Head to head, who do you take?

[purplefaithful]

One game, winner take all
Vikings 98 vs 2017?
Vikings 2009 vs 2017?

[Guest]

Tough call. This might be the most balanced team we've had since the middle 70s. And the sad irony? All three of those teams were led by rental QBs. 

[Guest]

@MaroonBells said:
Tough call. This might be the most balanced team we've had since the middle 70s. And the sad irony? All three of those teams were led by rental QBs. 

Well, we're waiting...

Make your call MB.

[Guest]

I think I'd have to go with 2017... mostly due to coaching.  I think Zim could shut down (relatively speaking) both of the other teams.  And those teams didn't have nearly as good of a defense.

[Guest]

Hmmm... Rhodes taking on Randy Moss (98')? That would be fun, but I would bet Randy would get a few Long TD's in that game. I mean, were talking about one of the most productive offenses in NFL history. The only issue would be that our 17' Defense is much better than 98' - though Randle may have a huge game.

So if I had to choose - AND both teams had completely healthy players - I would say 98' in a one gamer, 98' wins on big Moss TD's. 2009 would lose to both 98' and 2017 (Favre would throw a devastating pick at the end of the game for the loss).

[Guest]

I'd choose 2017 with Zimmer being the key factor.  This team is much more disciplined, focused and balanced.  98 would have the potential to win.  There was just so much offensive talent.  I don't think Zimmer would shut it down.  Even if you assume Moss would be shut down by Rhodes, which is a very big if, Carter would abuse Waynes.  98 had a historically great OLine, so would we get a ton of pressure on them with our front 4?  I agree that 2009 would lose to both.  I don't think their offense would move the ball much against the 2017 defense, and they couldn't keep up with 98.

[Guest]

Give me a month or so and I'll get back to you with my 'real' answer. 
If this team doesn't make it to the NFCC game, then I think the '09 and
'98 teams were better.  If this team makes the SB, then for sure '17
beats them both. 

Having the offense and defense both rank in the top 10, makes this is a more balanced team than 09 and 98
for sure.  For that reason, I'd give this year's team the nod at this
point of the season.

[Guest]

@purplefaithful said:

@MaroonBells said:
Tough call. This might be the most balanced team we've had since the middle 70s. And the sad irony? All three of those teams were led by rental QBs. 

Well, we're waiting...

Make your call MB.

Well...I think you have to clarify. Which is the better team? If that's the question, I go with 2017. It's the best coached and most balanced. And good defense is more consistently reliable than good offense. If they're playing each other, then you get into matchups. Moss v. Rhodes. Griffen v. McKinnie. I think 2017 would win more games out of 10, but man, that '98 team...the quality of the defense they faced was damn near IRRELEVANT. Everyone remembers the Cowboy Thanksgiving game, but they probably don't remember that the Cowboys had the best defense in the NFC that year. Vikings put up 46 on 'em! 

[Guest]

2017 over 2009 IMO. 

'98 is tough-
Could our present DBs shut down Moss, Carter? Theyve shut down some big names, but Moss was just a freak of nature.
Cunningham v Case?.....Robert Smith v L. Murray and Jet? I think 2017 wins TOP, chews the clock, D stays rested.


I think coaching is the difference.  Zimmer would have really mind-F'ked Denny.

throw '87 in the mix...man I loved that team.  If it werent for our lousy strike team we would already have that Lombardi trophy.

[Guest]

You put Rhodes on Carter and double Moss with Waynes and Smith. Throw a lot of A Gap fake blitzes at Cunningham along with BRob doing his roving D-Line signal caller. That will make Randall hurry some throws before Moss can uncover.

And as mentioned Griffin would have fun with Mount McKinney. If Barr and Kendricks can nullify Smith and the exotic looks and "are they/aren't they blitzing" combined with consistent pressure rushing only 4 guys would take the Offense out of its rhythm.

Of course, any time the pass rush doesn't get home is a potential chunk play or TD.

The matchup on the other side of the ball is far less compelling.

I say'98 in a squeaker. They only need like 7 or 8 plays executed properly to put up scores. High scoring game as I'm not sure that team could do anything with Thielen and Diggs.