9-2: Can You Believe It?!

I am and have said as much since way back in October...  it's been a fun year, I think O'Connell has shown he has a chance to be one of the new bright young coaching minds in the NFL.

This season has definitely exceeded my expectations.  Now it's all about just keeping perspective.  Yes, we're not a "great" team (yet), but we're gritty and have given me hope that even if we're down, we'll find a way to win it in the end.  I don't know if some of our issues can be corrected THIS year, but the future is bright and I won't count this year's team out until the end.

Very pleasantly surprised and have said so thru this 9-2 run. The demolition by the Cowboys was a real kick in the nuts, but they rebounded against a decent team. No way to expect this type of season with 2 new systems on both sides of the football. They've won games in ways that Minnesota rarely ever wins them, in a very un-Viking like clutch manner that's been a fun ride. The team seems close and the culture is good. I feel positive about the new HC and GM. Not sure I could reasonably have asked for more as a fan thus far.

I think Wetlander captured my perspective on the team well...

There aint no trophies for 9/2, I hope they dont piss down their leg in December as this team has shown it's willing to do too often.

But maybe a KOC led team will be different?

I think gritty (not griddy) captures this year well. 

I highly doubt any of us realistically predicted this after 11 games. I am amazed at the success they have realized.

I pegged their ceiling at 9 wins. Definitely enjoying this ride. However, given the number of starters that are over 30 years old, I am concerned that it's not sustainable.

I'm surprised for sure, but when you consider how many close games we've played and lost the last couple years then you'd figure a couple small tweaks could have yielded these kind of results because we have talent. OConnell has done a very good job and we've been lucky on the injury front (mostly). As excited as I am about our record, there are a couple things dampening my enthusiasm;

- I was highly critical of our draft strategy and some of the players we drafted. So far it's played out about how I expected and I think not getting any meaningful, quality contributions from any of the rookie class is going to hurt us as the year goes on. 

- The two games we lost, we got absolutely throttled by two of the better teams in the conference and we would likely be huge underdogs against San Francisco. We are a good team, but not in the "class of the conference" conversation. 

- Donnatell 

I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

Teams are doubling Hunter, not Z. Still, he ranks top 15 ish in sacks and top 5 ish in pressures. He's also the highest graded player on our defense. 

Why is Z a surprise? Hasn't he always been a really good pass rusher? 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

@"Wetlander" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

@MaroonBells

Agree, thought KJ would be much better in a pass heavy offense.  Like at least hit his same numbers as last season where he had an expanded role when Thielen missed some games.  He's the same guy, just not getting tje opportunities.

Speaking of which, I thought Dalvin would be used more as a pass catcher.  There was some talk in training camp of that happening but so far we haven't seen it.

@purplefaithful

Agree on Hunter.  He's been better as a pass rusher with Donatell letting him put his hand on the ground, but it's so telling that you know he's rushing when he's playing that way.  Just don't think he's cut out to be a stand up OLB in a 3-4.  But that's fine if the Vikings want to run a hybrid where he's one of the down linemen but it limits what we can do as far as disguising our rush.  It'll be interesting to see what happens with him in the off-season.  I wouldnt be shocked to see us trade him since we're light on draft picks next year.  We could get a haul...

@"Wetlander" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

@MaroonBells

Agree, thought KJ would be much better in a pass heavy offense.  Like at least hit his same numbers as last season where he had an expanded role when Thielen missed some games.  He's the same guy, just not getting tje opportunities.

Speaking of which, I thought Dalvin would be used more as a pass catcher.  There was some talk in training camp of that happening but so far we haven't seen it.

@purplefaithful

Agree on Hunter.  He's been better as a pass rusher with Donatell letting him put his hand on the ground, but it's so telling that you know he's rushing when he's playing that way.  Just don't think he's cut out to be a stand up OLB in a 3-4.  But that's fine if the Vikings want to run a hybrid where he's one of the down linemen but it limits what we can do as far as disguising our rush.  It'll be interesting to see what happens with him in the off-season.  I wouldnt be shocked to see us trade him since we're light on draft picks next year.  We could get a haul...

I'm still not sold on Kwesi or Donatell as DC.  The draft this year was a straight up mess...and that's on Kwesi.  He's been good with his veteran acquisitions so maybe he needs a draft assistant or more input from others.  Donatell always seemed like a poor man's Fangio...and it's even more odd because Fangio is available.  He's doing some consulting for the Eagles.  Admittedly, Donatell is implementing a new system...with some aging pieces so I can't say the lack of success is entirely surprising.  We really needed a better draft and I haven't seen enough in Booth or CIne yet to feel confident the calvary is on its way next year.

@"StickyBun" said: Very pleasantly surprised and have said so thru this 9-2 run. The demolition by the Cowboys was a real kick in the nuts, but they rebounded against a decent team. No way to expect this type of season with 2 new systems on both sides of the football. They've won games in ways that Minnesota rarely ever wins them, in a very un-Viking like clutch manner that's been a fun ride. The team seems close and the culture is good. I feel positive about the new HC and GM. Not sure I could reasonably have asked for more as a fan thus far.

Yeah, the closing out, coming from behind type of wins are not ones we are used to.  Gives some hope for the playoffs even if we aren't a great team yet.  

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I thought it was an 11-12 win roster. But as we saw last year, it doesn't matter how much talent you might have on your roster if you're plagued by injuries and bad coaching. 

I thought adjusting to the new schemes would be a wash with opponents unprepared for those new schemes. I think that's about right. I thought Bradbury would be better and make us re-think his contract, and that's been true.

Couple positive surprises....

• Thought we'd improve situationally but not completely flip the script like we've done. 
• Patrick Peterson is having a much better year than I thought he would. Really thought he was done
• Darrisaw. For a 2nd year player to have the kind of year he's having is a pleasant surprise. 

Couple negative...

• ISJ injured AGAIN. But somehow we were able to turn that negative into a positive. Would we be as good right now if ISJ doesn't get hurt? I don't think so. 
• I thought the defense could be mid-level, but it's bottom level
• Thought KJO would have a bigger impact

For me Za'Darius is one of the years bigger surprises

DH and KJO are both on my bigger negative list
 - You're much more impressed with DH in this scheme than I am

@MaroonBells

Agree, thought KJ would be much better in a pass heavy offense.  Like at least hit his same numbers as last season where he had an expanded role when Thielen missed some games.  He's the same guy, just not getting tje opportunities.

Speaking of which, I thought Dalvin would be used more as a pass catcher.  There was some talk in training camp of that happening but so far we haven't seen it.

@purplefaithful

Agree on Hunter.  He's been better as a pass rusher with Donatell letting him put his hand on the ground, but it's so telling that you know he's rushing when he's playing that way.  Just don't think he's cut out to be a stand up OLB in a 3-4.  But that's fine if the Vikings want to run a hybrid where he's one of the down linemen but it limits what we can do as far as disguising our rush.  It'll be interesting to see what happens with him in the off-season.  I wouldnt be shocked to see us trade him since we're light on draft picks next year.  We could get a haul...

I think Hunter is better in a 4-3, but he's obviously pretty damn good in a 3-4 too. Trading him might be how we get the QB? And have money for Cousins and Jefferson to coexist? Just a thought. I also tend to think that no Hunter results in a much less effective Z. So gotta be careful there. 

Despite the intense KJ Osborn love here, I think he's just a guy. Not bad by any stretch but just meh. He's made a few nice plays for the team over the last 2 years for sure. Its tough to shine as the #3 WRer, admittedly. But he in no way has #2 ability IMO.

@"StickyBun" said: Despite the intense KJ Osborn love here, I think he's just a guy. Not bad by any stretch but just meh. He's made a few nice plays for the team over the last 2 years for sure. Its tough to shine as the #3 WRer, admittedly. But he in no way has #2 ability IMO.

I think we're just now starting to see the offense open up a little. First half was JJ or bust. He was the security blanket. But as Cousins becomes more and more comfortable in this system, Dalvin, AT, KJO and TJH will become bigger pieces in it. 

Can KJO be a #2? Obviously depends on the team. Not in Cincinnati, but have you seen the WR rooms in Chicago? Detroit? Houston? Atlanta.....?

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"StickyBun" said: Despite the intense KJ Osborn love here, I think he's just a guy. Not bad by any stretch but just meh. He's made a few nice plays for the team over the last 2 years for sure. Its tough to shine as the #3 WRer, admittedly. But he in no way has #2 ability IMO.

I think we're just now starting to see the offense open up a little. First half was JJ or bust. He was the security blanket. But as Cousins becomes more and more comfortable in this system, Dalvin, AT, KJO and TJH will become bigger pieces in it. 

Can KJO be a #2? Obviously depends on the team. Not in Cincinnati, but have you seen the WR rooms in Chicago? Detroit? Houston? Atlanta.....?

@"badgervike" said: I'm still not sold on Kwesi or Donatell as DC.  The draft this year was a straight up mess...and that's on Kwesi.  He's been good with his veteran acquisitions so maybe he needs a draft assistant or more input from others.  Donatell always seemed like a poor man's Fangio...and it's even more odd because Fangio is available.  He's doing some consulting for the Eagles.  Admittedly, Donatell is implementing a new system...with some aging pieces so I can't say the lack of success is entirely surprising.  We really needed a better draft and I haven't seen enough in Booth or CIne yet to feel confident the calvary is on its way next year.

They did try to hire Fangio, but he didn't seem to want to take on a DC role this year. I do agree that the early returns on the draft have not been great. Both Cine and Booth are on the IR. Ingram has started all season, but has had plenty of struggles in pass protection. Asamoah looks like an interesting player, but he has not seen the field much. Evans has been a pleasant surprise and I am hopeful he can play at the same level when he gets healthy. After that Chandler looks like he could be a good backup RB that could maybe replace Mattison next year. We'll see how those guys progress, but through one draft Kwesi moved around a lot but doesn't have much to show from it and next year, we will have fewer picks, so they really need to hit on those.