Vikings Playoff Scenarios

[CharVike]

You did a hell of a job on this. Very good work. A little more intense than my post from the head stuff. One thing that jumps out is SF and SEA had a tougher road than most. Also our record sticks out like a sore thumb. We can't beat a good team on the road. This is probably the last year for both Rhodes and Waynes. I give Zim credit for making the changes that you pointed out. I jumped on Zim big time just as I jumped on our OC after that Packer defeat. That's typically my style. Knee jerk. I'd probably be on my 5th HC if I was in charge.

I'm not ready to get in the dumps on this yet. We haven't had a chance to play a team like this at home. All the other teams have. We also had the toughest division schedule with 3 road games in our first 6 contests of the season. As I pointed out earlier, NO didn't have a road division game until week 10. The point differential matters IMO. We lost to good teams by one score, never more. Against GB it was the offense that sputtered, week 2 of a new scheme. In the two most recent losses (KC & SEA) it was our pass defense that let us down.

To me that points at the ultimate question: Can the pass defense improve? That to me is the biggest thing to watch on MNF. How do we hold up over the long haul. Also, note we are playing Rogers who's game in recent years is predicated on throwing lots of deep balls and eventually connecting to score. I won't be upset if we get burned once, you put it up enough you are going to connect. What concerns me is can we get off the field on 3rd down consistently? That has been our issue of late. This offense is good enough to travel and so are the ST. Can the pass defense make the grade? That is the question.

FWIW, I think we are going to blow up the Packers. Their best defensive players are the ends and our tackles have held up well against strong edge rushers. The issue will be if our defense decides to let Rogers go bananas. I don't think it will, they have to know how important this game is, and really the only receiving threat is Adams.

I've said all year that the coaching moves, ie Kubiak were the biggest changes on this team. Did you guys know Cousins has been sacked something like only 30 times this season? That is elite pass protection. I know we have issues up the middle, but our OL is delivering the goods in protection more often than not. Now Zimmer needs to show us he can coach his corners out of this malaise. If he can we are likely to make a run and surprise some people.

I also think we will beat the Packers. Our OC has setup Cousins very well. The guy can move set and then throw. That helps with the sacks. Put us on turf and we will get heat on Rodgers. Like most I think our secondary is our weakest part at this point. If Rodgers gets on a roll it will be trouble. Adams is the guy that needs to be covered. From what I've been reading we have problems covering the deep stuff. Just play clean football and we should be ok.

[Bowhunting Viking]

Face it, this team is not a Super Bowl contender with its defense. It can't be trusted. Even if we make the POs we will go one and done or two and barbecue at best. I'd be happy with a blowout win over the Slackers at this point. I'm a fan watching since 1972, trust me.

I feel ya man. Been a diehard just a little longer, but I'm still hoping for some crazy run , change the past and get us a Lombardi trophy finally. I'm running shorter on time so I'm hoping.

[mansquatch]

Face it, this team is not a Super Bowl contender with its defense. It can't be trusted. Even if we make the POs we will go one and done or two and barbecue at best. I'd be happy with a blowout win over the Slackers at this point. I'm a fan watching since 1972, trust me.

I feel ya man. Been a diehard just a little longer, but I'm still hoping for some crazy run , change the past and get us a Lombardi trophy finally. I'm running shorter on time so I'm hoping.

Things change guys. If the defense that played vs. SEA and KC shows up then yeah you guys are right. If the one from the 2nd half vs LAC shows, it is a different story. That is basically the crux of my earlier post. Before dismissing this I'd keep in mind that at the start of this season (almost) everyone said Kirk can't do it, the OL was bad, etc etc etc. Notice how nobody is saying that any more?

NFL teams are not static. Players improve, coaches adjust, etc. Has the VIkings' defense done that? We'll see.

[CharVike]

I feel ya man. Been a diehard just a little longer, but I'm still hoping for some crazy run , change the past and get us a Lombardi trophy finally. I'm running shorter on time so I'm hoping.

Things change guys. If the defense that played vs. SEA and KC shows up then yeah you guys are right. If the one from the 2nd half vs LAC shows, it is a different story. That is basically the crux of my earlier post. Before dismissing this I'd keep in mind that at the start of this season (almost) everyone said Kirk can't do it, the OL was bad, etc etc etc. Notice how nobody is saying that any more?

NFL teams are not static. Players improve, coaches adjust, etc. Has the VIkings' defense done that? We'll see.

I agree with the fact that this D isn't Super Bowl caliber. They played very well vs the Lions. They are a doormat that has packed it in How can they score with the QB they have. He's a late round rookie. Kirk is still the same guy he has always been. I'm in full support of him and have stated he's the best we have had since Tark. He to is labeled a loser because of the Super Bowls. We have had a very good season. But Cousins still can't beat the top teams. Is that fair pushing it all on him? No. But that's the way it works. Our secondary isn't good enough at this point. They don't make enough big plays to tilt the game against good teams. That Sea and KC lose are the ones that have cost us. We were beat by the Bears and Pack and we can still split with them which is expected. There's no Lions or Chargers in the playoffs. We will need to hit the road and play tight, This is were the Sea/KC types are.

[CharVike]

I feel ya man. Been a diehard just a little longer, but I'm still hoping for some crazy run , change the past and get us a Lombardi trophy finally. I'm running shorter on time so I'm hoping.

Things change guys. If the defense that played vs. SEA and KC shows up then yeah you guys are right. If the one from the 2nd half vs LAC shows, it is a different story. That is basically the crux of my earlier post. Before dismissing this I'd keep in mind that at the start of this season (almost) everyone said Kirk can't do it, the OL was bad, etc etc etc. Notice how nobody is saying that any more?

NFL teams are not static. Players improve, coaches adjust, etc. Has the VIkings' defense done that? We'll see.

Well the Kirk can't do it will start now. Our OL didn't look to good either. It's still the same deal. However I give our D credit they got the TOs. We didn't do much with them. This year the Pack are the best team in the division regardless of the ifs, buts ect....

[VikingLord]

Well the Kirk can't do it will start now.

You want to try starting the "Kirk can do it"?

There is literally no evidence that Kirk Cousins can be the difference maker in a critical game. None. I'm not saying that because I hate Cousins or think he sucks. I'm saying that because he has never done it, and I see nothing to suggest he can or will alter that fact.

Cousins is fool's gold, but so is the entire team the last 2 years.

[Maelstrom88]

Things change guys. If the defense that played vs. SEA and KC shows up then yeah you guys are right. If the one from the 2nd half vs LAC shows, it is a different story. That is basically the crux of my earlier post. Before dismissing this I'd keep in mind that at the start of this season (almost) everyone said Kirk can't do it, the OL was bad, etc etc etc. Notice how nobody is saying that any more?

NFL teams are not static. Players improve, coaches adjust, etc. Has the VIkings' defense done that? We'll see.

I agree with the fact that this D isn't Super Bowl caliber. They played very well vs the Lions. They are a doormat that has packed it in How can they score with the QB they have. He's a late round rookie. Kirk is still the same guy he has always been. I'm in full support of him and have stated he's the best we have had since Tark. He to is labeled a loser because of the Super Bowls. We have had a very good season. But Cousins still can't beat the top teams. Is that fair pushing it all on him? No. But that's the way it works. Our secondary isn't good enough at this point. They don't make enough big plays to tilt the game against good teams. That Sea and KC lose are the ones that have cost us. We were beat by the Bears and Pack and we can still split with them which is expected. There's no Lions or Chargers in the playoffs. We will need to hit the road and play tight, This is were the Sea/KC types are.

Kirk is definitely not better than Moon, Cunningham, Culpepper, or Favre. He would be lucky to be rated as good as Jeff George and Brad Johnson imo.

[CharVike]

I agree with the fact that this D isn't Super Bowl caliber. They played very well vs the Lions. They are a doormat that has packed it in How can they score with the QB they have. He's a late round rookie. Kirk is still the same guy he has always been. I'm in full support of him and have stated he's the best we have had since Tark. He to is labeled a loser because of the Super Bowls. We have had a very good season. But Cousins still can't beat the top teams. Is that fair pushing it all on him? No. But that's the way it works. Our secondary isn't good enough at this point. They don't make enough big plays to tilt the game against good teams. That Sea and KC lose are the ones that have cost us. We were beat by the Bears and Pack and we can still split with them which is expected. There's no Lions or Chargers in the playoffs. We will need to hit the road and play tight, This is were the Sea/KC types are.

Kirk is definitely not better than Moon, Cunningham, Culpepper, or Favre. He would be lucky to be rated as good as Jeff George and Brad Johnson imo.

Don't bring up Cunningham. Green cost that 15-1 team a Super Bowl by playing that stiff after Johnson was ready. Who did win a Super Bowl. I knew it during the champ game and screamed at the TV to get the stiff out now. He was a one read and run bum. Green never figured that out until the following season. Cousins is far from that. Culpepper was the same deal. One read and go. Both of them had one of the best WRs ever in Moss. Go back and chuck deep. How hard is that? Cousins doesn't have a WR that's close to that. I forgot about a washed up Farve. He guided us to the champ game. He's a HOFer so of course he's much better. I know Kirk isn't at a HOF level like Farve. He's not even the best in his own division. That's why QB is our number 1 need. But since we pick so late a QB worth a 1st rounder won't be there. Give us a defense that's not a sive against good teams and Kirk can guide us provided we have a RB that is at an NFL level playing. If our D gets shredded again in the playoffs we won't win. I don't care if Brady is guiding us. If anyone thinks we can go up to Lambo and win are dreaming. They will pound the rock down our throats. They will win the time of possession by a mile. We have a better chance of beating the Saints. Their D isn't close to the Pack and containing Brees is easier than Rodgers IMO. Plus the Pack will run the ball. It's a double down deal with them. Make sure their one WR is covered. That won't happen with our D.

[Maelstrom88]

Kirk is definitely not better than Moon, Cunningham, Culpepper, or Favre. He would be lucky to be rated as good as Jeff George and Brad Johnson imo.

Don't bring up Cunningham. Green cost that 15-1 team a Super Bowl by playing that stiff after Johnson was ready. Who did win a Super Bowl. I knew it during the champ game and screamed at the TV to get the stiff out now. He was a one read and run bum. Green never figured that out until the following season. Cousins is far from that. Culpepper was the same deal. One read and go. Both of them had one of the best WRs ever in Moss. Go back and chuck deep. How hard is that? Cousins doesn't have a WR that's close to that. I forgot about a washed up Farve. He guided us to the champ game. He's a HOFer so of course he's much better. I know Kirk isn't at a HOF level like Farve. He's not even the best in his own division. That's why QB is our number 1 need. But since we pick so late a QB worth a 1st rounder won't be there. Give us a defense that's not a sive against good teams and Kirk can guide us provided we have a RB that is at an NFL level playing. If our D gets shredded again in the playoffs we won't win. I don't care if Brady is guiding us. If anyone thinks we can go up to Lambo and win are dreaming. They will pound the rock down our throats. They will win the time of possession by a mile. We have a better chance of beating the Saints. Their D isn't close to the Pack and containing Brees is easier than Rodgers IMO. Plus the Pack will run the ball. It's a double down deal with them. Make sure their one WR is covered. That won't happen with our D.

I agree that Culpepper and Cunningham had better weapons but they were also better QBs. Culpepper passed for 4,700 yards, 39 tds, and 11 picks the year Moss was hurt. He could also run which helps the oline and the running game.

Cunningham led the Vikings to a 15–1 regular season record with 34 touchdown passes,10 ints, and 3,704 passing yards while leading the league with a 106.0 passer rating while the Vikings scored a then-NFL record 556 points during the 1998 season. They lost the Championship on a field goal. Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl because Tampa had one if the best defenses all time and generated a ton of turnovers. Our defense got a lot of turnovers against the Packers and Kirk still couldn't get the job done.

Favre was not washed up when he first arrived in Minnesota. I would actually argue he had his best season with us and should have won MVP. Throwing for 4, 202 yards, 33 Tds, 7 ints , and a 107.2 passer rating.

No way Kirk is better than them. Kirk doesn't have the supporting cast but the Vikings are no slouch at the skill positions. The oline on the other hand is still one of the worst in the NFL. Kirk doesn't have the ability to buy time or maneuver the pocket which doesn't help. He is good at playaction but innacurate far too often and loves to check it down.

I agree I would rather play New Orleans. They're going to have to beat the best at some point anyway so why not start out with a tough team and either win or get it over with and get a higher draft pick. I think they match up well with the Saints too. Let's see if Xavier can cover Thomas. They're both physical and it would give us one last look at Rhodes while giving him a chance at redemption for his struggles this year before they make a decision on whether to cut him or not in the off-season. Of course, we would need to score at least 28 points to win and I don't know if our entire line could block Cam Jordan if it was 5 on 1 so that's a problem.

[CharVike]

Don't bring up Cunningham. Green cost that 15-1 team a Super Bowl by playing that stiff after Johnson was ready. Who did win a Super Bowl. I knew it during the champ game and screamed at the TV to get the stiff out now. He was a one read and run bum. Green never figured that out until the following season. Cousins is far from that. Culpepper was the same deal. One read and go. Both of them had one of the best WRs ever in Moss. Go back and chuck deep. How hard is that? Cousins doesn't have a WR that's close to that. I forgot about a washed up Farve. He guided us to the champ game. He's a HOFer so of course he's much better. I know Kirk isn't at a HOF level like Farve. He's not even the best in his own division. That's why QB is our number 1 need. But since we pick so late a QB worth a 1st rounder won't be there. Give us a defense that's not a sive against good teams and Kirk can guide us provided we have a RB that is at an NFL level playing. If our D gets shredded again in the playoffs we won't win. I don't care if Brady is guiding us. If anyone thinks we can go up to Lambo and win are dreaming. They will pound the rock down our throats. They will win the time of possession by a mile. We have a better chance of beating the Saints. Their D isn't close to the Pack and containing Brees is easier than Rodgers IMO. Plus the Pack will run the ball. It's a double down deal with them. Make sure their one WR is covered. That won't happen with our D.

I agree that Culpepper and Cunningham had better weapons but they were also better QBs. Culpepper passed for 4,700 yards, 39 tds, and 11 picks the year Moss was hurt. He could also run which helps the oline and the running game.

Cunningham led the Vikings to a 15–1 regular season record with 34 touchdown passes,10 ints, and 3,704 passing yards while leading the league with a 106.0 passer rating while the Vikings scored a then-NFL record 556 points during the 1998 season. They lost the Championship on a field goal. Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl because Tampa had one if the best defenses all time and generated a ton of turnovers. Our defense got a lot of turnovers against the Packers and Kirk still couldn't get the job done.

Favre was not washed up when he first arrived in Minnesota. I would actually argue he had his best season with us and should have won MVP. Throwing for 4, 202 yards, 33 Tds, 7 ints , and a 107.2 passer rating.

No way Kirk is better than them. Kirk doesn't have the supporting cast but the Vikings are no slouch at the skill positions. The oline on the other hand is still one of the worst in the NFL. Kirk doesn't have the ability to buy time or maneuver the pocket which doesn't help. He is good at playaction but innacurate far too often and loves to check it down.

I agree I would rather play New Orleans. They're going to have to beat the best at some point anyway so why not start out with a tough team and either win or get it over with and get a higher draft pick. I think they match up well with the Saints too. Let's see if Xavier can cover Thomas. They're both physical and it would give us one last look at Rhodes while giving him a chance at redemption for his struggles this year before they make a decision on whether to cut him or not in the off-season. Of course, we would need to score at least 28 points to win and I don't know if our entire line could block Cam Jordan if it was 5 on 1 so that's a problem.

We all know Cousins is a loser but for you to state that Cunningham was so much better is wrong. The Eagles dumped his lame #### because he couldn't win in the playoffs with a great D. Our current D is a million miles from that Buddy D. Cunningham was a one read guy. He sat out a season and teams weren't banging his door down begging him to sign. Teams were begging Cousins to sign with them when he hit the FA market. So I don't see why you think Cunningham was this star compared to Cousins. He wasn't a star and we benched him the following year once Green woke up. We won't bench Cousins. That says nothing? Farve was on his last leg. It wasn't a 30 year old in his prime. He had one great year and then he was out. 2nd year he stood around and watched.

[StumpHunter]

I agree that Culpepper and Cunningham had better weapons but they were also better QBs. Culpepper passed for 4,700 yards, 39 tds, and 11 picks the year Moss was hurt. He could also run which helps the oline and the running game.

Cunningham led the Vikings to a 15–1 regular season record with 34 touchdown passes,10 ints, and 3,704 passing yards while leading the league with a 106.0 passer rating while the Vikings scored a then-NFL record 556 points during the 1998 season. They lost the Championship on a field goal. Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl because Tampa had one if the best defenses all time and generated a ton of turnovers. Our defense got a lot of turnovers against the Packers and Kirk still couldn't get the job done.

Favre was not washed up when he first arrived in Minnesota. I would actually argue he had his best season with us and should have won MVP. Throwing for 4, 202 yards, 33 Tds, 7 ints , and a 107.2 passer rating.

No way Kirk is better than them. Kirk doesn't have the supporting cast but the Vikings are no slouch at the skill positions. The oline on the other hand is still one of the worst in the NFL. Kirk doesn't have the ability to buy time or maneuver the pocket which doesn't help. He is good at playaction but innacurate far too often and loves to check it down.

I agree I would rather play New Orleans. They're going to have to beat the best at some point anyway so why not start out with a tough team and either win or get it over with and get a higher draft pick. I think they match up well with the Saints too. Let's see if Xavier can cover Thomas. They're both physical and it would give us one last look at Rhodes while giving him a chance at redemption for his struggles this year before they make a decision on whether to cut him or not in the off-season. Of course, we would need to score at least 28 points to win and I don't know if our entire line could block Cam Jordan if it was 5 on 1 so that's a problem.

We all know Cousins is a loser but for you to state that Cunningham was so much better is wrong. The Eagles dumped his lame #### because he couldn't win in the playoffs with a great D. Our current D is a million miles from that Buddy D. Cunningham was a one read guy. He sat out a season and teams weren't banging his door down begging him to sign. Teams were begging Cousins to sign with them when he hit the FA market. So I don't see why you think Cunningham was this star compared to Cousins. He wasn't a star and we benched him the following year once Green woke up. We won't bench Cousins. That says nothing? Farve was on his last leg. It wasn't a 30 year old in his prime. He had one great year and then he was out. 2nd year he stood around and watched.

Cunningham has us in the SB if a FG kicker makes 1 of 2 kicks.

Cousins has us in the SB if the defense holds every team to under 10 points in the playoffs, the run game picks up 150 yards a game, and the Oline gives him more time to throw than any other QB.

Unless we play below .500 teams or the Eagles. Then he throws for 400 yards and 5 TDs a game and we win the SB easily.

[Maelstrom88]

I agree that Culpepper and Cunningham had better weapons but they were also better QBs. Culpepper passed for 4,700 yards, 39 tds, and 11 picks the year Moss was hurt. He could also run which helps the oline and the running game.

Cunningham led the Vikings to a 15–1 regular season record with 34 touchdown passes,10 ints, and 3,704 passing yards while leading the league with a 106.0 passer rating while the Vikings scored a then-NFL record 556 points during the 1998 season. They lost the Championship on a field goal. Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl because Tampa had one if the best defenses all time and generated a ton of turnovers. Our defense got a lot of turnovers against the Packers and Kirk still couldn't get the job done.

Favre was not washed up when he first arrived in Minnesota. I would actually argue he had his best season with us and should have won MVP. Throwing for 4, 202 yards, 33 Tds, 7 ints , and a 107.2 passer rating.

No way Kirk is better than them. Kirk doesn't have the supporting cast but the Vikings are no slouch at the skill positions. The oline on the other hand is still one of the worst in the NFL. Kirk doesn't have the ability to buy time or maneuver the pocket which doesn't help. He is good at playaction but innacurate far too often and loves to check it down.

I agree I would rather play New Orleans. They're going to have to beat the best at some point anyway so why not start out with a tough team and either win or get it over with and get a higher draft pick. I think they match up well with the Saints too. Let's see if Xavier can cover Thomas. They're both physical and it would give us one last look at Rhodes while giving him a chance at redemption for his struggles this year before they make a decision on whether to cut him or not in the off-season. Of course, we would need to score at least 28 points to win and I don't know if our entire line could block Cam Jordan if it was 5 on 1 so that's a problem.

We all know Cousins is a loser but for you to state that Cunningham was so much better is wrong. The Eagles dumped his lame #### because he couldn't win in the playoffs with a great D. Our current D is a million miles from that Buddy D. Cunningham was a one read guy. He sat out a season and teams weren't banging his door down begging him to sign. Teams were begging Cousins to sign with them when he hit the FA market. So I don't see why you think Cunningham was this star compared to Cousins. He wasn't a star and we benched him the following year once Green woke up. We won't bench Cousins. That says nothing? Farve was on his last leg. It wasn't a 30 year old in his prime. He had one great year and then he was out. 2nd year he stood around and watched.

Cunningham and Favre led much more exciting offenses and got us further in the playoffs than Cousins ever will. Teams like the Jets (who make a ton of blunders) and the Broncos (who signed the great Joe Flacco, Case Keesum, and drafted Paxton Lynch) were interested.

[Texas Vike]

It's looking likely that we'll play the Saints in New Orleans. Apart from beating the Pack in Lamblew, this would be the most satisfying playoff win I could imagine this year, especially if Barr managed to tackle somebody hard into Sean Payton's chipmunk cheeks.

But I suppose it'll be another bitter loss to a team that we just love to hate. I believe that the two teams have not played since the MPLS miracle. I'm sure the Saints welcome the chance to get revenge. Will we see a replay of how that first half or that second half went? They were night and day.

Also:
Anyone else feel weird to be more excited about the 49ers vs. Seahawks game than the Bears vs. Vikes this week?

[fiestavike]

It's looking likely that we'll play the Saints in New Orleans. Apart from beating the Pack in Lamblew, this would be the most satisfying playoff win I could imagine this year, especially if Barr managed to tackle somebody hard into Sean Payton's chipmunk cheeks.

But I suppose it'll be another bitter loss to a team that we just love to hate. I believe that the two teams have not played since the MPLS miracle. I'm sure the Saints welcome the chance to get revenge. Will we see a replay of how that first half or that second half went? They were night and day.

Also:
Anyone else feel weird to be more excited about the 49ers vs. Seahawks game than the Bears vs. Vikes this week?

I like the saints well enough. Payton is gross, but otherwise they're alright. Of the playoff teams other than the Vikings, I'd probably be pulling for them, particularly if something should happen to Drew Brees.

[Texas Vike]

It's looking likely that we'll play the Saints in New Orleans. Apart from beating the Pack in Lamblew, this would be the most satisfying playoff win I could imagine this year, especially if Barr managed to tackle somebody hard into Sean Payton's chipmunk cheeks.

But I suppose it'll be another bitter loss to a team that we just love to hate. I believe that the two teams have not played since the MPLS miracle. I'm sure the Saints welcome the chance to get revenge. Will we see a replay of how that first half or that second half went? They were night and day.

Also:
Anyone else feel weird to be more excited about the 49ers vs. Seahawks game than the Bears vs. Vikes this week?

I like the saints well enough. Payton is gross, but otherwise they're alright. Of the playoff teams other than the Vikings, I'd probably be pulling for them, particularly if something should happen to Drew Brees.

Meaning, Teddy starting would make you cheer them on? I get that. His presence on that team certainly complicates how many of us view them.

Part of me wants the Seahawks to win, so that we go to SEA for our game. I think we can take them.