[CBFF] Game Comments - Minnesota Vikings 12/3/06

[Victor Waldron]

> 3. Patience really should have been a watch word today.  It's evident that
> throwing deep with the windy weather was a mistake.  I also thought a much
> maligned Minnesota secondary did a nice job today.

This is one thing I didn't understand. For instance, Berrian was open
on the second INT but the ball didn't get there. I don't recall if Rex
was able to step into the throw but generally it's harder to throw
deep in the cold.

> 4. Personally, I just don't think Grossman's head was right, again.
> Sometimes he gives the impression that he's sleep walking.  The best way to
> describe it might be "shell shocked".    Though I've been heavily criticized
> in some quarters for suggesting it, I'll do it again.  It might do Grossman
> a lot of good to come out for at least a series and watch when this happens.
> It might go a long way toward allowing him to collect himself a little.

How about Turner giving him some higher percentage plays instead of
throwing deep?  I love the deep ball, but with (presumably) four more
cold weather home games we're going to have to know how to generate a
passing game.

We have playmakers in Berrian and Bradley.......so toss in some quick
slants (especially on plays when we know the rush is coming).  Last
week Brady hit a lot of short routes underneith and avoided the rush.
Rex is a talented guy, I don't see any reason why he needs to drop
back everytime he throws.

Also, it was good to see the shotgun again for a few plays. I hope to
see this more often, I think it will help Rex in the long run.

> 5. It was so nice to see such a good game from Cedric Benson.  I'm not the
> guy's biggest fan but there's no denying his talent on the field.  You want
> him to be happy and he really needed this right now.  You were really
> beginning to feel his discontent.

If you didn't believe it before you should now: Benson is a better
runner than Jones. Jones is still better overall
(running+receiving+blocking) but at this stage I think we'd have a
better running game if Benson had the majority of carries.

> 6. I sat and just shook my head when Smith decided to go for it on fourth
> and one late in the third quarter.  I'd have kicked the field goal.  Looking
> back on it, the weather may have been a factor there.  I don't think Gould's
> kicks were going very deep it might be that he was having trouble.  In and
> case, Benson scored instead.  I guess that's why I'm a fan and Smith's the
> coach.

It was a low risk-high reward decision. We were up 14-6 at that point
and the Vikes offense was imploding with regularity. I thought it was
good to build the O's confidence by giving them a chance to make a
play.

> 2. It might help Grossman to see that even savvy veterans like Brad Johnson
> can have some rough days.

Yesterday was not a good day for throwing the ball. Turner needs to
adjust his gameplan accordingly for future cold home games.
(Note: we could play four more home games in the Chicago cold and,
incidentally, our two remaining road games are in domes.)


> 2. Rashied Davis fumble on the opening kickoff was just inexcusable.  That
> can't happen, especially at that point in the game.

True, but the Vikes did a good job of stripping him. Davis has been a
solid yet unspectacular KR for us, much better than what we've had in
years past.


> 4. Though I wasn't vocal about it, I freely admit that I was not thrilled
> with the drafting of Devin Hester in the second round.  It was evident even
> then that he was  essentially going to be only a return guy, at least his
> first year.  But I have to hand it to Jerry Angelo.  In terms of points put
> on the board, Devon Hester was probably worth the pick.

"Probably???" With his athleticism it will be interesting to see what
he can do at CB once he gets coached up at the position. Azumah was
pretty good there in the end. If Vasher's hammy becomes nuisance we
might see Hester on D during the next game or two.

> 6. The Bears cannot have these turnovers.  I don't care who it is or what
> they have to do to end it.  If it doesn't stop, it will be one and done in
> the playoffs, again.

No doubt. INTs are one thing, but turnovers like giving up the ball on
a punt and kickoff just can't happen.

V