest as he walks to the sideline after Titans score a late touchdown. Vikings up 25-16, 28 seconds left.

Uncharacteristic for him. He knew he did wrong.

I have to think you tryout Gould. The only question is who starts. Wouldn't be surprised if it's Bradford.

I think the game looked bad because the Vikings had so many penalties in the 1st half while the Titans played a pretty perfect half. But good teams adjust and know there's two halfs to the game. I thought this young team showed a lot of maturity with the way they came out after halftime. Lot of work to do but a great way to start the year.

[720pete]

This is why we traded for Sam Bradford.

[TSonn]

This is why we traded for Sam Bradford.

Hopefully to complete some passes on 1st down.

[SP1966]

Hopefully to complete some passes on 1st down.

If they give Bradford that kind of pocket to throw from he should have a career year.

[dead_poet]

Zimmer said Walsh's misses were disappointing but "he's our kicker."

Rhodes heard a "pop" in his knee when stretching. Getting a scan tonight.

[S197]

Last year it was pecs, this year knees. WTF

Mike Zimmer said Xavier Rhodes was stretching and felt something pop in his knee. Will get a scan. Doesn't know if it's long term. #Vikings

[halfgiz]

It's bad when the coach has to duck so he doesn't get hit by a field goal kick.
If we don't do anything about it...It will be just like the OL and the QB situation...stick you head in the sand and ignore it.

Hill didn't play bad, CJ not a great game, Diggs and Thielen some nice catches.
Patterson had a decent game.
Norv play calling not a whole lot to be desired.
Defense decent 2nd half....nice adjustment.
Kendrick's and Hunter

[mansquatch]

On offense the rushing game was bailed out by the passing attack. Wasn't sure I'd say that this season. More to how bad AP and the OL was in the Rushing Attack than anything else.

Andre Smith's 1st half had better not ever happen again, holy crap. I was starting to miss TJ Clemmings.

The Defense really bounced back in the 2nd half. Red Zone offense is MAJOR problem right now. They need to fix it and fix it fast.

[halfgiz]

On offense the rushing game was bailed out by the passing attack. Wasn't sure I'd say that this season. More to how bad AP and the OL was in the Rushing Attack than anything else.

Andre Smith's 1st half had better not ever happen again, holy crap. I was starting to miss TJ Clemmings.

. Red Zone offense is MAJOR problem right now. They need to fix it and fix it fast.

1st run 2 yard loss
2nd run 2 yard loss
3rd and 14
3rd down 12 yard pass
4th missed FG
What can you say.

[AlldayPotter]

Charles johnson must be very good in practice.
He was terrible today, definitely need to rotate lequan and Patterson in there, let them get looks.

[fiestavike]

Charles johnson must be very good in practice.
He was terrible today, definitely need to rotate lequan and Patterson in there, let them get looks.

Charles is probably the guy who will be must hurt by Teddy's injury. They had a chemistry that Hill does not have with him and it will probably cost him is starting job.

[J. Kapp 11]

Posted this in the game thread, but it seems more appropriate here.

Only got to see the second half. Apparently I missed absolutely nothing.

Good win. Really liked the Vikings' tempo in the second half, both on offense and defense.

Reasons for Optimism
- Defense adjusted nicely -- They looked like an elite defense after halftime. Very fast.
- Shaun Hill did a nice job of taking care of the ball, and made some nice throws in the second half. Tip of the hat.
- Turnovers -- The Vikings placed an emphasis on creating more turnovers, and Week 1 proved to be a rousing success. A +3 turnover margin and 2 defensive TDs, with no turnovers surrendered.
- Danielle Hunter is a star in the making.
- Stefon Diggs is for real.
- Rush defense surrendered only 65 yards. Guess the Titans weren't all that. Or we were.
- Great protection for Hill. Zero sacks allowed, and a clean pocket all second half.
- CP is still a huge weapon in the return game -- his 61-yard return to open the second half gave the team a shot in the arm -- and showed signs of life on offense.

Reasons to Worry
- Blair Walsh WTF? At least he made everything in the 2nd half. Oh wait. The extra point. Ugh.
- Rushing offense -- wow, that was inept. On one hand, it makes no sense to play AP during the preseason. On the other hand, that's two years in a row that he's looked lost in the opener.
- Defense had trouble getting off the field in the first half.
- Red zone offense -- wretched. Just wretched.

[dkoby]

This defense is going to be lights out this year.
Zimmer himself said he was over guessing in the first half and blamed his own calls. He went back to basics, and we saw what happened.

Shawn Hill gave us exactly what Teddy did last year. Not great but no turnovers. Pressure only increases on Zimmer next week to starts SB.

Diggs is going to be a real star. Some great catches today. Rudolph is starting to earn his pay. Hope he can stay healthy.

I'm sorry but AD is way overpaid. 12 mil is way too much to pay for a run threat. If I was the opposing D coordinator I would run blitz 100 percent of the time and be right on 90 percent of the calls when AD is in the game, it's too predictable.

Not sure who should start at QB next week. Probably Bradford.

[SP1966]

Rhodes heard a "pop" in his knee when stretching. Getting a scan tonight.

First Teddy goes down with no contact, now Rhodes. How 'bout every practice, every film session for the rest of the year is full contact!