Can't stop the run

[pumpf]

This is based purely on observation (not stats): The Vikings can't stop the run (when they need to).  For years I have believed that the main reason that our run defense is pretty good... is because very few teams are willing to commit to it against us.  Those who have (and have some semblance of a running game) always seem to be able to use it to control the clock (and the scoreboard).  Seattle was the latest example of that.  Last year I blamed Richardson.  In previous years, it was the LBs' fault.  Maybe the "fault" is in the design: that our scheme is just not predicated on stopping the run.  We have Linval... but all our high draft picks (spent on defense) have gone towards the secondary.  Barr was some kind of "hybrid" player, but I think Zimmer wanted him for his versatility in pass defense- NOT in his ability to stop the run (which I'm not evaluating, one way or the other).  It just seems to me that Zimmer's defense is designed to stop the pass (which is not a bad idea, considering how much most teams pass).  But when we have to stop the run, we aren't really able to do so.  The Cowboy game comes to mind.  Supposedly (based on the talking heads) the reason we gave up so many passing yards to Dak was because we were committed to stopping Zeke.  If that's true, it kinda supports my theory: that our defense is not designed to stop the run... and, therefore, extraordinary measures need to be taken in order to do so.  Against Seattle, it appears that we were more worried about stopping Wilson (good idea); but that left us very vulnerable to the run.

I don't know if I'm right or not... or if we just don't have the horses to stop the run.  Our LBs seem to be predisposed to stop the pass; none of them are what I would call, "classic" LBs (run-stuffing thumpers).  Kendricks is a great LB... but his greatness is found in his versatility and reliability.  It's not that he is a run-stuffing machine.

All of this is to say: with as many resources as we have poured into our defense, we should expect better.  Other teams, with far-less accomplished "geniuses" for defensive coordinators, have been able to have success against good offensive teams.  Why aren't "we"?

[Guest]

I don't think Minnesota is going to have any problems clearing cap space in the offseason. 

[Guest]

@StickyBun said:
I don't think Minnesota is going to have any problems clearing cap space in the offseason. 

I have thought the same for a few months. I think they need to get younger and hungrier on defense.

[Guest]

I will note that Wilson was in for Gedeon and I notice at least one big 1st down was on him. 

The other thing I will add, we game planned to prevent the big play, to prevent Wilson from beating us deep.  I read that Wilson is the best in the league at accuracy on deep throws.  And our game plan was solid, make them run, don't give up the big play and make them work for everything.  We were winning with that plan.  But 2 turnovers in the second half put the defense on short fields and suddenly momentum swung big time.  Also Wilson didn't run the ball at all from what I remember.  How many times did he get out of the pocket and hurt us?  Once?  I think containing Wilson and preventing the deep pass was a great game plan.  Make the mediocre Carson and Penny beat us. 

Now I hate seeing us give up the 1st down on a run.  Linval doesn't seem to be as commanding as he was a few years ago.  Stephen isn't making many plays.  Watts seemed to show up in spots.  Kendricks was very quiet which tells me the big bodies in front of him weren't keeping him clean.

[Guest]

This is no longer a top 5 defense. 

There were signs of it last year, more eyes were focused on the Oline and offense struggles.

Has Zim changed up his schemes at all since 2017? I haven't noticed.

[Guest]

[Guest]

welcome back NJ, you haven't been missed.

[Guest]

@greediron said:
welcome back NJ, you haven't been missed.

Ah, the typical insult from one of the founding members of the Midwest Middle School Gang. 

I haven’t missed you either, douchebag. 

Why don’t you mind your own fucking business and not continually start shit with me, OK? I don’t seek you out to personally attack you (although your asinine posts make you easy pickings for mockery), why not grow the fuck up and do the same.

Happy Holidays!!

[Guest]

I see nothing has changed in your middle school. 

[Guest]

@njvike said:

@greediron said:
welcome back NJ, you haven't been missed.

Ah, the typical insult from one of the founding members of the Midwest Middle School Gang. 

I haven’t missed you either, douchebag. 

Why don’t you mind your own fucking business and not continually start shit with me, OK? I don’t seek you out to personally attack you (although your asinine posts make you easy pickings for mockery), why not grow the fuck up and do the same.

Happy Holidays!!

Yabbut, how is this Rick's fault?