10-02-2024, 08:47 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-02-2024, 08:48 AM by purplefaithful.)
I would hope this evolves as the season moves to $ months and I wouldn't want to put that pressure on a JJM next season either. I think trying to get a power grader for the IOL and a DB are priorities next year.
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Running the ball has long been the surefire way to be a good red-zone offense in the NFL.
But the Vikings have ripped off a 4-0 start turning convention on its head.
The bulk of quarterback Sam Darnold’s league-leading 11 touchdown passes have come in the red zone, or inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, where space is condensed, throwing lanes are crowded, and winning teams find a way to score six points instead of settling for three points.
No quarterback has thrown more than Darnold’s eight touchdown passes down there, and only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has attempted more red-zone passes than Darnold’s 25. Equally impressive is Darnold’s red-zone completion percentage (18-for-25, 72%) that also ranks second in the NFL.
The NFL’s other leading red-zone offenses in Buffalo, Detroit and Washington are dominating on the ground. The Vikings are leaning on Darnold in lieu of a power running game.
“Sam’s done a great job of really kind of understanding the intent of the plays,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Tuesday. “Red zone really just ends up being more schemed ... than kind of running your core plays. You have plays that you work in the red zone through the offseason, but a lot of times there’s tweaks.”
“I thought he’s done a really good job of preparation ahead of that and understanding kind of what we’re trying to get,” Phillips added.
“There’s been a combination of things. He’s made the plays off schedule, and he’s also made throws in rhythm working through progressions. ... Ultimately, that’s what good red-zone teams can do is score in a variety of ways, and he’s been a part of those.”
Source: Startribune
==============================================
Running the ball has long been the surefire way to be a good red-zone offense in the NFL.
But the Vikings have ripped off a 4-0 start turning convention on its head.
The bulk of quarterback Sam Darnold’s league-leading 11 touchdown passes have come in the red zone, or inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, where space is condensed, throwing lanes are crowded, and winning teams find a way to score six points instead of settling for three points.
No quarterback has thrown more than Darnold’s eight touchdown passes down there, and only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has attempted more red-zone passes than Darnold’s 25. Equally impressive is Darnold’s red-zone completion percentage (18-for-25, 72%) that also ranks second in the NFL.
The NFL’s other leading red-zone offenses in Buffalo, Detroit and Washington are dominating on the ground. The Vikings are leaning on Darnold in lieu of a power running game.
“Sam’s done a great job of really kind of understanding the intent of the plays,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Tuesday. “Red zone really just ends up being more schemed ... than kind of running your core plays. You have plays that you work in the red zone through the offseason, but a lot of times there’s tweaks.”
“I thought he’s done a really good job of preparation ahead of that and understanding kind of what we’re trying to get,” Phillips added.
“There’s been a combination of things. He’s made the plays off schedule, and he’s also made throws in rhythm working through progressions. ... Ultimately, that’s what good red-zone teams can do is score in a variety of ways, and he’s been a part of those.”
Source: Startribune
