02-11-2020, 10:34 PM
Here are my miscellaneous thoughts heading into the offseason:
- Zimmer: I am in the same age grouping as BarrNone and PurpleFaithful, which, I think makes us measure things differently. For me, I measure everything against the need to win a SB. Zimmer's assets: he has cleaned up the culture of this team; he has a coherent defensive philosophy; he has hired a good staff of teachers who have maximized the talents of udfa and low draft picks and he stress and offensive philosophy that can win during the playoffs. Liabilities: too conservative on defense especially with a lead and against inferior teams; too much draft capital spent on DBs; too loyal to players on the backside of their careers and not creative in in-game adjustments.
- Offensive Line: The Vikes have been slowly upgrading the talent on the Oline and, in fact, the second Bears game gave me a lot of hope. What is diminishing my hope is the fact the Viking coaching staff didn't start to rotate in some of the back-ups throughout the season to give them some experience. Except on the dline, this seems to be a theme of this coaching staff. I hope the Vikes give a draft pick or a back-up a legitimate chance to unseat Elflien. The other area that really concerns me is how poorly this OLine did in picking up stunts. It seemed like most stunts were successful. This is especially distressing where the Vikes fall behind and have to go to more of a passing game because teams run more stunts when they don't have run responsibilities. This could be coaching or a failure of communications.
- Anthony Harris: Unless he gives a substantial home town discount, I let him go. Here are my reasons: (1) He plays next to Smith and that elevates Harris' play. I don't doubt Harris is a very good safety but you can't discount he benefits greatly to playing with Smith. Teams game plan around HS, they don't around AH. (2) Salary Cap. Harris is going to get paid a lot and the Vikes are already over the salary cap. Moreover, I don't think you can justify spending 20+ million on the safety position. It is just not that important of a position. (3) Draft pick compensation. Harris signing elsewhere probably gives the Vikings an extra third round pick next year. Don't discount that allure.
- Defensive Backs: Okay, so Harris is gone. Kearse is gone (6th round draft compensation?). Rhodes should be gone. I think you try to sign Mac A. It would be nice to keep one of the CB "starters." However, I read rumors that he was pissed that he injured himself (more) in the Chicago game. I also don't think the Vikes sign Waynes -- he will get paid (maybe 4th or 5th round compensation)?
- Mahomes v. Garoppolo: Their respective performances in the SB made me think: do you want a QB who plays well for 3 quarters but plays poorly in the 4th or a QB who plays mediocre or average for 3 quarters but plays his best when in the 4th? I think the mindset of a QB must be like that of a CB -- you have to let go of the prior play. You look at Mahomes on the sideline; he looks confident and loose even after some very poor throws. You look at Garoppolo and you can see him getting tighter. Look, I understand Mahomes is incredibly physically gifted, but it is his psychological make-up that propelled them through the playoffs. You really want that QB who can put three very mediocre quarters behind him when crunch time arrives.
- Prevent Defenses: I am sorry but RIP to prevent defenses in this age of arm talent and hurry-up offenses. (I still wish the Vikes had gone to the hurry up against the 49ers).
- The Draft: Zim's son is now co-defensive coordinator -- do you think Zim is not going to set him up for success? Vikes draft for defense early and often.
- Barr: Every year there is this implicit promise that this is the year that Zim will unleash the Kraken but yet Barr's impact plays seem to reduce every year. He is not living up to his contract and, frankly, I don't think that is his fault.