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I had dinner plans and had to leave the game with the Packers scoring. Had to wonder what type of Vikings team I would see upon my return from dinner. Dinner was excellent and I was able to really enjoy the rest of the game and thinking the Vikings have turned a page. Here are my miscellaneous thoughts:
- Stats of the day: Minnesota defeated a Packers team led by Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre by more than 14 points for the first time in 21 years.
- Last 2 Minutes of Halves: The fact the Vikings played well at the end of both halves lead me to two thoughts. First, it seemed to me that we rotated defensive players much more than Zimmer did. Maybe it was just me but I kept see people playing and wondering who was hurt. I think this is a great things because it helps to build quality depth and it keep the players fresher at the end of halves. I haven't found a snap count yet, but I am eager to see if my impression that they rotated the front 7 a lot is correct. Second, and the commentators spoke about this, KOC seems much more strategic how he approached the end of the first half especially as it came to calling plays.
- Imposing Will: It is always great to see the run game work when your team is ahead and trying to eat clock. Mattison gets extra kuddos for today, also. I must say, I am rethinking trading Mattison; he brings a certain power and determination that is needed.
- Irv Smith: Who had Ellison and Mundt each catching more passes than Irv Smith? Definitely a product of lost camp time and a complicated offense. I feel the Vikes have a big time weapon that will be unleashed on an unexpected opponent when Irv gets up to speed.
- Joseph: Weird not worrying about a kicker. His kicks seem straighter and more accurate than in the past.
- Ingram: According to PFF, "Rookie guard Ed Ingram surrendered five pressures — one sack, three hits and one hurry — on 33 pass-blocking snaps to finish with the worst initial pass-blocking grade in the game" but "Vikings rookie Ed Ingram with the 2nd-highest run blocking grade (87.4) among ALL NFL guards so far per PFF." I have to say that I thought Ingram improved fairly dramatically in his pass blocking throughout the game. I think he is a quick learner.
- Adjustments: Though minds differ, I felt that the Zimmer lead team did not quickly make adjustments on the fly. I thought the Vikes made quick adjustments yesterday -- if the Packers found a weakness, the Vikes addressed it. I am really looking forward to seeing the overall growth curve from this team now that teaching seems to be emphasized more.
Quote: @VikingOracle said:
- Irv Smith: Who had Ellison and Mundt each catching more passes than Irv Smith? Definitely a product of lost camp time and a complicated offense. I feel the Vikes have a big time weapon that will be unleashed on an unexpected opponent when Irv gets up to speed.
They did double Irv on one of Jefferson's long passes. But given how often they left JJ open, I would wager doubling Irv wasn't the plan.
I think Irv is more hype than anything. Just don't see him being a serious weapon on offense even if he is healthy. He will make some plays now and then but Conklin could have had a big year in this offense. I know they couldn't afford him but to think Irv is somehow going to be a big contributor is wishful thinking.
Agree with everything...except for the last comment. One thing I thought Zimmer did well was adjust. There were so many games where we seemed unprepared for what opposing offenses were going to do....but then shut it down once he figured it out. Always felt that Zimmer-led teams were poorly prepared, but adjusted better than most.
Let's not forget that for his passblocking Ingram was up against Kenny Clark most of the time. That's a tough draw for anyone, much less a rookie in his first real game!
Quote: @MaroonBells said:
Agree with everything...except for the last comment. One thing I thought Zimmer did well was adjust. There were so many games where we seemed unprepared for what opposing offenses were going to do....but then shut it down once he figured it out. Always felt that Zimmer-led teams were poorly prepared, but adjusted better than most.
It might have been the ineptitude of the coaches before Zimmer, but I concur, he was really good at adjustments. His halftime adjustments really stood out.
Quote: @greediron said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Agree with everything...except for the last comment. One thing I thought Zimmer did well was adjust. There were so many games where we seemed unprepared for what opposing offenses were going to do....but then shut it down once he figured it out. Always felt that Zimmer-led teams were poorly prepared, but adjusted better than most.
It might have been the ineptitude of the coaches before Zimmer, but I concur, he was really good at adjustments. His halftime adjustments really stood out.
It was Zimmer's philosophy of get a slim lead and protect it with the defense that got him in trouble...
Quote: @greediron said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Agree with everything...except for the last comment. One thing I thought Zimmer did well was adjust. There were so many games where we seemed unprepared for what opposing offenses were going to do....but then shut it down once he figured it out. Always felt that Zimmer-led teams were poorly prepared, but adjusted better than most.
It might have been the ineptitude of the coaches before Zimmer, but I concur, he was really good at adjustments. His halftime adjustments really stood out.
I agree regarding the D adjustments under Zimmer...
I thought the one who was best on offensive adjustments was Shurmur and the worst was the Klint Kubiak.
Quote: @purplefaithful said:
@ greediron said:
@ MaroonBells said:
Agree with everything...except for the last comment. One thing I thought Zimmer did well was adjust. There were so many games where we seemed unprepared for what opposing offenses were going to do....but then shut it down once he figured it out. Always felt that Zimmer-led teams were poorly prepared, but adjusted better than most.
It might have been the ineptitude of the coaches before Zimmer, but I concur, he was really good at adjustments. His halftime adjustments really stood out.
I agree regarding the D adjustments under Zimmer...
I thought the one who was best on offensive adjustments was Shurmur and the worst was the Klint Kubiak.
If Shurmur could have stuck around, we may have had a winning combo.
Quote: @Greylock said:
I think Irv is more hype than anything. Just don't see him being a serious weapon on offense even if he is healthy. He will make some plays now and then but Conklin could have had a big year in this offense. I know they couldn't afford him but to think Irv is somehow going to be a big contributor is wishful thinking.
Interesting thought about Conklin. Conklin had 4 catches for the Jets in week 1. I think Irv has a higher ceiling but a lower (injury) floor. If Irv can live up to half of his hype, he should outperform Conklin -- especially since the other two TEs are not seen a pass catching TEs.
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