Uncommon Off-Def balance

[CLOBIMON]

Maybe it's been discussed or mentioned here, during the game or in media and I've missed it, but I just noticed that the Vikings currently have a balance that isn't very common for them.  Through the ten games they're sitting at 5th in both yards gained and yards allowed per game.  That is a ranking for both that they haven't equaled or bettered at the same time for a full season since 1994 when they finished 3rd and 5th respectively.  The only other season since then that's close (and comparable) is the NFCC game season of '09 with 5th and 6th (better in points, worse in points allowed).  Even in '98 they were 2nd and 13th.  The 11-5 '15 season they were 29th and 13th and last season they were 28th and 3rd. 

Unfortunately this balance doesn't guarantee a deep run in the playoffs or anything but it must certainly indicate a team that's playing well enough on both sides of the ball to give them a very good chance.  

[Guest]

It means that if the defense stumbles and we give up 30 points on the road in Washington we are still able to score 38  points to win. And if we hold the top scoring team to 7 points at home, even missing 2 field goals we can still generate 24 points (with no turnovers) against a very good defense to win rather easily. So we can beat teams on either side of the ball.

[Guest]

Good insight.  Yards don't really tell the whole story, but love the balance this team has.  I think the defense is still much stronger, but the offensive line improvements have really evened that out.

[Guest]

I think one helps the other... a strong defense doesnt put the O in a position where they dont have to abandon game plans and play keep up with the scoreboard, and a good offense keeps the defense fresher longer and puts them in better situations late in games to help close out opponents because they are having to pass to catch back up.

[Guest]

i would love to see special teams pick up the pace.  Score some Td's on special teams, quit missing PATs and field goals, etc.  I thought the kick offs were better yesterday (into the end zone for most part) but we were back inside and at home.

[Guest]

@ThunderGod said:
i would love to see special teams pick up the pace.  Score some Td's on special teams, quit missing PATs and field goals, etc.  I thought the kick offs were better yesterday (into the end zone for most part) but we were back inside and at home.

got to give credit where its due... Forbath has really looked much stronger this year, both on kick offs and his field goals.  3 missed FGs on the season dont really concern me as much as the extra points,  but he seems to be getting more consistent there as well.  he was off a little yesterday,  but unless it continues on thursday I have to say hes done a better job than I anticipated.  over all I have to say our STs has done a pretty good job.  they arent turning the ball over and the kick coverage has been pretty good as well.