Vikings Message Board.Com

To summarize since people probably won't get through that:

Defense struggled from the start, did step up at the end of the game, but didn't do enough to win.

Offense was horrible outside of one drive. The biggest issue by far was not the QB, was not the pass blocking, it was the inability to run the football. Then it was probably the QB next, pass blocking after that. I have no idea if the play calling was bad, I can tell for certain the execution of the plays was terrible.

First of all Stan M I was the one drinking the Stouts last night. That was funny as crap when u posted that about going to something lighter or my butt would get bigger than a barn door lol. Now that was funny. But let me be honest, I really don't even drink very often at all. Never during the week at all. I am one of those guys that will have a bree or 2 every once in a while, then go 2 to 3 months without touching a drop. One of my childhood friends owns a really cool , and very well known, little specialty store that has all kinds of imported food, sells high end grills and caters food for special events, and he has a craft and imported beer section that is amazing. So I am able to get alot of great unique beers and wines at about cost. If I was more of a drinker I could really take advantage of it. Last night was just such a disappointment that after I decided to have 1.. well they just kept going down. Pretty out of character for me, but i did it. I normally, when I do have a beer or 2 I like trying diff stuff. So last night was just a sorrow drowning lol.
Texas Vike and Mothman I appreciate your concern and ur pep talks. I didn't mean to come across as doing a Woe is me, but realize it looked like that. It's just that because of my surgery I had to miss bow season, 1st time in SO many years, expected to be off 2 to 3 wks and it's now week 9, and have 1 more to go then I can get back to work. I'm a guy who doesn't ever miss work so it's weird for me. Plus, I'm at that point in life when u realize at 55 ur getting old and just don't heal up as well as he did at 25 lol. But that's no big deal.
And trust me I also know it's easy to find someone within a mile that has it alot worse. I truly know that and really know I am a blessed man. Great wife, daughter, mom , dad, sister and her husband and 3 awesome nieces.
So I KNOW I am blessed in life. Last night the Vikes loss was just the straw that broke the camel's back emotionally so I wallowed little bit.
But I'm back to being ok today. Theres always next year lol

Tahoe9erfan wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 11:05 am First off my apologies for not coming back after the game. I went a saw the new Star Wars. Excellent movie by the way.

I know all of you are pissed, upset, downright angry about the loss. Been in your shoes numerous times. Vikings are an excellent team and going on the road in the playoffs is tough on any team. You all best the snot out of the Saints and after a hard-fought battle against them you had to fly back home on a short week and fly cross country again play in a hostile environment against a team coming off a bye. This right here is hard on any team. Please do not take it too hard the Vikings still played a great game.

I am not going to argue over ”Bosa” blindside block after watching them play a few times after he made the hit and saw your guy down he actually waived the sideline over and checked on him. I believe it wasn't his intent to hurt him. This is not his nature and just hit him in the wrong place. Hopefully, your lineman will be ok, never want to see any player injured.

You're right though your team needs a franchise QB, Cousins is good, but not someone who can take you to the top. Trust me none of the Niner fans wanted Kyle to trade for him before we got Jimmy G. Your team is excellent just need a better QB.

Best of luck next season until we meet again! Cheers.

You lost me at the star wars comment, the movie was trash lol.

allday1991 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:15 pm

Tahoe9erfan wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 11:05 am First off my apologies for not coming back after the game. I went a saw the new Star Wars. Excellent movie by the way.

I know all of you are pissed, upset, downright angry about the loss. Been in your shoes numerous times. Vikings are an excellent team and going on the road in the playoffs is tough on any team. You all best the snot out of the Saints and after a hard-fought battle against them you had to fly back home on a short week and fly cross country again play in a hostile environment against a team coming off a bye. This right here is hard on any team. Please do not take it too hard the Vikings still played a great game.

I am not going to argue over ”Bosa” blindside block after watching them play a few times after he made the hit and saw your guy down he actually waived the sideline over and checked on him. I believe it wasn't his intent to hurt him. This is not his nature and just hit him in the wrong place. Hopefully, your lineman will be ok, never want to see any player injured.

You're right though your team needs a franchise QB, Cousins is good, but not someone who can take you to the top. Trust me none of the Niner fans wanted Kyle to trade for him before we got Jimmy G. Your team is excellent just need a better QB.

Best of luck next season until we meet again! Cheers.

You lost me at the star wars comment, the movie was trash lol.

LOL. Me too man. I am not a Space, Sci Fi or those type of movie fan at all. When I was a kid a bunch of us went to the town
theater to watch the original Star Wars. I swear, no lie, after about the first 30 mins or so myself and 2 of my buddies went up to Mr. Footes ticket booth and asked if we could get our money back. He ended up giving us candy. We got our bikes and went home.

I know it's a real bummer losing, but the9ers seemed to be more ready to play. You guys have a good team obviously and Cousins is a class act! He can't overcome playcalling and the 9ers run game,I just think our defense was underestimated. We took away Dalvin Cook and your coaches seemed lost without a good backup plan.We blocked and tackled better and that's the difference. Not glamorous but you can have Trent Dilfer win a Superbowl if you have a great defense! Good luck in the New Year to all the loyal Vikings fans.Mrhusqvarna49erbybirth

We lost to the better team. We showed up unprepared and got destroyed. No point in getting upset about it. We outperformed our expectations by beating New Orleans. Let's be honest, the team we have seen all season showed up yesterday - good against the teams they should beat; bad against the teams they had no business beating. I actually can't believe I had hope the Vikings would beat the 49ers - I should have known better!

On to season 60. There really isn't anything us Vikings fans can do but pick ourselves up and tune in next season. Hope for the best that maybe, just maybe, one day, we will be able to celebrate with a Super Bowl Championship. SKOL.

Ended the way I expected to. Vikings just did not match up well against the 9'ers. I wrote on this forum when I saw the 9'ers destroy the Packers that we were seeing the rise of a new Dynasty. This game cemented it in my mind.

As far as the Vikings organization goes, OL has been an issue since Rick Spielman has been here. This ownership, Management, coaching staff won't be able to lift the curse. It's just this organization's destiny to be nothing more than a road block for worthy teams to win the Super Bowl.

As a Football fan, I hope the Super Bowl ends up being 49'ers vs. Chiefs. It will be fun to see this defense vs. Mahomes.

mrhusqvarna4 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:50 pm I know it's a real bummer losing, but the9ers seemed to be more ready to play. You guys have a good team obviously and Cousins is a class act! He can't overcome playcalling and the 9ers run game,I just think our defense was underestimated. We took away Dalvin Cook and your coaches seemed lost without a good backup plan.We blocked and tackled better and that's the difference. Not glamorous but you can have Trent Dilfer win a Superbowl if you have a great defense! Good luck in the New Year to all the loyal Vikings fans.Mrhusqvarna49erbybirth

The only thing I can bring up is the fact that our secondary was so beat up that it hurt us, and your team was healthier and rested. But no excuse AT ALL.
Listen, you guys beat us at every single facet of the game . Period. Personally I feel not one Viking fan can come here and come up with 1 excuse to take away the fact that you guys kicked our butts all the way around, from the players to the coaching staff. Your D shut us down other than the long ball to Diggs.
The officiating was excellent last night. The called a great game and let them play. The only call that I didnt agree with was the Personal Foul on Holton Hill on the sidelines on the punt returner. Even Collinsworth said I give up. But that call had NO bearing on the outcome of the game so no big deal.
I still had a glimmer of hope for an exciting comeback until Sherels fumbled the punt right at ur goal line. Right then I knew that Lady Fate was not our friend yesterday.
I will say I have always lokes Nick Bosa , being a Buckeye fan. My daughter and her fiancee were both finishing their Masters degrees at The Ohio state University when Nick was there and my daughters boyfriend was very active in the physical fitness aspect of campus , and knew alot of the players and had interactions with many of bgh them. He always said Nick's a stud , but he can be a real dickhead also. I always said well so was I at that age.
But I thought his hit on O'Neil still was classless and his actions after the play were even more classless. So I'd he happens to get knocked out of next weeks game or the SB if they get in, I won't feel 1 bit if remorse for him at all.
But as a team, you outplayed and outcoached us no doubt won that game outright.
So good luck the rest of the way.

I'm not sure how or where to find this info, but I'm inclined to believe we were one of the worst teams on 2nd and long all season. It also seemed like we ran more often than not on 2nd and long. All season, and especially against the 49ers, if we didn't get 3+ yards on first down, we basically just packed it in. Would be curious to see where we ranked on 2nd and longs and how often we ran compared to other teams. Anyone know where to find that info?

StumpHunter wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:05 pm To summarize since people probably won't get through that:

Defense struggled from the start, did step up at the end of the game, but didn't do enough to win.

Offense was horrible outside of one drive. The biggest issue by far was not the QB, was not the pass blocking, it was the inability to run the football. Then it was probably the QB next, pass blocking after that. I have no idea if the play calling was bad, I can tell for certain the execution of the plays was terrible.

Surprised you went this route but I agree. Although I would switch the QB and OL around. Even some of the best like Brees and Brady look like they are at their worst when their pass blocking isn’t holding up.

As for the run game, yeah if I didn’t watch the game and somebody told me the Vikings only had 21 total rushing yards, I don’t care if Mahomes was our QB I would say yeah, we definitely lost didn’t we? You can’t win games when your run offense is that bad

StumpHunter wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:05 pm To summarize since people probably won't get through that:

Defense struggled from the start, did step up at the end of the game, but didn't do enough to win.

Offense was horrible outside of one drive. The biggest issue by far was not the QB, was not the pass blocking, it was the inability to run the football. Then it was probably the QB next, pass blocking after that. I have no idea if the play calling was bad, I can tell for certain the execution of the plays was terrible.

I read through it, and you told the story of the game. The Vikings simply couldn't run the ball on offense, and couldn't stop the run on defense. The 49ers didn't play particularly well on offense overall. I thought Jimmy G struggled quite a bit and could have committed a few more turnovers that he got away with, but the push they consistently got in the run game and the ability of the 49er RBs to consistently cut back and pick up 4+ yards on early downs was too much and the Vikings couldn't find an adjustment to stop that.

The Vikings were once again held to a measly 7 first downs for an entire game and had no answers to that, either. For all of the talent at the skill positions that this team has it is stunningly easy to make it one-dimensional. I agree with you, Stump, that the pass protection was quite good for most of the game as I think the 49ers made a concerted decision to limit the run ala what the Packers did the 2nd time they beat the Vikings. I can't put it all on Cousins, but when a pro defense decides to basically sell out to take away a particular aspect of a pro offense, that pro offense has to be able to counter with the other aspect. The Vikings couldn't do that, and that is not the first (or last) time I think we'll see that happen without some substantial changes to the personnel of this team and the overall approach.

More than anything, I thought the 49ers were simply fresh. They had the extra time off while the Vikings were on a short week and it showed. The 49ers are already a very good team, but that advantage proved ultimately decisive in this game.

As far as the potential for real changes at GM, among the coaching staff, or in players, I think the major changes we'll see this offseason are with players. The Vikings are hard up against the cap and have some hard decisions to make in terms of retaining veteran players. There will be some vets, even key guys, who won't be back due to simple economics. Cousins likely won't be one of them, though, and for those who aren't enthused about the way he plays the best we can hope for is that the Vikings find a mid-round gem at QB in the upcoming draft that can be ready when Cousins' contract finally expires.

I don't see the Wilfs making major changes at GM or coaches. If there are coaching changes, it will be from other teams pilfering and not because the Wilfs decide to go in a different direction. The team made the playoffs this year and won down in New Orleans, and the short week against a very good, rested team on the road most likely excuses enough that the Wilfs will stay the course there. That isn't much comfort for those of us who believe the pattern has to change for any real progress to be made towards getting the Vikings back to the Superbowl, but that is what I expect to happen.

Overall, the season was decent. The team under-performed in terms of overall record compared to overall talent IMHO, but that probably balances out what happened in 2017 when they over-performed. Where they go next year is anyone's guess. There are some promising younger players on the team that are developing nicely or that look like they could develop. They really do need some "moxie", though, both in terms of coaching and players. They need more of the "you like that?" Cousins, and they need more of that from pretty much everyone on the team.

Should be an interesting offseason.

To the 49ers fans who came here to share their perspectives, you are class acts and I appreciate fans of other teams who treat others with respect. I can't say I wish the 49ers luck as at this point I'll be pulling for the remaining NFC North team in the playoffs, but I will say that the 49ers have been impressive all season. There are some teams that are loaded with stars and rely on those stars to perform in order to win (e.g. Lamar Jackson...). There are other teams that are full of talented players who don't seem to want to stand out individually, but who play with and for their teammates. They define the word "team", and those groups are rare at the pro level of most sports. This year's 49ers squad is one of the latter teams. They have stars, but nobody wants to be the hero per se. They're going to be very hard to beat for that reason, just as they've been all year. Impressive group that has a very good chance of hosting another Lombardi trophy.

TSonn wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 3:21 pm I'm not sure how or where to find this info, but I'm inclined to believe we were one of the worst teams on 2nd and long all season. It also seemed like we ran more often than not on 2nd and long. All season, and especially against the 49ers, if we didn't get 3+ yards on first down, we basically just packed it in. Would be curious to see where we ranked on 2nd and longs and how often we ran compared to other teams. Anyone know where to find that info?

We ran the second most on 2nd and 6+, but were 13th in 1st % and 12th in yards gained.

The one thing I didn't mention in my summary, Sendejo did not play well in that game. Not really a shot at him, he was playing out of position, I am just shocked Hill or Boyd couldn't have done better.

TSonn wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2020 11:12 pm The offensive line is a bigger problem than Kirk and should be easier to fix than trying to find a superstar QB to offset a bad offensive line. But none of that probably matters as long as Zimmer is our coach and giving opponents clear blueprints on how to beat his defense.

The Vikings have a really good team. They don't need a superstar QB. Any average/above average QB could do what Cousins did this year (not stat wise but win 10 games on this team). The difference is they need a QB that knows how to move in the pocket, extend plays, take risks, run for 1st downs once in a while, put pressure on the defense. I thought the defense was fine for the most part but just got worn down. Injuries in the secondary really hurt the run support and redzone defense too. They just needed help from the offense.

VikeFanInEagleLand wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2020 10:07 pm Very well said. I'm not sure I would go as far as to say he's a headcase...

Oh, he's a headcase. Thinks too much. Apologizes to Thielen. Late on reads. Diggs said to Cousins "Don't feel like you gotta force s— to me all right? Play your game!" I think even the players know he's weak minded.

Pondering Her Percy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2020 10:35 pm Cousins is a fricken pocket QB.

No he's not. He's a statue sitting in a pocket. A pocket passer knows how to move in the pocket, subtle movements to buy time, help his OL, knows when to get out, or step up. Cousins is not a pocket passer. He's a QB that has to follow a script.

Pondering Her Percy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2020 10:35 pm It all starts with balance. The fact that cook couldn’t get going causes a ton a 3rd and longs which isn’t good for any QB. Second, with cook being shut down, that eliminates our bread and butter (play action and rollouts), we then become one dimensional which is never good for any team. When you get into these situations and rollouts don’t work, screens don’t work, running in general doesn’t work, you are forced to do one thing and one thing only, sit BEHIND a bad pass blocking OL against the best front 4 and best pass defense in the nfl and try to pick them apart. Good fuc#ing luck. I can tell you there are few that can pull that off.

I think you just made my case why the Vikings need a better QB. Cousins limits this team. Everything revolves around Cook for him to play well. Vikings need a QB that can create , extend, take chances, anything to put pressure on the other team when other parts aren't working.

J. Kapp 11 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2020 11:25 pm I don't think Kirk Cousins is the problem. Some cite his lack of mobility. Jimmy G is a pocket passer ... he's in the NFCC Game. Ryan Tannehill is a pocket passer ... he's likely going to be in the AFCC Game. But those teams have excellent O-lines. We don't. Many times, our O-line was dominated, especially on the interior.

I don't know much about Jimmy but Tannehill is athletic, can scramble, and has shown good pocket awareness. The Titans OL was ranked almost at the bottom in the league when Mariotta was playing (28th). A week after he was benched, they were ranked 14th. End of the season they were ranked 8th. An example of how one QB can put pressure on an OL while another QB can help an OL.

Pondering Her Percy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 11, 2020 11:42 pm Did you really just say Cousins puts so much pressure on the OL? Dude....pretty sure you have that one completely backwards..

I don't think I do. Yes, a missed block or assignment puts pressure on Cousins. But Cousins sitting in the pocket, not moving, not stepping up, not getting rid of the ball puts pressure on the OL . I think it's simple. A stationary target is much easier to attack than a moving target. And it's not like he's slow. He's pretty athletic. He just does not have pocket presence, he never did. My opinion of course.

VikeFanInEagleLand wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:16 am I do agree with what was said earlier. He isn't our number one concern. It should be much easier to make improvements in the OL for example than it would be to find a better QB, but to say that the QB position is no concern is being very shortsighted. He's good enough for now, but I wouldn't stop looking for an upgrade.

My argument is even if the Vikings do upgrade the OL, or the secondary, or the interior DL. There will still come times when the OL gets hurt or struggles, or the defense allows points, or the running game isn't working. What then? Throw in the towel? Cousins has shown he's dependent on a lot of things going right to be effective. He puts a lot of pressure on other parts of the team instead of making it easier.

Pondering Her Percy wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:34 am This is every win, every loss, every season. We win, everyone is happy, everyone is great. We lose, everyone needs to be fired, Cousins blows, time to rebuild, etc. That's how this board is.

Not me. I've been singing the same tune about Cousins the entire season. Even when he was putting up good stats, a lot of it was due to YAC on screens. He rarely went downfield, couldn't buy time, rarely showed pocket awareness. I'd compliment him on a great play, but he never once showed he can be 'that guy'. I still stand by what I've been saying all year. This is a really good team. Sucks that 3 starters in the secondary didn't play today. But better QB play in a few of the losses this season and the Vikings could have been hosting the playoffs this year, maybe even won today.



Maybe I am delusional thinking a QB can make such an impact on a team. I don't know what the answer is but I do know extending Cousins is not the answer.

Well I'm either gonna be hoping for the Niners or the Titans to win the SB. I HATE the Packers with a passion, Can't stand the Seachickens, and know about 10 Chiefs fans who are the most obnoxious A holes you will ever meat. So I hope it's either the Titans or the Niners. If either GB or Seattle has to get in, I hope the Packers get knocked out in the Championship game by a FG at the end, then hope the Titans destroy the Seahawks in the SB.
If the Cheifs get in I hope the Niners get in and destroy them.
Freakin Texans started so good and blew it. This playoffs is sucking. I hate to do it and say it.. BUT GO SEATTLE... just for tonight.