10-31-2022, 10:44 PM
Halloween, so an abbreviated miscellaneous thoughts:
- Red Zone. Stat of the game -- red zone visits: 5; red zone touchdowns: 5; and # of players scoring touchdowns: 5. I was throughly impressed by the red zone calls yesterday -- they were creative and unexpected. Maybe this team is the 3rd worse 6-1 team in the era of detailed analytics; but it is certainly one of the best situational Vikings teams in recent memory. I am even adjusting to one score games -- my "Viking" anxiety level when the opposing team has the ball late in the game has greatly decreased (though not evaporated).
- Kyler Murray. 2nd Stat of the game -- Kirk Cousins had a longer run (17 yards) than Murray (long of 8 yards). It was a really good game plan for containing Murray (and the running game in general). Overall, it was a fairly impressive defensive game plan though Rondale Moore caused problems with his illusiveness.
- Defensive Line. I really like the amount they rotate the dline and outside linebackers. DHunter lead the front 5 with 86% of the snaps. I do wonder when Patrick Jones (15 snaps) will overtake DJ Wonnum (43 snaps) in number of snaps. Jones seems to do good things when on the field.
- One Thing. I have to say the one thing that keeps bothering me while watching the highlights -- Dantzler celebrating HSmith interception while Harry was still running. I wish Dantzler had more Danielle dog in him -- go block someone. I've seen that play a few times now and Dantzler starts raising his hands and playing to the crowd while Harry is trying to go to the house.
- Ingram. I've read articles where they argue that the coaches should have taken Ingram out yesterday. I think you need to give him as much experience as you can and hope it pays off near the end of the season. Clearly the Cardinals (and every team) see Ingram as the weak link and are targeting him with the likes of JJ Watts. But what an opportunity to learn.
- Small Nitpick. I figure I am entitled to my own little nitpick -- Dalvin Cook was great yesterday but I feel he left some yards on the field. I have seen this a few times this season where after he breaks into the open field (and what god given talent to find the right hole and get into the open field), he sometimes makes the wrong decision and gets less yards than he could have had he gone the other way. Again, maybe the most minimal of nitpicks but there you have it.