Cliff wrote:
I think the loss of Peterson changes the way other teams play us too. It was potentially dangerous to blitz because that was one less guy available to take down Peterson if he made it to the second level of the defense. Without that fear I would imagine we're seeing more blitzes.
Without knowing the numbers as far as blitzes are concerned, I would expect other teams to play us differently...which is where the identity of the o-line is so interesting.
I think all in all this will be a good hindrance for the whole team. It should help them become more functionally interdependent as opposed to reliant on superhuman efforts making up for marginal play.
As long as he does't turn the ball over, we will be in every game. Our defense has improved drastically to keep us in each game. Never though we would hold the Saints to 20 points.
In my opinion, the best bet for the Vikings offense in the immediate future is to go to a wide formation. I think we will have more success running if we spread teams out. Of course this invites the blitz, but Teddy has actually done well against pressure. Also, with Teddy's mobility a lot of pass plays could be successful as running plays if protection does start to breakdown. I don't want to have to see Teddy running all over the field, but if he is smart and composed and GETS DOWN ala Aaron Rodgers I think it could be an effective weapon. I'm generally a fan of power football, but we don't have the horses for it right now, so the smart bet is to go to a run and shoot formation, use quick slants against the blitz and open up the middle of the field for McKinnon.
I would also generally limit Bridewater's reads to 2 options, and an outlet to the running back. You want to see him develop the ability to get to the 3rd and 4th option, but with our pass protection, I would go two reads, dump it off or get out the pocket and get out of bounds or down before you take a hit. This should help get the ball out of his hands quickly! Otherwise he is likely to take a real beating.
fiestavike wrote:In my opinion, the best bet for the Vikings offense in the immediate future is to go to a wide formation. I think we will have more success running if we spread teams out. Of course this invites the blitz, but Teddy has actually done well against pressure. Also, with Teddy's mobility a lot of pass plays could be successful as running plays if protection does start to breakdown. I don't want to have to see Teddy running all over the field, but if he is smart and composed and GETS DOWN ala Aaron Rodgers I think it could be an effective weapon. I'm generally a fan of power football, but we don't have the horses for it right now, so the smart bet is to go to a run and shoot formation, use quick slants against the blitz and open up the middle of the field for McKinnon.
I would also generally limit Bridewater's reads to 2 options, and an outlet to the running back. You want to see him develop the ability to get to the 3rd and 4th option, but with our pass protection, I would go two reads, dump it off or get out the pocket and get out of bounds or down before you take a hit. This should help get the ball out of his hands quickly! Otherwise he is likely to take a real beating.
Its good to be back!
Did you get banned? Bummer. Good to see you back here.
Very excited to watch him develop and see what he can do but it's going to be very tough on the kid. All the stuff us fans and everyone else said in the offseason about him being in the best situation has gone out the window. Peterson is gone, his big target and security blanket (Rudolph) won't be back anytime soon, and the o-line, which was supposed to be a strength, is a complete mess now.
Like I said, I'm still very excited about him taking over and I think he has the talent and all the intangibles to succeed but I hope people take it easy on him if it doesn't happen right away. Might sound like I'm making excuses before he even gets in there but it's right there in plain sight. Poor o-line, no running game, and the WRs are still a work in progress.
fiestavike wrote:Thanks. I've got to start all over again. do you want some water?
Fill my glass lackey!
Seriously, it's great to see you back here. I was bummed when I realized your account had been deleted. I like the new avatar but I miss the purple Fiesta.
But seriously, I think it's just extra "oh ####" insurance. If MBT is even active on a game day something has gone horribly, horribly, horribly, horribly wrong.
You left out a few "horribly"s. I added them for you.
Seriously, it's great to see you back here. I was bummed when I realized your account had been deleted. I like the new avatar but I miss the purple Fiesta.
Thanks Jim! I might bring the old Fiesta back, but I figured it was as good a time as any for a new avatar.
I'm not going to look at this as him taking over a depleted offense. I believe this is a great chance to better see what Teddy is made of. Quarterbacks make WRs better more often than the other way around. Also him being mobile, can negate some of the issues on the offensive line. The biggest concern for me, is how the line play will affect the running game, as we all know a good run game is a QBs best friend. If a QB folds because he saw action too early in less than ideal conditions, I don't want that QB anyways. But I think Teddy will handle it okay, and come out on the other end with valuable early experience. The future is now, and this was one of the 2 spots I envisioned him getting his 1st start, the other was the Redskin home game which was the spot I really saw him starting, but nobody can predict injuries in the NFL.
PurpleHalo wrote: Quarterbacks make WRs better more often than the other way around.
I think a really big key for Teddy is to develop chemistry very quickly with Jennings. It is no secret that Jennings was very frustrated with Ponder last year, and he established a good rapport with Cassel last season and was excited to play with him this season. With that now over, I am concerned about Jennings becoming disengaged if Teddy misses him on open routes and fails to target him adequately.
We need the veteran leadership of Jennings more than we need anyone else in that offense right now. He can either lift Teddy and the whole offense up as a positive, constructive influence, or become a poison pill that torpedoes the whole rookie effort ... not that I know enough about Jennings' character to truly judge the likelihood of the latter scenario. The way he talked about Green Bay and Rodgers after leaving there raises an eyebrow.
