Greetings from a Falcons Fan

[PurpleHalo]

you guys just destroyed Tampa so its not looking really good ..

I had some hope for a wildcard before everything went south on us...

I agree I think our defense is pretty solid, we pretty much stopped on of the best
offenses in football for the majority of the game .. I am guessing if we had Peterson
we would have a winning record right now... but we don't and were looking at a very very
long season. I like Zimmer a lot and hope they don't hold this against him. In one off season
he turned a terrible offense into a pretty darn good one IMO.

Tampa isn't much of a barometer, they are probably the worst team in the NFL, not saying Atlanta isn't good but yeah.

[chicagopurple]

If the Vikes can win this game (or even make it close!) it would be a HGUE endorsement of Zimmer. The biggest hurdle to overcome is the state of mind the team is in. We really need a Lombardi type motivation from the coach. Peterson really screwed up this teams attitude. Everyone feels like they are in a hopeless train wreck. In reality, we have a good secondary, goodrecievers, MAYBE a very talented young QB, and a reasonable front line (on paper). The big questions are 1, can we get a journeyman effort out of at least one of our running backs?, 2. Is the OL going to man up and give Bridgewater 3 seconds to show what he is capable of?

I really think the biggest threat is the mental malaise, which I understand and totally throw at the feet of a certain child abusing moron.

Atlanta is the real deal. I think they are a better team then the Saints. This game will tell us alot about what the rest of the season will look like.

[J. Kapp 11]

Blaming them for what? I think you seriously mis-read my post. I certainly wasn't blaming the defense for the team's two losses.
Which is why I wrote "When they haven't been put in compromising field position by turnovers, the defense has done a nice job of limiting scoring." In the NE game, they were repeatedly compromised by turnovers.
I didn't suggest otherwise. In fact, all I can do is point back to the comment I've already repeated above: "... the defense has done a nice job of limiting scoring. "
I never suggested otherwise. I was simply pointing out that allowing over 250 yards rushing over the past two weeks, and the opposition being in front for the vast majority of time in those two games, likely contributed to lower-than-usual passing totals for Brady and Brees. As I see it, the Vikings offense is as culpable for that as the defense and the offense is definitely a far more problematic unit at this point in the season. That doesn't mean the defense is above any criticism, does it?

Forgive my assertiveness, Jim. I don't mean to be so aggressive. But honestly, when I WATCH the Vikings defense, I am incredibly encouraged. The only time I've felt they looked lost was the first two drives New Orleans had. Zimmer acknowledged he got out-coached on those two drives. Other than that, we've been really, really good. It's not so much about the numbers, Jim. It's about what they're doing on the field, and the way they're frustrating opponents. Drew Brees looked truly frustrated for much of that game Sunday, and to do that to that quarterback and that offense in that stadium is no joke. And as I pointed out, the score against the Patriots was no indication of the defense. New England scored 21 points off either turnovers or blocked kicks. They had one sustained TD drive and less than 300 yards of offense, even though they obliterated us in time of possession. And yet ... even if we had given up ZERO points off turnovers/blocked kicks, we still would have lost that game because our offense was utterly incompetent -- 217 yards of total offense and four turnovers.

I know it's your nature not to use hyperbole. You tend to to temper things, which is a good thing. So please don't take this personally, but I know you typically watch the games after you know the outcome. I would submit that watching the games live, where you don't know what the outcome will be, where you have to sense the momentum swings, ride the ebbs and tides of the game, and place your hope in something, causes me to feel like I do about this defense. In that sense, it was painfully obvious ... if we were going to claw our way back into the game at New Orleans, for example, it was going to be on the backs of our defenders. And you know what? We almost did it. As you well know, watching live yields more of an emotional response than an analytical one, but most of us on this board understand what we're seeing, even though our emotion.

So is the defense above ANY criticism? Of course not. But no defense is perfect, so in that sense, even Seattle's defense is not above criticism. But through three games, the strength of this team, on the whole, is its defense. As bad as our defense has been in recent years, that gives me great hope for the future.

[dead_poet]

‏@Andrew_Krammer -- Captain Munnerlyn is preparing to play more in the slot this week vs. #Falcons spread offense; meaning bigger role for Josh Robinson

@DarrenPage -- Josh Robinson is gonna be playing across from Julio or Roddy this week.

[The Breeze]

It's time for the Vikes to have a new heart and soul type leader of the team. I'm hoping it's TB, and it may be a lemons to lemonade situation regarding Cassel's injury being so soon after AD's ordeal.

Jennings is going to have to step way up...being that this is such a young team. It seems nearly all the experienced guys are hurt on either side of the ball. Harrison Smith is leading by example and, to me, is a good tempo setter for attitude and energy for the whole team.

This could be a very pivotal game for the Vikings as far as establishing their future identity. I really hope they rally around each other and come out with their ears pinned back to defend their home field. Smacking down the Falcons, who are flying pretty high right now, would do a lot to help recapture some momentum lost since week 1.

[mosscarter]

someone said transition to a different style run game? what run game are you talking about because clearly we don't have one. in fact, i would go as far to say we have 2 of the worst backs in the league as starters. i really hope this a complete recipe for disaster with bridgewater. you talk about baptize by fire, well this is it.

[Mothman]

Forgive my assertiveness, Jim. I don't mean to be so aggressive.

No worries.

But honestly, when I WATCH the Vikings defense, I am incredibly encouraged. The only time I've felt they looked lost was the first two drives New Orleans had. Zimmer acknowledged he got out-coached on those two drives. Other than that, we've been really, really good. It's not so much about the numbers, Jim. It's about what they're doing on the field, and the way they're frustrating opponents. Drew Brees looked truly frustrated for much of that game Sunday, and to do that to that quarterback and that offense in that stadium is no joke. And as I pointed out, the score against the Patriots was no indication of the defense. New England scored 21 points off either turnovers or blocked kicks. They had one sustained TD drive and less than 300 yards of offense, even though they obliterated us in time of possession. And yet ... even if we had given up ZERO points off turnovers/blocked kicks, we still would have lost that game because our offense was utterly incompetent -- 217 yards of total offense and four turnovers.

I know it's your nature not to use hyperbole. You tend to to temper things, which is a good thing. So please don't take this personally, but I know you typically watch the games after you know the outcome. I would submit that watching the games live, where you don't know what the outcome will be, where you have to sense the momentum swings, ride the ebbs and tides of the game, and place your hope in something, causes me to feel like I do about this defense. In that sense, it was painfully obvious ... if we were going to claw our way back into the game at New Orleans, for example, it was going to be on the backs of our defenders. And you know what? We almost did it. As you well know, watching live yields more of an emotional response than an analytical one, but most of us on this board understand what we're seeing, even though our emotion.

I know what you mean and I agree that watching a game live is a different experience. However, I do listen to every game live if I can't watch and I watched the Pats game live. Even when I have to listen, I catch stretches of the game on red zone so while that's not the same as seeing every play, I do get a feel for the flow of the game and I experience the emotional ups and downs as they happen, just like everyone else.

Anyway, as I've already said, I like the look of the defense and I think they're playing pretty well. However, I didn't think they looked very good at the beginning or end of the NO game and even though NE scored a lot of their points off turnovers, I'm just never going to be comfortable with a Vikings defense allowing 150 yards rushing.

I'm definitely encouraged by the way the defense has played through 3 games but I still think they have a lot of work to do, just not as much as the offense.

[dead_poet]

[but I still think they have a lot of work to do, just not as much as the offense.

Who would've thought that coming into the season? This feels like Bizarro World.

Edit: More evidence:

#Lions have the league’s top-rated defense, and they’re 2nd against run, 3rd against pass.

[Mothman]

Who would've thought that coming into the season? This feels like Bizarro World.

It sure does...

Edit: More evidence:

I noticed that yesterday! Maybe that team is finally getting their act together... that might not be good news for us.

[J. Kapp 11]

It sure does...
I noticed that yesterday! Maybe that team is finally getting their act together... that might not be good news for us.

It's interesting.

Their first game was against the totally inept New York Giants, so no surprise they came away with good defensive numbers.

Their second game was against Carolina without Cam Netwon. Again, not a huge surprise, even though they lost.

But to hold Green Bay to 223 total yards? Cause for concern for all NFC North teams.

[PurpleKoolaid]

If that doesn't put the fear of god into Vikings fans. I don't know what will.

[dead_poet]

If that doesn't put the fear of god into Vikings fans. I don't know what will.

Oh, and he didn't practice today, either, so he probably won't be 100%. Should be fun.

[J. Kapp 11]

I watched the Pats game live.

My condolences. Sorry that was the one game you got to see live. Brutal.

Even when I have to listen, I catch stretches of the game on red zone so while that's not the same as seeing every play, I do get a feel for the flow of the game and I experience the emotional ups and downs as they happen, just like everyone else.

I kept NFL Sunday Ticket this year but downgraded from Max, which means I don't get Red Zone. Honestly, I miss it. When the Vikings aren't playing, I'd almost rather watch that than another game.

Anyway, as I've already said, I like the look of the defense and I think they're playing pretty well. However, I didn't think they looked very good at the beginning or end of the NO game and even though NE scored a lot of their points off turnovers, I'm just never going to be comfortable with a Vikings defense allowing 150 yards rushing.

I'm definitely encouraged by the way the defense has played through 3 games but I still think they have a lot of work to do, just not as much as the offense.

Always a work in progress, for sure. I'm just of the opinion that if we had any semblance of an offense, we might be 2-1 or even 3-0 right now. But you're right ... always room for improvement.

I was super proud of how our defense responded to the adversity in New Orleans. It was ugly at first, but they came back and really made life miserable for Brees. Also, New Orleans only had about 80 yards rushing through three quarters. Once the lead stretched to 20-9, they ran the ball nearly every play. Not making excuses for the Vikings because in theory you should never give up, but it was over. The roughing call on Munnerlyn, followed by the subsequent TD drive for the Saints, completely took the air out of the balloon for the Vikings. And the 108 yards on the ground they gave up to New Orleans was still better than league average. I sure didn't like the 150 yards surrendered on the ground vs. the Patriots -- with the exception of the opening drive, that entire game was a debacle.

[Mothman]

[My condolences. Sorry that was the one game you got to see live. Brutal.

LOL! Thanks. It was especially brutal in the wake of the whole Peterson scandal.

I kept NFL Sunday Ticket this year but downgraded from Max, which means I don't get Red Zone. Honestly, I miss it. When the Vikings aren't playing, I'd almost rather watch that than another game.

It's oddly addictive, although in some ways, I prefer watching a singe game. The pace of Red Zone is almost too much after a while but it's hard to look away!

Always a work in progress, for sure. I'm just of the opinion that if we had any semblance of an offense, we might be 2-1 or even 3-0 right now.

You're not alone there. Last Sunday's game was winnable with more production from the offense and unfortunately, they just didn't get it.

I was super proud of how our defense responded to the adversity in New Orleans. It was ugly at first, but they came back and really made life miserable for Brees. Also, New Orleans only had about 80 yards rushing through three quarters. Once the lead stretched to 20-9, they ran the ball nearly every play. Not making excuses for the Vikings because in theory you should never give up, but it was over. The roughing call on Munnerlyn, followed by the subsequent TD drive for the Saints, completely took the air out of the balloon for the Vikings. And the 108 yards on the ground they gave up to New Orleans was still better than league average. I sure didn't like the 150 yards surrendered on the ground vs. the Patriots -- with the exception of the opening drive, that entire game was a debacle.

That sums it up.

The Saints gouged them with the run early but as you said, the Vikes responded to it well. New Orleans ended up with a high number of rushing attempts but a relatively poor ypc average.

Overall, I'd say the defense is progressing about as well as could reasonably be expected. I hope they can start forcing more turnovers though. They did it in week one but haven't managed it the last two weeks and that was a shortcoming in recent seasons too. I'd love to see them force a few against Atlanta this week.

[J. Kapp 11]

Overall, I'd say the defense is progressing about as well as could reasonably be expected. I hope they can start forcing more turnovers though. They did it in week one but haven't managed it the last two weeks and that was a shortcoming in recent seasons too. I'd love to see them force a few against Atlanta this week.

I think what I like about the defense is how fast and aggressively they play. It's definitely a different philosophy than the Cover 2, which has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Zimmer's style is probably more fan-friendly. I was concerned that our personnel might not be able to pull it off, but they seem to be doing well with it, especially the defensive backs. They don't even look like the same group of guys. What we forget sometimes is that Zimmer started as a DB coach, and a very good one. Now we just need more turnovers, as you mentioned.

The guy who has impressed me most (well, besides Harrison Smith, who always impresses me) is Anthony Barr. I figured he'd make a few plays here and there as a pass rusher, but he's proving to be really good in space. The guy is obviously an athletic freak, and it looks like he's a fast learner, as well. I think Spielman got it right with this kid.