Film observations of Vikings: Week 1 vs. Rams

[PurpleHalo]

@28BreaksAnkles:

That's an awful lot of work to show us you don't think Matt Cassel should be the starter.

Here's a quicker take ... Zero turnovers. 113 passer rating. Vikings win. Next.

What else wasn't taken into account, the Rams have a good defense. People also flamed Matt for not playing well vs Carolina last year, well most of the league had that issue.

[dead_poet]

More film review:

Vikings film review: Defensive line, LBs: http://www.espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-v ... e-line-lbs

Rookie Anthony Barr was impressive, showing good chase speed, holding up well in pass coverage, and displaying solid instincts on a third-quarter run, when he stayed home to bring down Zac Stacy on the backside of a counter play. Coach Mike Zimmer moved Barr all over the defense, blitzing him from the linebacker spot when he drilled Austin Davis on Harrison Smith's interception and lining him up at left end on third downs. On those occasions, the Vikings often moved Brian Robison inside and put Gerald Hodges at linebacker in the nickel. Hodges, who was in man coverage against slot receivers on several occasions, fared well.

Vikings film review: Defensive backs: http://www.espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-v ... sive-backs

Speaking of safeties, this defense could be the one that turns Harrison Smith into a star. He certainly looked the part on Sunday, leveling Austin Davis after he came clean from the blind side on a seven-man blitz and jumping a route on his fourth-quarter interception, which Smith ran back 81 yards for a touchdown. It was the safety's third career touchdown, and he got his second career sack. He also lined up over slot receivers on several occasions, and played down in the box against the run. The Vikings will give Smith plenty to do, and on Sunday, he did all of it well.

[losperros]

I love this:

Josh Robinson's day was one of his best as a pro, highlighted by a first down-saving tackle and an interception in the first half. And unlike last year, when he was a frequent target for quarterbacks, Robinson wasn't thrown at very often on Sunday; he was targeted with just three passes (the one where he tackled Brian Quick, his interception and a fourth-quarter pass breakup).

I hope Robinson can keep it up.

http://www.espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-v ... sive-backs

[84BreaksAnkles]

@28BreaksAnkles:

That's an awful lot of work to show us you don't think Matt Cassel should be the starter.

Here's a quicker take ... Zero turnovers. 113 passer rating. Vikings win. Next.

No it's not. It was an objective film study for people who were curious to see Cassel's #'s vs the blitz.. But you're not welcome.

[dead_poet]

Five Vikings stats that stand out for Week 2

http://blog.startribune.com/sports/acce ... for-week-2

21 — number of the Vikings’ runs against the Rams that went right.

When I went back and watched the game last night, I couldn’t help but notice the Vikings often running to the right behind guard Brandon Fusco and tackle Phil Loadholt — and away from Rams defensive end Robert Quinn and defensive tackle Michael Brockers. As it turns out, 21 of the team’s 31 rushing attempts went to the right of the center, according to Pro Football Focus, with Fusco and center John Sullivan often pulling. The Vikings picked up 158 of their 188 rushing yards going to the right — all three of Patterson’s big runs went that direction — and averaged 7.5 yards per carry.

More at the link