08-19-2018, 01:05 AM
Some things I'm thinking about:
1. The 'other' Conference Championship runner up sure dint act like it. 1st String Offense in the whole half. Schemed against the Pass Rush to an extreme with all the screns, and passes in the flats. Sure, every team wants to work on as many different scenarios as they can in the PS, but I sincerely doubt the Jags plan on running that many of those types of plays during the season. If they do, they're toast.
2. The Front 7 times two. Wow. J-Ville didn't have too much more luck against the 2nd Stringers with their Starters. Moved the ball some but in general it was the same 'you can't drive the distance on us' trademark Zimmer Defense. I liked just about everything the backup D-Line and surprisingly the LBSs did.
3. Barr is necessary. Having just praised what I thought was a weak reserve unit I have to point out that as soon as Kendricks and Barr went out the coverage took a significant dip. RBs were catching the ball with plenty of YAC available. The screens worked well into the game. I can't overstate the importance having TWO LBs that can flat out cover is to Zimmer's scheme. He never really had that in Cincinnati. In Minnesota its allowed him to become even more versatile dialing up unique looks.
4. Four out of five projected Starters on the O-Line out and the Unit still performs against the Denver D 1st String minus Miller. And then they don't àgainst an even better D. Not concerned. Why? Even without Ramsey and Fowler that was a complete Defense Minnesota faced. Sure, future Vikings opponents have arguably similar D-Lines, but not the same overall skill.
The Eagles don't have great CBs. NO has good players at every level, but not enough yet. The Rams have a lot of mercenary new pieces. They might not fit together.
My point here is that the Jaguars are likely to be the most complete Defense the Offense sees all year other than practice. And they were starting 4 backups on the Line. With little scheming. And fumbles. I just can't get worked up about backup Linemen getting handled by a great Defense with serious depth.
5. Hill is giving the early Waynes cushion. I think that will change. Hughes looks ahead of early Waynes already. Which is just sick. The Special Teams Cover units have a ways to go as they work in a lot of youngsters.
Bottom line: the teams had different agendas today. Minnesota has some work to do to continue up to refine the O-Line depth technique. The Defense is deep and fine. Special Teams cover units need time. Not a satisfying game to warch, no cliffs to jump off. Good night, Longship.
1. The 'other' Conference Championship runner up sure dint act like it. 1st String Offense in the whole half. Schemed against the Pass Rush to an extreme with all the screns, and passes in the flats. Sure, every team wants to work on as many different scenarios as they can in the PS, but I sincerely doubt the Jags plan on running that many of those types of plays during the season. If they do, they're toast.
2. The Front 7 times two. Wow. J-Ville didn't have too much more luck against the 2nd Stringers with their Starters. Moved the ball some but in general it was the same 'you can't drive the distance on us' trademark Zimmer Defense. I liked just about everything the backup D-Line and surprisingly the LBSs did.
3. Barr is necessary. Having just praised what I thought was a weak reserve unit I have to point out that as soon as Kendricks and Barr went out the coverage took a significant dip. RBs were catching the ball with plenty of YAC available. The screens worked well into the game. I can't overstate the importance having TWO LBs that can flat out cover is to Zimmer's scheme. He never really had that in Cincinnati. In Minnesota its allowed him to become even more versatile dialing up unique looks.
4. Four out of five projected Starters on the O-Line out and the Unit still performs against the Denver D 1st String minus Miller. And then they don't àgainst an even better D. Not concerned. Why? Even without Ramsey and Fowler that was a complete Defense Minnesota faced. Sure, future Vikings opponents have arguably similar D-Lines, but not the same overall skill.
The Eagles don't have great CBs. NO has good players at every level, but not enough yet. The Rams have a lot of mercenary new pieces. They might not fit together.
My point here is that the Jaguars are likely to be the most complete Defense the Offense sees all year other than practice. And they were starting 4 backups on the Line. With little scheming. And fumbles. I just can't get worked up about backup Linemen getting handled by a great Defense with serious depth.
5. Hill is giving the early Waynes cushion. I think that will change. Hughes looks ahead of early Waynes already. Which is just sick. The Special Teams Cover units have a ways to go as they work in a lot of youngsters.
Bottom line: the teams had different agendas today. Minnesota has some work to do to continue up to refine the O-Line depth technique. The Defense is deep and fine. Special Teams cover units need time. Not a satisfying game to warch, no cliffs to jump off. Good night, Longship.
