Vikings Message Board.Com

Mothman wrote: I know I keep hammering away at this point but after 2.5 years of this, I just can't see it as a Turner problem anymore. It's a Zimmer problem. Whether he's confident about his offensive knowledge or not, as the head coach he has to lay down the proverbial law and run his team. If he wants Turner to call something less predictable and more likely to succeed than running Asiata up the middle on 1st down, he needs to make that happen. Emphasize it in meetings, when formulating the game plan, in practice. Get on the headphones when it's first and goal and let Turner know what he wants to see!

Texas Vike wrote:I agree, in general, with your take, Jim. We're both speculating here. I mean, how do you know that Zimmer hasn't done precisely what you're saying? Perhaps because it hasn't manifested on the field?

My guess is that when Norv was hired Zim told him the O was his. He fully handed the reins over to him. It's time to take them back. If Norv can't work like that, hit the highway. If he can, let's see how the rest of the season goes.

Mothman wrote:

Generally speaking, using all caps on the internet is considered "shouting". It's not a big deal. If you want to keep doing it, that's fine. I just wanted you to be aware that's how it tends to be perceived.
I don't think they should lay down either. My point was just that they need to proceed wisely, considering all factors.

mondry wrote: This is the key point, we saw what kind of terrible shape the 2009/2010 all in idea left this team in for 2011 and beyond. It's very short sighted to think we have to do whatever it takes to salvage this year with no regard for the next couple years and what a waste those will be if a big trade doesn't work out.

Mothman wrote: I know I keep hammering away at this point but after 2.5 years of this, I just can't see it as a Turner problem anymore. It's a Zimmer problem. Whether he's confident about his offensive knowledge or not, as the head coach he has to lay down the proverbial law and run his team. If he wants Turner to call something less predictable and more likely to succeed than running Asiata up the middle on 1st down, he needs to make that happen. Emphasize it in meetings, when formulating the game plan, in practice. Get on the headphones when it's first and goal and let Turner know what he wants to see!

Bradford would more than likely team up with his old coordinator Pat Shurmur. Who is already on our coaching staff. So it probably wouldn't be that big of a deal.

mondry wrote: This is the key point, we saw what kind of terrible shape the 2009/2010 all in idea left this team in for 2011 and beyond. It's very short sighted to think we have to do whatever it takes to salvage this year with no regard for the next couple years and what a waste those will be if a big trade doesn't work out.

Cliff wrote:
I don't think Zimmer just threw the keys to Norv and said "here, do what you think is best".

Mothman wrote:By "held accountable", I don't mean Zimmer should be fired. I just mean we shouldn't keep compartmentalizing blame. Sparano and even Turner are symptomatic of deeper problems. Replacing Turner after this season might be a good idea but if that happens, and if his replacement is going to be successful, a shift in philosophy is necessary. If Zimmer wants to field a defensive team with a complementary, run-oriented offense, they need to build accordingly. They brought in Turner, a coordinator who likes to use a power running game and complement it with an aggressive downfield passing game and then didn't build accordingly. They drafted a QB ill-suited to that approach and failed to build an OL that could really make that power running game sing or provide time for slower-developing, downfield passing plays. What we're seeing on offense seems like a failure from the top down, a failure of vision. To some extent, this offense is the price they're paying for building the defense and maybe over the next few years, they can build a team where both units are good but right now, if the idea was to open a championship window in year 3, it looks like they might have sabotaged their own efforts.

losperros wrote:Interesting post and nice read. Thanks, Jim.

Okay, Turner has just resigned. Now it's time for Zimmer to really take charge. As Denny Green once told his team: "We will not have lax offense!" I'm hoping Zimmer does the same. I don't hate Turner but he had a job to do and he couldn't get it done. It's time for everyone, including Zimmer and the players, to do their freakin' jobs. That's what they're getting paid for. Otherwise, they should be expendable. Time for some tough love, Coach!

Texas Vike wrote:
I actually think that is pretty much what he's done. Though, to run with your car analogy, I think of it as a driver's ed automobile and Zimmer is the instructor with his own brakes just in case Norv veers wildly into other lanes.