A post game review

by Robert Rence on Nov 3, 2008 9:27 AM CST Comment 7 comments

I'm sure that when Gonzo finishes being diseased, he'll get one of these up, but I just wanted to give my thoughts on the game:

What went right?

The Defense: The D gave up 14 points, forced two fumbles (and recovered one), got two interceptions (both in the red zone), five sacks, and countless hurries.

The Offense: The offense put 28 points on the board, and I think it's reasonable to expect that any time they score that many points, the Vikes should win the game. Adrian Peterson was slow in the first half but started busting loose in the second, and Bernard Berrian earned his paycheck again.

The Special Teams: Did not give up a touchdown. That for me is a momentous event.

The Coaching: Childress showed that he had a pair early on, going for it on fourth down. If you want to improve on your ability as a coach, do it more often! There was only one horrendous play call. And the Vikes only committed three penalties.

What went wrong?

The Defense: The Texans were successful 50% of the time on third down. They gave up nearly 4 yards of rushing on average. And the Vikings bit way too many times on the play-action pass. Yes, I'm nit-picking. Deal.

The Offense: Two three and outs. 6/13 on third down. C'mon guys, you can do better than that. And while the Gus Bus was 11/18, that number is as high as it is due to the ability of the receivers. When Berrian was sandwiched in between two receivers and he made that opening catch, it was because he had to slow down to catch the ball. Looking at the quarterbacks to take in next year's draft, the number one thing I'm looking for is accuracy. Give us a QB who can do that, and watch the Offense go back to the high scoring excitement of the late 90s.

The Special Teams: I know I'm happy when you don't give up points directly, but can you stop giving the opposing teams such a small field to work with? C'mon, you can do it. I believe in you.

The Coaching: Yes, I know our running game is awesome. Yes, the play worked. But this?

3-8-MIN 22 (1:54) (Shotgun) 29-C.Taylor left guard to MIN 34 for 12 yards (96-E.Cochran).

Stop doing this. Seriously. Do not run the ball on third and long. Do I need to rub your nose in it or smack you with a rolled up newspaper? Stop. Other than that, good game, Chili. Keep it up and I may stop calling for your head on a platypus.

EDIT:

Also on the bad list...

The Fans: Booing when we take a knee for the win. Seriously?! Really, you're booing us assuring victory. I'm sorry you didn't get to chant "Fire Childress", but don't boo when we've earned a victory.

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.

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I agree with

what you said about Childress coaching a good game overall. I didn’t really realize it until I read this post but he really did. However, I disagree with what you said about the draw play on 3rd and 8. This is a good call because it worked. You need to realize that this is a strategic move that all teams will do. When it’s 3rd and longish, you can surprised the opponent with a run, which is exactly what the Vikes did. Good call in my opinion.

Also, the shutdown of Andre Johnson was big. All year long I have had to defend the play of Cedric Griffin from confused Vikings fans. With his play on Johnson today, I think it’s pretty hard to deny his value as a physical, man coverage corner. When the Vikes put him in zone he isn’t nearly as effective. Oh and I think Johnson scored his TD while we were in zone coverage. Not sure on that, though. Skol Vikes! Nice win.

by skiumah06 on Nov 2, 2008 11:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No, I agree with the OP. An occasional run on third and long is okay, but it doesn’t always work. I’m pretty sure we faced a third and fifteen at one point in the third quarter, it might have been our first drive, and so what do we go? HB DRAW PLAY to Chester Taylor for a gain of. . . 8 yards. It was interesting when he was doing it at first, but since it worked every now and again, expect Childress to do this over and over. Don’t get me wrong, our RBs are fabulous, but asking them to gain 15 yards on a third down run is alot. I just wish we’d get the ball to CT a little more. No offense to Adrian, but I think with Chester out there a bit more, defenses could stop keying in on AD.

by Frost on Nov 3, 2008 8:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah that is

what I meant. You don’t go and call a run on every third and long, that’s just stupid. But occasionally, it is a good thing and it works. You have to stay away from being predictable on offense. Sorry, I should have been more clear I guess.

by skiumah06 on Nov 3, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nevermind...

about the one a. johnson td. it was man and ced got beat. to be fair though, it was a great throw.

by skiumah06 on Nov 3, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Progress....

Maybe it’s just me, but has anyone noticed how A. D.‘s game is picking up as the season progresses? The last two games he’s looking more like the back that totally terrorized opposing defenses last year. It’s not a stretch to believe that with the Packers coming up next week, he’ll be ready to explode. The offense gives me the impression of starting to gel and it couldn’t come at a better time. True, there’s still some kinks to be worked out and the turnover monster still rears it’s head far too much but that int. really wasn’t Gus’s fault. I’m part of the school that says if it hits a pro receivers hands, he should catch it. The next few weeks are key as to what this team can do. All of these games are winable and with some of the the so-called “elite” teams in the conference starting to slide, we have just as good a chance to make the playoffs as anybody.

by purplegrey on Nov 3, 2008 3:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

To be honest, this wasn’t that great of a game for him. What kicked up his stats were the 90 yards on his last six carries. Up until that point he had 40 yards on. . . .20 carries. He’s a big play threat, but I’d like to see him get a little more yardage on average. And to do that, we can’t be running the ball up the gut 4 plays in a row, like I was seeing for a little bit there.

by Frost on Nov 3, 2008 8:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs