Vikings @ Cowboys Game Thread

[Purple bruise]

Not worried about AP but his backups is only averaging a little over a yard per carry. That doesn't cut it.

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2015/8/29/ ... -28-14-win

The run game was, again, a tremendous disappointment. The two running backs that will make this team combined for just 12 yards on nine carries. Jerick McKinnon carried the ball six times for ten yards, and Matt Asiata had three carries for just two yards. In mop-up duty, Dominique Williams carried seven times for 32 yards and a score, with Banyard chipping in with four carries for 19 yards and another score. Heinicke added three carries for 20 yards as well.

I believe Mckinnon averaged more than 4 1/2 yds. last year. Nothing to worry about IMO. The Vikes will be in the top 5-10 range in rushing, count on it.

[PacificNorseWest]

SF didn't scare me at all, but if there's one thing they can do well and actually very well, is run the ball. Hyde is no slouch and probably is better than Gore at this point in their careers. Kaep can also burn...I know the gameplan will hinge around minimizing Kaeps damage on the ground, but he can still hurt you in that department. Hopefully the run D can step it up big time come week 1.

[DK Sweets]

Serious, you are worried about the Vike's running game You do know that 28 will be playing this year.

I've seen dismissive posts like this all preseason and I don't get it. Adrian can't do everything himself. The low yardage is a sign of substandard blocking, and Adrian will definitely do better but is that going to be consistent/good enough? It's a bit worrisome.

[Texas Vike]

I've seen dismissive posts like this all preseason and I don't get it. Adrian can't do everything himself. The low yardage is a sign of substandard blocking, and Adrian will definitely do better but is that going to be consistent/good enough? It's a bit worrisome.

This.

[PacificNorseWest]

I think there is reason to be concerned. Especially with the layoff AP has had. Even look at last season in not playing all through preseason...Week 1 he ran extremely hard, which is normal, but he really didn't have a great game. He will have to shake off the rust, but he will still need some holes to run through. I don't foresee it being a long-term issue, but it is something to keep an eye on.

Teddy's efficiency in the passing game should ultimately help as well.

[mosscarter]

sometimes this place just cracks me up. someone said they don't think bridgewater is "seeing the field" well enough and he was 100 percent with his completions. i'm still laughing. and one last thing, the layoff for AP was a good thing he needed the rest. he will be the monster he's always been.

[indianation65]

Being a Viking down here in cowboy land is tough, but I love the rare times Minnesota gets a chance to beat them up. However, it always seems to be down here in Dallas. I cannot remember the last time the 'boys had to travel and play up north, even in pre-season.

...wisdom

[808vikingsfan]

sometimes this place just cracks me up. someone said they don't think bridgewater is "seeing the field" well enough and he was 100 percent with his completions. i'm still laughing. and one last thing, the layoff for AP was a good thing he needed the rest. he will be the monster he's always been.

I don't think completion percentage can tell the whole story. I'd would have liked to see more mid range completions to be honest. The past two games, I've heard comments that other receivers downfield were open when he dumped to his RB. Don't give me stats. A 2yd dump wil show up as a 12yd completion.

[Funkytown]

I don't think completion percentage can tell the whole story. I'd would have liked to see more mid range completions to be honest. The past two games, I've heard comments that other receivers downfield were open when he dumped to his RB. Don't give me stats. A 2yd dump wil show up as a 12yd completion.

Example:

Vikeologist™ ‏@Vikeologist

Bridgewater has 2 open receivers on this play. He ran instead. Huge missed big play.

[mosscarter]

teddy only runs when he has to. isn't that obvious? he rarely ever runs he felt pressure.

[losperros]

This.

You bet. I have big concerns about the OL, especially the lack of depth. Both the run and pass blocking could really suffer if one or two more OL players get hurt.

[fiestavike]

I've seen dismissive posts like this all preseason and I don't get it. Adrian can't do everything himself. The low yardage is a sign of substandard blocking, and Adrian will definitely do better but is that going to be consistent/good enough? It's a bit worrisome.

My hope is that they've been focusing on pass blocking so much that they hadn't gotten around to establishing some chemistry in the run game. I am hoping we might see it develop, because my fear is that they just physically aren't a very powerful or effective group. It will be interesting to see if they grab anybody off waivers to help with the O-Line. It would be pretty telling if the team's own analysis of their players leads them to add a player this late.

[808vikingsfan]

I've seen dismissive posts like this all preseason and I don't get it. Adrian can't do everything himself. The low yardage is a sign of substandard blocking, and Adrian will definitely do better but is that going to be consistent/good enough? It's a bit worrisome.

Agree with your concerns. I'd much h rather see AD full speed through gaping holes than him avoiding tackles in the backfield.

[808vikingsfan]

I know its just preseason but is anyone else a little irritated the media is ignoring the fact that the dallas starters were playing against the Vikings 2nd team for almost an entire quarter? What makes it worse is ESPN showed more of Bryant chest bumping his teammates than actual Vikings highlights.

[Boon]

sometimes this place just cracks me up. someone said they don't think bridgewater is "seeing the field" well enough and he was 100 percent with his completions. i'm still laughing. and one last thing, the layoff for AP was a good thing he needed the rest. he will be the monster he's always been.

Doesn't mean anything. You can have 15 snaps, get sacked on 4, throw 8 for 8, and run on 3 snaps that there were wide open receivers on. Seeing the field has nothing to do with completion percentage