Case Keenum

[Alaskan]

I hope, but I see their D line devouring our O line. Hope to be surprised by how well we run. If we can run on the Bears, we will win many games.

I agree with you FSL. They are going to stack the box hoping we are stubborn enough to keep pounding the rock. Then we are 3rd and long and in predictable passing situations. We have to run it but we better have some creative play calling mixed in to keep them guessing. I’m worried about our left side even if we double Mack. Our Oline is not better than the skins. We have to sustain drives to wear them down. I noticed their pass rush was not as dominant in the second half. If we abandon the run, we are in trouble. But my hope is Kubiak really injects himself in the play calling. True test for this team. Weather could be a factor also.

U may be right. Idk. I have my doubts. It’s not like the other three teams we have played this year haven’t had 8-9 guys in the box at times. It’s a dangerous game to play for them. It leaves them 1 on 1 on the outside With no safety help. Extremely vulnerable to play action. And the other thing is the vikes are primarily a zone scheme running team. O linemen block an area or a zone on any given play, Not a specific person. The RB has discretion to follow his blocking as he sees the holes developing, Cook is extremely good at this as he has shown. Kubiak is extremely good at the details of zone blocking and game planning for teams with talented fronts. He’s proven it with years of success. Obviously it’s more complex than that, if your interested in details just google zone running schemes, it may help u understand a few things. The reason I bring that up is. Doubling Mack may not be part of the plan in the running game. Idk. There are other ways to attack as well. Some People act like the Vikings don’t bring anything to the table here to concern this defense. They do. This is going to be as much of a challenge for them defensively as it is for the Vikings offensively. Maybe more. Protecting the football and taking what the defense is giving u is going to be key. Establishing play action is as important as establishing the run. The two go hand and hand. Getting back to your post about stacking the box, I hope they do!

[The negotiator]

I agree with you FSL. They are going to stack the box hoping we are stubborn enough to keep pounding the rock. Then we are 3rd and long and in predictable passing situations. We have to run it but we better have some creative play calling mixed in to keep them guessing. I’m worried about our left side even if we double Mack. Our Oline is not better than the skins. We have to sustain drives to wear them down. I noticed their pass rush was not as dominant in the second half. If we abandon the run, we are in trouble. But my hope is Kubiak really injects himself in the play calling. True test for this team. Weather could be a factor also.

U may be right. Idk. I have my doubts. It’s not like the other three teams we have played this year haven’t had 8-9 guys in the box at times. It’s a dangerous game to play for them. It leaves them 1 on 1 on the outside With no safety help. Extremely vulnerable to play action. And the other thing is the vikes are primarily a zone scheme running team. O linemen block an area or a zone on any given play, Not a specific person. The RB has discretion to follow his blocking as he sees the holes developing, Cook is extremely good at this as he has shown. Kubiak is extremely good at the details of zone blocking and game planning for teams with talented fronts. He’s proven it with years of success. Obviously it’s more complex than that, if your interested in details just google zone running schemes, it may help u understand a few things. The reason I bring that up is. Doubling Mack may not be part of the plan in the running game. Idk. There are other ways to attack as well. Some People act like the Vikings don’t bring anything to the table here to concern this defense. They do. This is going to be as much of a challenge for them defensively as it is for the Vikings offensively. Maybe more. Protecting the football and taking what the defense is giving u is going to be key. Establishing play action is as important as establishing the run. The two go hand and hand. Getting back to your post about stacking the box, I hope they do!

Good post. I’ve been watching
Football for 60 years and I’m very familiar with zone blocking schemes. I hope Im wrong about how good the bears D line is. You make good points about the single coverage. Again, I hope Kirk has time for the routes to develop. I’ve never missed watching or being at every one of Kirks games including MSU. In all of his pro years, this year has the most potential. My biggest concern is the O line. Thanks again for a solid post.

[Alaskan]

U may be right. Idk. I have my doubts. It’s not like the other three teams we have played this year haven’t had 8-9 guys in the box at times. It’s a dangerous game to play for them. It leaves them 1 on 1 on the outside With no safety help. Extremely vulnerable to play action. And the other thing is the vikes are primarily a zone scheme running team. O linemen block an area or a zone on any given play, Not a specific person. The RB has discretion to follow his blocking as he sees the holes developing, Cook is extremely good at this as he has shown. Kubiak is extremely good at the details of zone blocking and game planning for teams with talented fronts. He’s proven it with years of success. Obviously it’s more complex than that, if your interested in details just google zone running schemes, it may help u understand a few things. The reason I bring that up is. Doubling Mack may not be part of the plan in the running game. Idk. There are other ways to attack as well. Some People act like the Vikings don’t bring anything to the table here to concern this defense. They do. This is going to be as much of a challenge for them defensively as it is for the Vikings offensively. Maybe more. Protecting the football and taking what the defense is giving u is going to be key. Establishing play action is as important as establishing the run. The two go hand and hand. Getting back to your post about stacking the box, I hope they do!

Good post. I’ve been watching
Football for 60 years and I’m very familiar with zone blocking schemes. I hope Im wrong about how good the bears D line is. You make good points about the single coverage. Again, I hope Kirk has time for the routes to develop. I’ve never missed watching or being at every one of Kirks games including MSU. In all of his pro years, this year has the most potential. My biggest concern is the O line. Thanks again for a solid post.

I didn’t mean insult you in any way with the comments about googling the zone scheme. If i did I apologize. I could have done a better job expressing my thoughts there. Your point about Cousins having enough time is a good one. If they keep cousins moving and out of the pocket as much as they have been with bootleggs and designed rollouts, etc...it will help against the pass rush. Also streaching the field side line to side line in the run game and getting these big linemen moving sideways will go along ways as well, I believe, for many reasons. I would like to see them go more up tempo, some no huddle to try and really dictate the pace. Just wear these linemen down anyway they can. This is really what the Vikings have been doing already this season, successfully. That’s what this scheme is really all about from my eyes. Take away the first quarter in a half at green bay and this team has looked totally dominant.

[The negotiator]

Good post. I’ve been watching
Football for 60 years and I’m very familiar with zone blocking schemes. I hope Im wrong about how good the bears D line is. You make good points about the single coverage. Again, I hope Kirk has time for the routes to develop. I’ve never missed watching or being at every one of Kirks games including MSU. In all of his pro years, this year has the most potential. My biggest concern is the O line. Thanks again for a solid post.

I didn’t mean insult you in any way with the comments about googling the zone scheme. If i did I apologize. I could have done a better job expressing my thoughts there. Your point about Cousins having enough time is a good one. If they keep cousins moving and out of the pocket as much as they have been with bootleggs and designed rollouts, etc...it will help against the pass rush. Also streaching the field side line to side line in the run game and getting these big linemen moving sideways will go along ways as well, I believe, for many reasons. I would like to see them go more up tempo, some no huddle to try and really dictate the pace. Just wear these linemen down anyway they can. This is really what the Vikings have been doing already this season, successfully. That’s what this scheme is really all about from my eyes. Take away the first quarter in a half at green bay and this team has looked totally dominant.

Good summary

[CharVike]

Take Mack off that defense and they become middle of the road. Mack is impressive and you need to keep bodies on him. Not one but multiple guys. Otherwise say good night. We all know our interior line blows but our tackles better get ready. There hands will be full. That's why this idiot OC we have needs to stick with what we do best. Bang the ball. If he decides to become a passing team this week we will get crushed. I can see it now. Cousins back under heavy pressure look out for Mack... Fumble Bears ball. That's what will happen. People will say throw it short. Do people think the Bears are that stupid. They will crowd the LOS. We have two very good WRs but we don't have a guy that can blow the top off. The lid will be shut. They can bring guys up and they will. That's why we need to pound the ball all day. Wear them out. Let the know we are coming. With that OC idiot he will throw on the first play and Mack will destroy Reiff or whatever his name is and bye bye football at that point. Bears ball or they will score a TD. Here's what I would do. Use 1 WR no FB and just pound it. Bring in an extra OL for the FB. Don't stop. Wear the clock out and pound. Make them sorry we ever showed up.

I agree with your take on the Bears' defensive strategy. Packers used a high-pressure crowded front a lot and it seemed to work, at least better than what the Falcons and the Raiders managed. Plus, that is what the Bears defense is designed to do.

But I disagree on a couple of other things, starting with the Vikings OC. Not sure why you're calling him an idiot. For the most part, his playcalling has mirrored a lot of what you're recommending the Vikings do. Maybe not the "heavy" formation with a single WR, but in terms of run-pass percentage, it's been heavy run, especially on first down. Lots of play action as well when the Vikings do pass, and I think the play selection overall has been balanced and unpredictable. In short, while Stefanski might not be a genius, I don't think the playcalling has been that bad, certainly not bad enough to call him an idiot.

Second thing I disagree on is the ability to get deep over the top. I agree that the Vikings don't have burners at WR, but both Thielen and Diggs have shown an ability to get deep. Further, I think Irv Smith can too. In fact, I think Smith's ability to get deep is the most under-utilized part of the Vikings offense so far. Smith can run. Maybe he can't necessarily outrun NFL defensive backs, but if the Vikings can create matchups where Smith has a LB on him, I'd say chuck it deep and see if he can go get it.

The biggest challenge going deep against the Bears is going to be time to let the routes develop, especially if the Bears are going all in and coming after Cousins. But having an effective run threat should temper that a bit, as should fatigue if the Vikings keep drives going and can tire the Bears out a bit later in the game. Last year, the Vikings offense couldn't stay on the field and the Bear defense never got tired. If the Vikings can run it and keep them on the field with some nice, long drives, especially if the Vikings defense can get the Bear offense off the field quickly, that will greatly favor the Vikings as the game wears on.

So yeah, if the Vikings fall behind early like they did against the Packers or can't sustain drives (either running or passing) early, that will play into the Bears' hands. I think the core approach that has been so successful for the Vikings will continue - heavy dose of run sprinkled with play action passes to the short and medium portions of the field. Avoid killer mistakes and the Vikings should have a great chance of winning provided the defense and special teams do their parts. I don't think any drastic change in approach is necessary against the Bears defense. Solid execution will be, though, at least if the Vikings hope to win comfortably as they have against some lesser opponents.

When your playing a division rival who some experts pick to win the division and they can't stop the running game and your QB is in a funk and your OL can't pass block don't throw. the ball. That's why I call him an idiot. I also feel the Pack knew Cook or Matti would punch it in eventually they played the pass in case the idiot decided to put it up. The idiot played right into there hands. Many things can go wrong when passing the football. Many pieces. And when your QB is having a bad game and your RBs are tearing them up just bang it in The clock also gets eaten up. That's why this guy is an idiot. Not hard to see for me.

[fiestavike]

I agree with your take on the Bears' defensive strategy. Packers used a high-pressure crowded front a lot and it seemed to work, at least better than what the Falcons and the Raiders managed. Plus, that is what the Bears defense is designed to do.

But I disagree on a couple of other things, starting with the Vikings OC. Not sure why you're calling him an idiot. For the most part, his playcalling has mirrored a lot of what you're recommending the Vikings do. Maybe not the "heavy" formation with a single WR, but in terms of run-pass percentage, it's been heavy run, especially on first down. Lots of play action as well when the Vikings do pass, and I think the play selection overall has been balanced and unpredictable. In short, while Stefanski might not be a genius, I don't think the playcalling has been that bad, certainly not bad enough to call him an idiot.

Second thing I disagree on is the ability to get deep over the top. I agree that the Vikings don't have burners at WR, but both Thielen and Diggs have shown an ability to get deep. Further, I think Irv Smith can too. In fact, I think Smith's ability to get deep is the most under-utilized part of the Vikings offense so far. Smith can run. Maybe he can't necessarily outrun NFL defensive backs, but if the Vikings can create matchups where Smith has a LB on him, I'd say chuck it deep and see if he can go get it.

The biggest challenge going deep against the Bears is going to be time to let the routes develop, especially if the Bears are going all in and coming after Cousins. But having an effective run threat should temper that a bit, as should fatigue if the Vikings keep drives going and can tire the Bears out a bit later in the game. Last year, the Vikings offense couldn't stay on the field and the Bear defense never got tired. If the Vikings can run it and keep them on the field with some nice, long drives, especially if the Vikings defense can get the Bear offense off the field quickly, that will greatly favor the Vikings as the game wears on.

So yeah, if the Vikings fall behind early like they did against the Packers or can't sustain drives (either running or passing) early, that will play into the Bears' hands. I think the core approach that has been so successful for the Vikings will continue - heavy dose of run sprinkled with play action passes to the short and medium portions of the field. Avoid killer mistakes and the Vikings should have a great chance of winning provided the defense and special teams do their parts. I don't think any drastic change in approach is necessary against the Bears defense. Solid execution will be, though, at least if the Vikings hope to win comfortably as they have against some lesser opponents.

When your playing a division rival who some experts pick to win the division and they can't stop the running game and your QB is in a funk and your OL can't pass block don't throw. the ball. That's why I call him an idiot. I also feel the Pack knew Cook or Matti would punch it in eventually they played the pass in case the idiot decided to put it up. The idiot played right into there hands. Many things can go wrong when passing the football. Many pieces. And when your QB is having a bad game and your RBs are tearing them up just bang it in The clock also gets eaten up. That's why this guy is an idiot. Not hard to see for me.

Get ahold of yourself.

[VikingLord]

When your playing a division rival who some experts pick to win the division and they can't stop the running game and your QB is in a funk and your OL can't pass block don't throw. the ball. That's why I call him an idiot. I also feel the Pack knew Cook or Matti would punch it in eventually they played the pass in case the idiot decided to put it up. The idiot played right into there hands. Many things can go wrong when passing the football. Many pieces. And when your QB is having a bad game and your RBs are tearing them up just bang it in The clock also gets eaten up. That's why this guy is an idiot. Not hard to see for me.

The Vikings lead the league in percentage of run plays called and should soon lead it in total rushing as well. Overall, the way this offense has been called hearkens back more to the 1972 Dolphins than any more recent NFL offense I can remember. If you watch the highlights of any other game from last Sunday, 90% are probably pass plays. For the Vikings offense, at least half are run plays.

Stefanski seems to be using the strengths of what he's been given, and for the most part effectively using them. There have been a few clear clunkers in his playcalling, for the most part I think what he and Kubiak have done so far shows a pretty good understanding of the strengths of his players.

We'll see how they do against the Bears, but calling someone an idiot based on one questionable playcall is a bit much.

[StumpHunter]

When your playing a division rival who some experts pick to win the division and they can't stop the running game and your QB is in a funk and your OL can't pass block don't throw. the ball. That's why I call him an idiot. I also feel the Pack knew Cook or Matti would punch it in eventually they played the pass in case the idiot decided to put it up. The idiot played right into there hands. Many things can go wrong when passing the football. Many pieces. And when your QB is having a bad game and your RBs are tearing them up just bang it in The clock also gets eaten up. That's why this guy is an idiot. Not hard to see for me.

The Vikings lead the league in percentage of run plays called and should soon lead it in total rushing as well. Overall, the way this offense has been called hearkens back more to the 1972 Dolphins than any more recent NFL offense I can remember. If you watch the highlights of any other game from last Sunday, 90% are probably pass plays. For the Vikings offense, at least half are run plays.

Stefanski seems to be using the strengths of what he's been given, and for the most part effectively using them. There have been a few clear clunkers in his playcalling, for the most part I think what he and Kubiak have done so far shows a pretty good understanding of the strengths of his players.

We'll see how they do against the Bears, but calling someone an idiot based on one questionable playcall is a bit much.

Every play call is questionable I suppose, but people ripping this one is just absurd.

Throwing on 1st down inside the 10 when the defense is expecting a run is not a bad move. Rolling out on that play to give your QB the opportunity to throw it away if it isn't there is not a bad move. The bad move was the QB attempting to throw it into double coverage off his back foot. If you can't trust your QB enough to run a relatively safe play to catch the defense off guard you need to find a different QB.

[9man]

The Vikings lead the league in percentage of run plays called and should soon lead it in total rushing as well. Overall, the way this offense has been called hearkens back more to the 1972 Dolphins than any more recent NFL offense I can remember. If you watch the highlights of any other game from last Sunday, 90% are probably pass plays. For the Vikings offense, at least half are run plays.

Stefanski seems to be using the strengths of what he's been given, and for the most part effectively using them. There have been a few clear clunkers in his playcalling, for the most part I think what he and Kubiak have done so far shows a pretty good understanding of the strengths of his players.

We'll see how they do against the Bears, but calling someone an idiot based on one questionable playcall is a bit much.

Every play call is questionable I suppose, but people ripping this one is just absurd.

Throwing on 1st down inside the 10 when the defense is expecting a run is not a bad move. Rolling out on that play to give your QB the opportunity to throw it away if it isn't there is not a bad move. The bad move was the QB attempting to throw it into double coverage off his back foot. If you can't trust your QB enough to run a relatively safe play to catch the defense off guard you need to find a different QB.

Honestly, coaching is part of the problem, especially with this play call. The coach should be telling Cousins to throw it away if there is nothing. Yes, the QB should know that, but the coach should be doing just that....coaching.

I try to stay positive and remember that the OC has little experience calling plays. He definitely has a mentor to help him improve.

[VikingLord]

Throwing on 1st down inside the 10 when the defense is expecting a run is not a bad move. Rolling out on that play to give your QB the opportunity to throw it away if it isn't there is not a bad move. The bad move was the QB attempting to throw it into double coverage off his back foot. If you can't trust your QB enough to run a relatively safe play to catch the defense off guard you need to find a different QB.

I actually agree with you on this. It wasn't the playcall that cost them - it was Cousins taking an unnecessary risk and not showing the type of understanding of situation that you hope your veteran QB shows in those situations. If it's 3rd down or 4th down maybe take that chance, but not on 1st or 2nd down. Throw it away and come back for another go.

While Cousins bears the bulk of the blame for the outcome there, I still don't see why Stefanski wouldn't just keep it on the ground for the first 2 downs given how things were evolving. While he should be able to expect Cousins to make the right decision in that situation, the Vikings were moving it well on the ground and likely would have punched it in rushing. While it wasn't a terrible playcall, it also wasn't the lowest risk approach given the context of that drive to that point and that point in the game. While Cousins can do a lot better in that situation, so can Stefanski IMHO.

[VikingLord]

I'll put this another way in the context of last night's game between the Packers and Eagles.

- The Packers chose to pass near the goal line because they had no confidence in their ability to run it in. Their decisions reflected that lack of confidence.

- On the INT Cousins threw against the Packers near the goal line, the Vikings chose to pass because what, they were trying to catch the Packers off guard because prior to that they'd been running it all over them? The choice wasn't based on necessity per se like it was for the Packers - it was based on trying to be tricky, and if anything went against the clearest strength of the offense to that point.

If the Vikings are running well against the Bears and that situation happens to repeat itself I don't expect Stefanski to get cute with things again, and, should he decide to, I don't expect Cousins to take any unnecessary chances if the receiver isn't open.

[S197]

Keenum was benched today

[Pondering Her Percy]

And just like I said would happen all along, Case Keenum has officially been benched. I wonder why? Does this finally mean that nobody on here wants him back? I sure hope we’re past that conversation

[CharVike]

And just like I said would happen all along, Case Keenum has officially been benched. I wonder why? Does this finally mean that nobody on here wants him back? I sure hope we’re past that conversation

If we get beat today the same old posters will be back out wanting this guy.

[fiestavike]

And just like I said would happen all along, Case Keenum has officially been benched. I wonder why? Does this finally mean that nobody on here wants him back? I sure hope we’re past that conversation

Maybe that means he's available!