Time to seriously start talking about Zimmer.

@"Wetlander" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Kentis" said: Believe it or not, the Eagles come in w/ the No.1 run defense, this week should be much more telling on what our offense is capable of...

A lot of that is who they've played. They did shut down Aaron Jones, but the rest of their schedule: Redskins, Falcons, Lions, Jets. 

If I recall correctly, the Eagles have been pretty stout against the run the past couple seasons.  I think they were the #1 run defense (just ahead of us) in 2017 and top 10 last year.

I do think this year's ranking is skewed a bit by who they've played, but that front 7 is loaded.  The back end of that defense is piss poor...  hopefully Stefanski comes out with a similar game plan as this past week...  get Cousins going early with some designed roll outs and easy passes to get him comfortable.  Then mix in the screen game with Dalvin, Rudy, etc. and start running the football.

We need to control the clock and keep that defense guessing so they can't pin their ears back on 3rd and long.

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

@"greediron" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Kentis" said: Believe it or not, the Eagles come in w/ the No.1 run defense, this week should be much more telling on what our offense is capable of...

A lot of that is who they've played. They did shut down Aaron Jones, but the rest of their schedule: Redskins, Falcons, Lions, Jets. 

If I recall correctly, the Eagles have been pretty stout against the run the past couple seasons.  I think they were the #1 run defense (just ahead of us) in 2017 and top 10 last year.

I do think this year's ranking is skewed a bit by who they've played, but that front 7 is loaded.  The back end of that defense is piss poor...  hopefully Stefanski comes out with a similar game plan as this past week...  get Cousins going early with some designed roll outs and easy passes to get him comfortable.  Then mix in the screen game with Dalvin, Rudy, etc. and start running the football.

We need to control the clock and keep that defense guessing so they can't pin their ears back on 3rd and long.

One nit to pick, can we not run anymore screens to Rudy?  I love Rudolph, but he is about the least effective screen runner ever.

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Kentis" said: Believe it or not, the Eagles come in w/ the No.1 run defense, this week should be much more telling on what our offense is capable of...

A lot of that is who they've played. They did shut down Aaron Jones, but the rest of their schedule: Redskins, Falcons, Lions, Jets. 

If I recall correctly, the Eagles have been pretty stout against the run the past couple seasons.  I think they were the #1 run defense (just ahead of us) in 2017 and top 10 last year.

I do think this year's ranking is skewed a bit by who they've played, but that front 7 is loaded.  The back end of that defense is piss poor...  hopefully Stefanski comes out with a similar game plan as this past week...  get Cousins going early with some designed roll outs and easy passes to get him comfortable.  Then mix in the screen game with Dalvin, Rudy, etc. and start running the football.

We need to control the clock and keep that defense guessing so they can't pin their ears back on 3rd and long.

One nit to pick, can we not run anymore screens to Rudy?  I love Rudolph, but he is about the least effective screen runner ever.

Good question. Rudy has disappeared so far this season. There are a lot of weapons to spread the ball around to but it would be nice to see him be more involved. 

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

@"greediron" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

No it isn't one loss, or one win or one throw.  (Cousins is a separate conversation, I am not as optimistic on him)
But what is Zimmers record?  Where do his defenses rank?  He has won the north twice, we are competitive every year.  Yes, we haven't gotten over the NFCCG hump yet, but who has since Grant?  Green got 9 years and I think Zimmer is much better than Green.  Win percentage is pretty much the same, playoff win percentage is the same.  I like the character of the team much more with Zimmer.  I think he has coached through much more adversity. 

@"greediron" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

No it isn't one loss, or one win or one throw.  (Cousins is a separate conversation, I am not as optimistic on him)
But what is Zimmers record?  Where do his defenses rank?  He has won the north twice, we are competitive every year.  Yes, we haven't gotten over the NFCCG hump yet, but who has since Grant?  Green got 9 years and I think Zimmer is much better than Green.  Win percentage is pretty much the same, playoff win percentage is the same.  I like the character of the team much more with Zimmer.  I think he has coached through much more adversity. 

We need to run a bunch of crossing routes against the Eagles, that way Sendejo can take out 2 or 3 more defenders for us...!  ;) B)  

I always find it interesting how some fans will settle for table scraps. Not sure how you can think Zimmer is a better HC than Dennis Green, lol. This team can't beat a good team to save their asses. I mean, at some point, you have to read the writing on the wall.

Honestly, if they shit the bed (miss playoffs) this offseason will be the PERFECT time to dump both HC and GM. The new regime can draft the QB of the future and still remain competitive with Cousins on the last year of his contract. 

My only hope of Speilman  filling the QB slot successfully requires some blind luck...I think we've seen the mountain for this staff...

I have a feeling this thread is going to be bumped a few more times. After a win by the apologists. After a loss by the alarmists. 

@"MaroonBells" said: I have a feeling this thread is going to be bumped a few more times. After a win by the apologists. After a loss by the alarmists. 

Regardless: its playoffs or bust for Zimmer and Co. The Cousins experiment would be an obvious, outright failure. Would the Wilfs keep Zimmer/Spielman around for another year? Very well could. But that would be the wrong thing to do. But we'll see. I'm not giving up on the season but the Vikings need to beat a good team like Philly at home. Has to. A loss and it completely solidifies their mediocrity and underperformance that will not change this year.

Zimmer has had more than his share of snake-bit. 

But how many playoff wins in how many years?  That's the litmus test query for me.

I am done with Mike if they don't make the playoffs and some big noise this post-season. 

@"purplefaithful" said: Zimmer has had more than his share of snake-bit. 

But how many playoff wins in how many years?  That's the litmus test query for me.

I am done with Mike if they don't make the playoffs and some big noise this post-season. 

The sad thing about this is we might as well get prepared for the disappointment that more than likely WILL happen.  For some unforeseen reason we do make it to the post season, then we might be able to sit back and enjoy it.  Hopefully for more than one game.

@"Kentis" said: We need to run a bunch of crossing routes against the Eagles, that way Sendejo can take out 2 or 3 more defenders for us...!  ;) B)  

I really wish it were different. I like Zimmer, I think he desperately wants to win and is truly giving it his best. I feel the same about Cousins, I think he's a very good dude that would love nothing more than win it for the franchise legitimately. 

But the results are what matters. And the fanbase just doesn't have the patience for it anymore. You have to demand winning at some point.

@"FSUVike" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

No it isn't one loss, or one win or one throw.  (Cousins is a separate conversation, I am not as optimistic on him)
But what is Zimmers record?  Where do his defenses rank?  He has won the north twice, we are competitive every year.  Yes, we haven't gotten over the NFCCG hump yet, but who has since Grant?  Green got 9 years and I think Zimmer is much better than Green.  Win percentage is pretty much the same, playoff win percentage is the same.  I like the character of the team much more with Zimmer.  I think he has coached through much more adversity. 

The team loses damned near every Nationally Televised game against a quality opponent on the Road. And is far from a lock against quality opponents at home. He's gotten every damned thing he's asked for on Defense and has turned yet another QB into a Game Manager in an era where even the Bears are finding out the hard way that you need more than that.

Forgive some of us for finally deciding enough is enough. Can't stop long drives to start games against teams like ever. Can't seem to enable an OC to call a modern pass to run ratio against good teams like ever. Can't mange challenged or the game clock like ever.

I've defended this FO and Coaching Staff for ever. But fool me a dozen times, on the road, on nationally televised games and even my purple shades start to look red.

@"greediron" said:

@"FSUVike" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

No it isn't one loss, or one win or one throw.  (Cousins is a separate conversation, I am not as optimistic on him)
But what is Zimmers record?  Where do his defenses rank?  He has won the north twice, we are competitive every year.  Yes, we haven't gotten over the NFCCG hump yet, but who has since Grant?  Green got 9 years and I think Zimmer is much better than Green.  Win percentage is pretty much the same, playoff win percentage is the same.  I like the character of the team much more with Zimmer.  I think he has coached through much more adversity. 

The team loses damned near every Nationally Televised game against a quality opponent on the Road. And is far from a lock against quality opponents at home. He's gotten every damned thing he's asked for on Defense and has turned yet another QB into a Game Manager in an era where even the Bears are finding out the hard way that you need more than that.

Forgive some of us for finally deciding enough is enough. Can't stop long drives to start games against teams like ever. Can't seem to enable an OC to call a modern pass to run ratio against good teams like ever. Can't mange challenged or the game clock like ever.

I've defended this FO and Coaching Staff for ever. But fool me a dozen times, on the road, on nationally televised games and even my purple shades start to look red.

  I think jumping on the Cleveland coaching carousel is a bad idea.  Patience and continuity are much more important than fan drama.

@"StickyBun" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"FSUVike" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

No it isn't one loss, or one win or one throw.  (Cousins is a separate conversation, I am not as optimistic on him)
But what is Zimmers record?  Where do his defenses rank?  He has won the north twice, we are competitive every year.  Yes, we haven't gotten over the NFCCG hump yet, but who has since Grant?  Green got 9 years and I think Zimmer is much better than Green.  Win percentage is pretty much the same, playoff win percentage is the same.  I like the character of the team much more with Zimmer.  I think he has coached through much more adversity. 

The team loses damned near every Nationally Televised game against a quality opponent on the Road. And is far from a lock against quality opponents at home. He's gotten every damned thing he's asked for on Defense and has turned yet another QB into a Game Manager in an era where even the Bears are finding out the hard way that you need more than that.

Forgive some of us for finally deciding enough is enough. Can't stop long drives to start games against teams like ever. Can't seem to enable an OC to call a modern pass to run ratio against good teams like ever. Can't mange challenged or the game clock like ever.

I've defended this FO and Coaching Staff for ever. But fool me a dozen times, on the road, on nationally televised games and even my purple shades start to look red.

  I think jumping on the Cleveland coaching carousel is a bad idea.  Patience and continuity are much more important than fan drama.

?? This is Zimmer's 6th season as Viking's coach, not his third. The Browns have had 5 coaches since 2013. So lets not pretend its even close to the same thing if the Viking's fire Zimmer after this season. At some point, 'patience and continuity' by fans is just enablement and rationalizing. 

@"greediron" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"FSUVike" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"Jor-El" said: Great, they dominated a poor team, Zimmer's supporters feel totally justified. I guess that shows how low the bar has been set. Now impress me and dominate the Eagles. In fact, truly impress me with a dominant SEASON. That has been the expectation since they were 11-5 and ascending in 2015. But since then it has been one strong season that seemed more due to Pat Shurmur and lucky breaks, surrounded by mediocrity. Zimmer fans act like he is in his second year after inheriting Mike Tice's depleted roster. He has had control for 5 seasons and for the past 4, every NFL pundit says his roster is of Super Bowl contending talent level. Pretty sad that beating a team that was 5-11 last year is seen as a vindication.

Just about as sad as calling for his head after a tough loss in chicago. 

I just bumped this thread so the unhappy lot would have a reason to post this week. 

Do you really think it's the one loss? Maybe it was the breaking point was reached. The body of work is compelling when it comes down to wins and losses...same thing for Cousins, it wasn't just that horrid throw vs gb...

No it isn't one loss, or one win or one throw.  (Cousins is a separate conversation, I am not as optimistic on him)
But what is Zimmers record?  Where do his defenses rank?  He has won the north twice, we are competitive every year.  Yes, we haven't gotten over the NFCCG hump yet, but who has since Grant?  Green got 9 years and I think Zimmer is much better than Green.  Win percentage is pretty much the same, playoff win percentage is the same.  I like the character of the team much more with Zimmer.  I think he has coached through much more adversity. 

The team loses damned near every Nationally Televised game against a quality opponent on the Road. And is far from a lock against quality opponents at home. He's gotten every damned thing he's asked for on Defense and has turned yet another QB into a Game Manager in an era where even the Bears are finding out the hard way that you need more than that.

Forgive some of us for finally deciding enough is enough. Can't stop long drives to start games against teams like ever. Can't seem to enable an OC to call a modern pass to run ratio against good teams like ever. Can't mange challenged or the game clock like ever.

I've defended this FO and Coaching Staff for ever. But fool me a dozen times, on the road, on nationally televised games and even my purple shades start to look red.

  I think jumping on the Cleveland coaching carousel is a bad idea.  Patience and continuity are much more important than fan drama.

?? This is Zimmer's 6th season as Viking's coach, not his third. The Browns have had 5 coaches since 2013. So lets not pretend its even close to the same thing if the Viking's fire Zimmer after this season. At some point, 'patience and continuity' by fans is just enablement and rationalizing. 

I understand it is Zimmer's 6th year.  I think i mentioned that above.  But as I said, jumping on the revolving coach carousel is a bad idea.  Our offense has struggled because of lack of continuity, so lets get better by putting the whole team in spin mode.  That is what I find odd.
Now everyone has an opinion, and this is just mine.  So spare me the condescension.  I find the criticisms of zimmer often based in hyperbole and exaggeration.