Vikings-Cowboys: What I'll Be Looking For
by Ted Glover on Aug 26, 2011 9:41 AM CDT
in Minnesota Vikings 2011 Season
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Tomorrow the Vikes have what is essentially their dress rehearsal against Dallas, and the Cowboys will provide a good test to see where the Vikings stand, and how they've progressed since the Titans game.
There was a noticeable jump in execution on both sides of the ball against Seattle, and that was very encouraging. I'm looking for more improvement, but not necessarily the same leap between Tennessee and Seattle. One thing I definitely don't want to see is any kind of regression.
Yesterday, I talked about two guys I'm really going to be looking at, but the whole team has things that I want to see improvement and/or progression on.
So here's what I'll be looking at, big picture, after the jump.
QB: I want to see Donovan McNabb continue to progress from last week. That means getting the first team offense into the end zone. They had an impressive 81 yard drive last week that started on their own two and ended in a field goal, but so far the offense has seemed to stall in the red zone. Finish a drive or two with a touchdown. It's been reported that Joe Webb will work with the second team, and between Ponder and Joe, I'd like to see some definite separation by one of these guys. Or, solid progression to the point I'd be comfortable with either one if McNabb gets hurt. Both have been inconsistent.
RB: Did Tristan Rogers' TD run matter last week? I doubt it, because the top three of Peterson, Gerhart, and Booker seems to be set. Show off Booker some more; I like the way that guy plays the game, and I think he might be a very valuable third down back. Speaking of third down, I'll be paying more attention to see who the Vikings have in there in regards to pass protection. It's been terrible from the running back position since Chester Taylor left.
OL: Anthony Herrera will start at right guard, and that's encouraging. If he can get back to serviceable, it helps the line immensely, and also improves depth, which is a very big concern for me. Charlie Johnson is a guy I'll be looking at a lot as well; last week I thought he did okay, and he definitely improved from the Tennessee game. No injuries is the big thing for me here; I think the o-line has been okay so far, just stay healthy.
WR: I want to see Bernard Berrian step up. He's been quiet, and I want him to make some catches and prove my doubts about him wrong. Who's going to be the fifth WR? Will there be a sixth? It's been a constant storyline so far, and I think the fifth and sixth spot is down to Jaymar Johnson and Devin Aromoshadu, with Camarillo still holding the 4. We shall see, though.
TE: Shiancoe's injury has officially gone to 'disconcerting' for me. But this provides another opportunity for Kyle Rudolph to shine. He's had a very good pre-season, and I think he is starting to emerge as a primary target. When Shiancoe comes back, McNabb will have two great safety blankets to throw the ball to.
DL: With Kevin Williams out, whoever starts opposite Remi Ayodele will probably be the starting DT on opening day. I'm thinking it's going to be Letroy Guion, because he's been better than Fred Evans so far, and maybe it's just me, but he seems to have been on the field more--that's just anecdotal eye test opinion on my part, though. Brian Robison is someone I will be watching closely as well. For the backups, Christian Ballard and Everson Griffen have really impressed me so far, and I'd like to see them keep building on that.
LB: It's the strongest unit on the team, in my opinion. Erin Henderson has filled Ben Leber's shoes nicely, and Mike SIngletary is doing a great job with these guys.
DB: I want to see more Cedric Griffin. He looked good in limited play last week, but now he has to play for an entire half. I'm sure no on is more ready than he is. Chris Cook looked okay last week; much better than he did against Tennessee, and I hope he keeps it up. More Marcus Sherels, please. If he doesn't win the dime back job over Asher Allen, I'm going to be mad.
I also want to see Jared Allen give another sideline interview and bag on the Metrodome. I probably want to see this more than anything else.
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Tristan Rogers?
I think you meant Tristan Davis. Not that it matters except to Tristan’s mother and Tristan.
Your fantasy football expert since Jerry Rice's rookie year.
Davis, Rogers
Toe-may-toe, toe-mah-toe. My bad.
Seriously, I’m in a slump. Between spelling and mixing up last names, my next story will contain only monosyllabic words and people with names that will be no more difficult than Smith or Jones.
This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby and named it "this exact situation"--Sterling Archer
Im looking for....
Tony Romo, on his back, on the turf, as much as is humanly possible….Again, and again, and again….
Once more for good measure!
**Rupert for ProBowl 2012!**
by LeeleeX on Aug 26, 2011 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Well...
Id add its about him being sacked, but you could take that 2 ways too huh…
Ok…lets try…..
I wanna see the D pound…no thats bad too…
Bloody nose?
**Rupert for ProBowl 2012!**
Let's see if we can collaborate on something here
I want to see the D control those gaps and plug all the holes. No, that’s not good.
I want to see them ride it out for 60 minutes. No good. I give up.
Skol!
This is the beginning of what could be
the best TWSS sub-thread in DN history.
I wanna see our guys hit the hole and fill the gaps all night long.
Balls in your court…so to speak.
This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby and named it "this exact situation"--Sterling Archer
Time to be agressive. Dive for some loose balls
Get in there and get your hands dirty, you know! Get right up on ’em and jam ’em.
Skol!
I think to be effective at giving Romo a hard time
Our D-Line needs to find a crease and slip through
by PURPpplEATER on Aug 26, 2011 10:08 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Just don't want to see our boys forcing anything deep.
Take what the defense gives ya : )
by CanadianViking on Aug 26, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
All night long baby!
**Rupert for ProBowl 2012!**
Plug the A-gap and watch the end-around.
by CanadianViking on Aug 26, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Alright, let me try this.
Our defense has got to keep pounding, even if their RB’s get slippery and McNabb has to get into rythm with those tight ends, we don’t want any sloppy play.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 27, 2011 1:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
And before they start rooting around in the trenches
they’ll need to make sure they’re wearing proper protection.
This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby and named it "this exact situation"--Sterling Archer
We’re gunna apply pressure to their backs and hit the open holes. Be ball hogs, and don’t give it up easily.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 27, 2011 1:31 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Lets respect their defense, but stay firm with our ball advances.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 27, 2011 1:45 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'd like to see one of our WRs get so open they demand double coverage.
Hmmmnn… that line might be better suited to the LFL. Too Far ? : )
by CanadianViking on Aug 27, 2011 2:53 AM CDT up reply actions
May be some WRs like 2 guys behind them!
Speaking of Wide Receivers, I am starting to warm up to BB being on the team as a ‘receiver.’ With three strong arms of McNabb, Webb and Ponder spraying balls all over him, I think he will catch some.
...2nd Best
I guess maybe, football is the “2nd Best” game in town?
by jimuellenbach on Aug 27, 2011 6:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Right with ya
I want to see continuted improvement. The TN game to the SEA game was a huge progression. I would be very disappointed to see them take a step back. Such an occurance would definitely hinder my “there’s a chance we wont suck” mentality that I’ve been nurcing since last year. In any event, I think this year will be a fun ride.
by A shot at greatness, probable failure on Aug 26, 2011 10:38 AM CDT reply actions
I am curious.....
about the noise level inside the new dome. Aside from that, I am looking for the O line to get a push in the run game. I want to see first contact on AP occur AFTER positive yardage, not before.
by Mel Allen on Aug 26, 2011 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Sure.....
getting touched not a big deal, but getting corraled by two or more defenders is something we have seen far too much of.
Seems to me...
… Charlie Johnson vs. Demarcus Ware… if we can survive that, and get the 1st team offense into the endzone, it will say a lot about the offense.
I also wonder of the receivers, who’s going to get the ball into the endzone? In the past, Shiancoe and Rice were are reliable guys to put points up. In this group, with Shank out, who’s going to be the guy?
by HammeroftheGods on Aug 26, 2011 10:56 AM CDT reply actions
I'm putting my money
on Rudolph. Seriously.
This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby and named it "this exact situation"--Sterling Archer
I'll be looking at both lines under a microscope
We can go on and on about how inconsistent the QB play has been, but the bottom line is that I would attribute that to shaky offensive line play. I watched the replay of the Seattle game this week and the discrepancy between the time that Seattle QB’s had in the pocket versus the time Ponder/Webb had was not encouraging. Whitehurst was allowed to stand in the pocket, do his taxes, eat a sandwich and find the open receiver. Our guys were running for their lives. Webb was almost sacked before he handed the ball off on Davis’ TD run for Pete’s sake.
I thought the Dline play was much improved from week 1. Now with KWill out at least a month (remaining pre-season and 2 game suspension) I want to see who is going to step up. I also want to see if BRob can hold down the edge and be an every down player. I have been encouraged by the play of both Awasom and E. Griffen. But I want to see more consistency in the run game from all our DE’s.
I think our starting LB corps is set. But who steps up to take the spot opposite Abdullah in the secondary? Me hopes its not Tyrell Johnson. I think Sanford can be an above average SS. Raymond has flashed some ability to play FS.
I also want to see more of Sherels and B. Burton. I think they are the future at corner for us, along with Chris Cook.
"I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it."
I've given Asher Allen plenty of excuses. I think both stay on the team
But Asher goes in before Sherels and gets his last chance to make some plays. If he doesn’t, then Sherels jumps ahead of him by week 3 at least. I’m normally all for the best player plays, but we’ve got a little more invested into Asher so we give him the extra chances. That’s just how it works. Now Sherels looked good in preseason, but he was right place, right time on that pick-6. He seems much more sure about his play in the secondary and moved around the field well, but just because of the TD doesn’t mean we’re “all-in” on Sherels. That’s just ridiculous to think.
Skol!
I'd like to see Burton and Sherels playing ahead of Asher
And I have a little trouble buying in the “we have more invested [insert player name here]” philsophy. It’s basically gifting a job to Berrien, A. Allen, and T. Jackson. If the younger players who are currently playing AT or ABOVE these guys level can do it having had less invested in them, imagine what they can do with the same level of investment.
I hear you there, but people get comfortable in the league at different times
It’s the same reason you’ll see Alex Smith starting in San Fran this year. You can’t just kick them to the curb because there’s too much on the table. It’s being pot-committed in poker terms. If the Chargers gave up on Drew Brees(he was awful for a couple of years when he first got in the league), then he never gets traded and who knows what happens(Vikings might have a SB then), but still. Asher’s in his 3rd year, he needs to produce early this season or else his time’s up and he’s off the team at the end of the season. The coaches see these guys practice. I guess Sherels has impressed a lot and he’ll get his reps, but it always takes more than a good camp to jump over a higher draft pick.
Skol!
True.
I think QBs are a different story. I earlier wrote “T Jackson”, but I meant to write “T Johnson.”
I think Asher Allen’s difficulties are missed tackles and getting beat deep. It’s not an issue of him blowing a coverage assignment by being somewhere he’s not supposed to be. He might get marginally better, but tackling is tackling, and I don’t see it improving after two years in the league and time in college and high school.
Berrian really doesn’t have any excuses at this point. He’s a veteran who was acquired as a deep threat and hasn’t beat someone on a deep ball since that Ferrote throw against Chicago (and that play was a blown assignment). It seems like most of his catches over the past two years have been slant routes. And a number of those ended in drops or fumbles.
And Tyrell Johnson has had three seasons now. His tackling is bad. His angles are bad. And he’s almost never in a position to disrupt a passing play, and he gets caught in weird spots when he blitzes.
I can see giving a QB a lot of time. It’s a very complicated position to play. I can’t see biasing a team’s WR, CB or Safety player selections based on “investment” when there are viable alternatives that are every bit as good right now and offer more upside at a lower cost.
I hope we’ll get to see much more of Sanford, Burton, Carter, Sherels, Jaymar Johnson, Aromashodu, Arceneaux and Iglasias today (actually I won’t be able to see the game until Monday night). Those are the guys I’m leaning towards in place of the aforementioned players. Oh, and just to be clear, I’m okay with Allen Asher to some degree as a depth on the bench option. However, I’d really like to see Berrian and Tyrell Johnson move on.
Point of Attack
I more than anything want to see how we do at the point of attack against a Dallas team that is pretty solid in that regard on both sides of the ball. I want to see of our D-line can abuse them the way they did an inferior Seattle line. I want to see if our o-line and offense can handle Dallas’s solid defensive front.
McNabb throwing a TD pass would give me some ease of mind.
Webb in a play with first stringers? Too soon? Reportedly they are mixing it up in practice with some things.
I wanna see some roping by Allen. God, I’ve missed that.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 12:16 PM CDT reply actions
I want to see anything out of Percy. Get him on the field
I know he’s had some bruised ribs or something like that, but I would assume he’s playing VS Dallas. I want to see how he performs with McNabb slingin’ it. Ted/Chris/SG/Kyle/Mark, does anyone know what Percy’s status is?
Skol!
Eyes on the Purple
Great list of things to look out for, Ted. I’m with you on all of it.
But I’d really like to see JJ run for McNabb and see how he does, then have Berrian run for McNabb in a second series. Let’s see the two in closer comparison.
Both our development QBs look like they really need more time to get up to speed, but between the two, Webb looks more ready than Ponder right now. Not surprising, but like you, I’d prefer to see one of the two step up. Perhaps engineer some nice long, sustained drives, preferably through nickle and dime passes and hand-offs.
We know Webb can run when he has to but I don’t want him to have to. I want to see someone get open. We know Ponder thinks he can run, but he can’t so I’d really like him to figure out that the NFL isn’t going to going to be as accommodating as his college opponents when he tries to rabbit down field.
Aromashadu and Iglesias need to duke it out as well, I doubt that both can stay.
On the other side, I want to see Erin Henderson pull an interception, or at least break up some passes. That’s where Leber really shined, pass defense in the flat, and I’m curious to see if Erin can fill those shoes.
On the D-Line, I would like to see them not permit 5-9 yard runs, consistently. That was freaking embarrassing last week. And at least pretend to rush Romo. They don’t have to sack him every other play, but don’t give him time to catch up on his reading.
Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!
How good will we be this year?
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 2:09 PM CDT reply actions
Phil Costa is our for Dallas due to a knee injury.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 2:18 PM CDT reply actions
Any way to embarrass the Cowboys is well worth it.
I don’t care if it is preseason, this will be one of my favorite games of the Year.
Did anybody catch Redskins vs. Ravins last night? It was hard to tell that was preseason until the second half. Pretty exciting game all the way to the end.
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon
Hey dude, it's Ravens.
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon
by JethroBoViking on Aug 26, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
That was by far the best game of the preseason. But Washington will still win only 5 games this year.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that because McNabb is in Minnesota..
… or would it be even worse if he was still a Redskin?
I love the “Alittlemore_cowbell”. One of the best SNL skits ever.
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon
by JethroBoViking on Aug 26, 2011 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Beating Dallas is what I live for
If we were to go 1 and 15 but that one win is against Dallas, then it was a successful season. Beating Dallas last year helped me stomach the rest of the season.
Solidarity!
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon
by JethroBoViking on Aug 27, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I wanna see
all the Vikings cheerleaders strip naked and do cartwheels.
I can’t believe nobody else mentioned that yet.
Get used to the stalled TD drive with mcnabb
Im not hating,b ut that was his biggest problem in Philly. That and his inconsistency in the short and intermediate throws. I think AP will help his game out A LOT, but be prepared to be frustrated as well
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
Toby Gerthart
I honestly think that he could get cut, and if so, this is probably his last chance.
Replacing him with Tristan or the new guy they signed might be a good upgrade.
They'll cut Gerhart
Right after they cut Harvin or Winfield. He’s a solid #2, why would they cut him? I’d cut Booker before him.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 7:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Really doubt he gets cut. Wouldn't mind trading him for a decent O-lineman though. Any teams that are really thin at RB?
by CanadianViking on Aug 26, 2011 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Even when teams are really thin at RB, they're not.
Any RB can work in any system. If you have some blockers, anyone can produce enough. NFL is about OLines and QBs.
Skol!
I know, just hoping for some surprise O-line help : )
I like Toby, but he seems like he’s redundant behind AD. Aside from being a little better in pass protection, I just don’t see a huge role for Gerhart with Peterson getting the majority of the touches and Booker being better suited for the third-down receiving role. He’s a good back but I’ve thought since the pick was made that his skills will be wasted in Minnesota.
by CanadianViking on Aug 26, 2011 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Good luck with that
Gerhart will be around a long time. And I’m glad.
Completely agreed!
He’s damn good but doesn’t have that much game experience. We need to think ahead as to what to do in the post AD years.
Hopefully....
he will put his rookie season behind him. I want to see less of the hesitation, and more of the power running up the gut that marked his college years. He has the strength, speed and balance to do it. Sullivan, however, HAS to step up his interior line play.
Definitely.
And your above comment regarding AP in the backfield. I’d love to see a hole open up one of the days and BOOM he gets vertically at least past the LOS from which point he can juke whichever direction is best. So far (and I understand he’s only had a handful of plays) once he starts to go laterally, 2 or 4 yards deep, the results have been poor. This is true of any runner sure, and I’m pretty much reiterating what you were saying – But If AP carries the ball 25 times a game, and gains say 80 yards or so, it’s going to be tough to win that game, generally speaking (turnovers, great special team play, etc., can change any game) – you know.
What I want is
1. No Sacks on Offense
2. Plenty of Pressure on Romo
3. Taking advantage of “Gifts”
4. Nothing “special” about special teams… (no big mistakes)
5. Viking lead at halftime by 10 points.
(very happy I can comment again! Ty sbnation app)
by DelawareBerserker on Aug 26, 2011 7:37 PM CDT via iPhone app reply actions
Karen Rodgers has a handlebar mustache
And looks like a straight up pedophile.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 8:51 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Dude reminds me of Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore.
Shooter’s six shooters and Karen’s championship belt thingy just scream of douchebaggery.
by CanadianViking on Aug 26, 2011 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Dudes are getting unsportsmanlike conduct left and right
For jumping and saluting, and Karen get’s away with a belt after every touchdown? Not if he was a Texan or Charger.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 11:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Let alone a Viking. Goodell would probably invent a taunting suspension for him if he wore purple!
by CanadianViking on Aug 26, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
The only reason JA doesn't get punished for his "roping"
Is because Goodell is scared he’d be punished.
The road to fulfillment in any line of endeavor is always marked by an initial breakthrough; however, that first taste of success needs to be replicated again and again in order for supremacy to be sustained. We are Vikings, and we shall rise again.
by Alittlemore_cowbell on Aug 26, 2011 11:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I am looking for several players to make a case to make the team
First is Herrera. He needs to do well and have no issues or they have to consider the condition he is in (football shape) following surgery. If they feel he is not adequate then they have to consider adding someone.
Perhaps a Brian Waters or Nick Kaczur?
Next is Erin Henderson. He needs to do well against the first string players from Dallas. Otherwise they may be looking for a linebacker.
Next is obviously Sanford & Tyrell. One of the two is unfortunately going to start and we need one of them to separate from the other. I expect it will be a rotation throughout the year as neither is really distinguishable from the other.
Next is Charlie Johnson. If he cannot handle the left tackle spot then the Vikings have to try and do something. My preference would be to try and trade for Matt Light. But I doubt New England is going to let him go this year. I think next year is when he gets moved. So then the Vikings could be scouring the waiver wire or just decide to be like the Bears and have a turrible line.
Next the wide receivers will make a case for themselves today. I am hoping that Berrian can show something besides the 2 catches for 12 yards that he has shown thus far. Camarillo needs to show something too. I am not sure if he is out though.
Next I am hoping that some youngsters continue to step up and make a strong case to make the 53 man roster. Specifically, Larry Dean, Marcus Sherels, Allen Reisner, & Juaquin Iglesias.
It will be interesting.
anyone got the vikes on a decent internet show of the cowboys?
Childress gone, TJack gone, new stadium on the way: it's like that Christmas when Santa brought prostitutes!
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