The return of Cashman

[purplefaithful]

The Vikings’ defense has been a mixed bag.

The pass defense has been stingy, but they are 24th in rushing yards allowed. It makes defensive tackle Harrison Phillips’ trade look like a head-scratcher.

In reality, they haven’t had Cashman roaming from sideline to sideline, hassling opposing quarterbacks and marshaling the defense. He’s smart, decisive and a reliable tackler — and tackling has been an issue for fellow linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.

Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel continues to recover from a neck injury but was a limited participant in practice during the week. Missing both Cashman and Van Ginkel has been a blow to Brian Flores’ defense.

Now that Cashman’s hamstring is bulletproof — his word — again, the Vikings’ defense is closer to being whole.

That’s the game.

Stop Barkley and the Vikings are 4-2. Cashman will be an important figure in that cause.

“I think a guy like Blake Cashman coming back is critical as well because he assumes that green dot position,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “And we have just seen since we got Blake, when he’s out there and we’re playing the type of defense that we’ve been accustomed to seeing; Blake’s got a lot to do with it. So very excited to get him back.”

Bottle up Barkley. Challenge quarterback Jalen Hurts to hurl them through the air.

Cashman, the Vikings leading tackler a year ago, will make a difference on Sunday.

While the recovery of quarterback J.J. McCarthy and members of the offensive line dominated the discussion during the week, Cashman’s return cannot be understated.

STRIB

[hogjowlsjohnny]

While the recovery of quarterback J.J. McCarthy and members of the offensive line dominated the discussion during the week, Cashman’s return cannot be understated.

STRIB

It doesn;t matter who the QB is if the defense can't do their job. Beating the Eagles should be simple if they can stop the run and make Hurts throw from the pocket. Up until now the Eagles offense has huge tells in their offensive alignment and Hurts doesn't seem to want to run very much. If that continues, there is no reason the Vikings shouldn't win. If they change things up by changing their alignments and using RPO's with Hurts running more, it will be a challenge.

[Zanary]

Stopping Barkley is obviously top of Flores' priorities. Hurts is very physically capable, but he's only as smart as the call that's played...and this season, that's been VERY evident.

If we have contain, we can totally beat Hurts' passing game. Beat Philly, and our season looks much, much different than it did. Cashman can be a huge part of that, directly and just in being a consideration for the Eagles.

Kickoff can't get here soon enough.

[Mattyman]

Stopping Barkley is obviously top of Flores' priorities. Hurts is very physically capable, but he's only as smart as the call that's played...and this season, that's been VERY evident.

If we have contain, we can totally beat Hurts' passing game. Beat Philly, and our season looks much, much different than it did. Cashman can be a huge part of that, directly and just in being a consideration for the Eagles.

Kickoff can't get here soon enough.

If  Vikings  win tomorrow ,and Thursday at chargers they'll be 5-2 

 They'll have the   same record they had in 2024 after 7 weeks

[JustInTime]

The run defense could get a boost this week if inside linebacker Blake Cashman returns after missing four games because of a hamstring injury. Cashman is a sure tackler, and the Vikings have been wildly successful in games he has played in since signing as a free agent in March 2024. Over that period, they are 13-1 in regular-season games when he has been available and 4-4 when he has not.

[MaroonBells]

Curious if we see Eric Wilson continue to get snaps. He played well early then was horrible two weeks ago against Cleveland. So I think Pace will continue to start. Neither Wilson or Pace is good in coverage. Against the run, Pace isn't as good as Wilson but he'll make more splash plays behind the LOS. We could use a few of those today.

[purplefaithful]

The run defense could get a boost this week if inside linebacker Blake Cashman returns after missing four games because of a hamstring injury. Cashman is a sure tackler, and the Vikings have been wildly successful in games he has played in since signing as a free agent in March 2024. Over that period, they are 13-1 in regular-season games when he has been available and 4-4 when he has not.

I knew there was a pretty big D drop-off when Cashman was out of there and that just underscores it...

Wish Gink was back too.

I dont think the Vikings win today tbh..I dont trust this team yet (or Wentz) at a cross-roads game like this vs a big-boy opponent who can run the ball like hell when they really want to. 

Hope I'm wrong.