Hey, The Vikings Have A New Defensive Coordinator...I Think
by Ted Glover on Jan 18, 2012 5:05 PM CST
in Minnesota Vikings 2012 Off-Season
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PrintThe team announced today it will offer the job of defensive coordinator to Alan Williams, the Indianapolis Colts defensive backs coach the past 10 seasons. He was on the same staff as Frazier for a few years, and they are reportedly good friends.
Hey, we got a guy that's going to whip the defensive secondary into shape! Woo!!
Oh, wait.
The Colts finished last in the NFL...tied with the Vikings...with 8 interceptions last year. They also finished last in passes defended. And Williams has never been a coordinator at any level. And they were pretty middle of the road for the rest of the major defensive categories. Of course, 'middle of the road' would be an improvement over 'soul sucking terrible', which is what we became accustomed to for most of the 2011 season.
So there's that, I guess.
But in other news, Fred Pagac is going to stick around and go back to coaching the linebackers, and Mike Singletary is going to have his responsibilities increased, and will now be called 'Special Assistant' to Frazier. Sooooooo, a guy who WAS the defensive coordinator and failed at it will remain on the staff as a position coach.
No, I don't see that being awkward, not at all.
Maybe it's me, but does anyone remember the end of the Denny Green era, when he hired all his buddies, and promoted Richard Solomon to the defacto special assistant, and no one really knew what the hell Solomon did?
Does anyone else get that nagging, uneasy feeling about this series of moves, or is it just me?
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Could it get any worse?
Is this supposed to make me think we are on the way up???
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
by RileysCannibalJct on Jan 18, 2012 5:06 PM CST reply actions
This is a good hire.
The Colts had a few injuries in the defense last year, to gauge him by Indy’s record year is short sighted.
In 2008, the club set an NFL mark by allowing only six touchdown passes, the lowest 16-game total in league history (9, Denver, 1978; Pittsburgh, 1980). The defense ranked 3rd in NFL red zone efficiency in touchdowns allowed. The defensive backs had all of the club’s 15 interceptions. In 2007, Indianapolis ranked 3rd in the NFL in total defense, marking the club’s highest defensive ranking since 1971. The Colts yielded 279.7 yards per game, the lowest seasonal total since 1971. Indianapolis ranked 1st in NFL scoring defense, its best showing since 2005 (2nd), and 262 points allowed marked the 2nd-fewest by the club in a 16-game season (247, 2005). The Colts had 22 interceptions to rank T2nd in the league, while producing the best seasonal total since 1979 (23).
by aceinthecorner on Jan 18, 2012 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It is all connected
When your offense is going up and down the filed running up the score the opponent hs to try to keep up hence greater opportunities for INT
or maybe it is as simple as having good personnel...
weird.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 9:07 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I agree...
… although in previous years when the Vikings had an explosive offense, our pass defense ranked low because everyone gave up on the run trying to play catch up. Yes we got an increased amount of interceptions and possibly scoring plays from the defense, but we also gave up a ton of touchdowns and yards. What we have here is a guy who has coached some good players and is an extension of Frasier when it comes to running the defense. Our linebackers get their preferred position coach back with Pagac, and Singletary can make sure that Frasier’s coffee has the right amount of sugar, foam, and isn’t too hot!
I hope that the defensive backs position coach is reviewed as Joe Woods has not produced the goods – though most of the talent he has had to work with has been poor. I also wonder if our quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson will be replaced with Jim Caldwell (his position with the Colts before becoming head coach). His experience with Manning, and familiarity of working with Frasier (they were on the same Dungy staff) may help Christian Ponder develop faster. Although I doubt that the Vikings would pay Caldwell the same at that position as he is due from the Colts for sitting out a year, but it would give him an immediate chance to get back into coaching.
I’m also concerned that keeping Singletary around may not be good for this team. I predict that at some stage during the off season or preseason, that Singletary and the team ‘mutually’ decide to go their separate ways so he can ‘explore other ventures’, or something of that ilk!
by blowfishes on Jan 19, 2012 1:14 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I there his whole coaching history in a FanPost up earlier!
Any news on if he’s actually accepted the job? I kind of like the move.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
Good to hear
I admit that my first reaction was “Oh boy. Here we go.”
Let’s hope for the best.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
First
I almost lose my lunch over Gov. Dip$shit’s……errrrr…….Dayton’s press conference, now this? Can we possibly get anymore drama, head scratching or weirdness out of this team or anything related to it……
Chri$t, maybe I shouldn’t have asked that……
Gentlemen! You can't fight in here, this is a war room!
Haha
That was funny!
"Arguing with anonymous strangers on the Internet is a sucker's game because they almost always turn out to be—or to be indistinguishable from—self-righteous sixteen-year-olds possessing infinite amounts of free time."
― Neal Stephenson, Cryptonomicon
A lot of people scratched their heads
at selecting Christian Ponder at number 12, I would say the majority of people want him back at this point in time. I don’t really know much about this guy, he was with a great team so hopefully that will carry over. I do think it is premature to say whether this was a bad hire or not.
"You can write articles and do whatever you want, you can break down every player. Good, bad or ugly. But we just aren't good enough as a team, as a group. Offensively, defensively and special teams, from the No. 1 on the roster to the last man on the roster. We just aren't good enough. It's as simple as that." - Chad Greenway
by Grape Drank on Jan 18, 2012 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
I know
The post was a cumulation of a frustraiting day.
Gentlemen! You can't fight in here, this is a war room!
by VikesFaninNM on Jan 19, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions
He has to start out somewhere.
Like everyone else. Give him a chance with some decent talent, IF you can get some decent talent…
by christian220896 on Jan 18, 2012 5:22 PM CST reply actions
Agreed
But why do the Vikings have to be everybody’s step up? When is the last time the Vikings hired a coach who did a kick-ass job in the same position prior to joining the Vikes? When was the last time we hired an HC that had actual HC experience? It was when Bud Grant came out of retirement following the Les Steckel debacle.
Yes, yes I know all great coaches have to work their way up the ranks. But during the Zygi administration, the Vikings have been presenting themselves as being in “win now” mode. I don’t see how hiring coaches that have zero experience in the positions they’ve been hired for squares with “win now”. If you truly want to win now, you have to have proven winners throughout the organization, from the GM to the HC, to the QB to the junior assistant waterboy.
The Colts had a few injuries in the defense last year, to gauge him by Indy’s record year is short sighted.
In 2008, the club set an NFL mark by allowing only six touchdown passes, the lowest 16-game total in league history (9, Denver, 1978; Pittsburgh, 1980). The defense ranked 3rd in NFL red zone efficiency in touchdowns allowed. The defensive backs had all of the club’s 15 interceptions. In 2007, Indianapolis ranked 3rd in the NFL in total defense, marking the club’s highest defensive ranking since 1971. The Colts yielded 279.7 yards per game, the lowest seasonal total since 1971. Indianapolis ranked 1st in NFL scoring defense, its best showing since 2005 (2nd), and 262 points allowed marked the 2nd-fewest by the club in a 16-game season (247, 2005). The Colts had 22 interceptions to rank T2nd in the league, while producing the best seasonal total since 1979 (23).
What the heck is Singletary's job as 'Special Assistant'?
You gotta love the good ol’ buddy buddy system. Or not. Or… uh… um… er… what?
"Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction." - Old Cowboy proverb.
Yeah
The word Special is in there for a reason… Doh :)
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.
by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions
I was responding to Singletary's
promotion I’d assume. Not the fact that the Vikings offered Alan the job. I have no problem with that. So what do you mean?
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.
by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 5:29 PM CST up reply actions
Im tired of everyones negativity in general.
Maybe I’m just taking this out on you but I am tired of everyone’s shitty attitude.
The Star Tribune is filled with people slamming this hire citing Indy’s record and defensive standing last season. I log into the norseman for what I had hope is a more well rounded view and the main article points to the fact this is a “buddy” of Frazier, and the first comments are of dread followed by your ripping of Singletary. I just don’t think there is any reason to be down on the hire of Singletary. In my opinion this is a good hire, Williams did great things in the years prior in Indy, & has experience with Dungy and Tomlin. As to Singletary I’m not putting the Vikings failed secondary on him, Cook and Winfield were injured, Cedric was disappointing and the Tampa 2 scheme isn’t his. I’ve respected SIngletary and I respect Frazier too. Despite everything that happened last year guys like Percy Harvin and Jared Allen still played their heart out and have nothing but good things to say about Frazier.
by aceinthecorner on Jan 18, 2012 5:35 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the Info
I know nothing about this guy… But I agree with ACE about the SUPER-ABUNDANCE of Negativity… Singletary gets ZERO credit around here for turning the 49ers around … I guess we all forgot Bretts Miracle in 2009 against the 49ers ?? I’m not asking you to Drink the Kool Aid.. Just take a Chill Pill, Life as a Viking Fan isn.t easy… Go to the Dark Side and cheer on the 15-1 and never won a playoff game Packers if you are that miserable…
Maybe just maybe
Some of us were hoping to get away from the stale old Tampa 2 defense and this hire more than likely won’t do that. I’m not excited by no means over this hire as I would have liked a more aggressive approach. It has nothing to do with the person hired and more to do with the worn out scheme that hasn’t worked for the Vikings for awhile now.
by VikesFanInTulsa on Jan 18, 2012 6:10 PM CST up reply actions
you were never going to get that with LF as a head coach
and the Tampa-2 can still work with the correct personnel and a proper game plan (read: a coach/coordinator who knows what he is doing); given AW’s history w/ the scheme, i should think that is a possibility assuming we can get healthy and talented players in the secondary.
besides, most importantly for all the negative Nancy’s, all of this is out of our control. might as well embrace it and hope for the best.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 9:13 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Maybe this is reverse psychology...
… as the Vikings brought in Bill Musgrave from a successful Falcons team and our offense seemed 30% poor, 60% confused, 10% fortunate (30+60+10=100, thank goodness for the school system). Maybe by bringing in a guy from the poorer than poor Colts team our defense will respond by jumping into the top 10.
by blowfishes on Jan 19, 2012 1:23 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Indys secondary last year...
the club fought injuries by using nine different starting lineups in the secondary.
This makes me REALLY excited
to become a fan of water polo.
are you a troll or negative and short sighted?
nine consecutive post seasons.
2005: Indy secondary had nine of the club’s 18 interceptions, and the interception total exceeded the number of touchdown passes allowed.
2006: The secondary produced eleven of the club’s 15 regular-season interceptions, then had five in the playoffs.
2007: Indianapolis ranked 3rd in the NFL in total defense, marking the club’s highest defensive ranking since 1971. The Colts yielded 279.7 yards per game, the lowest seasonal total since 1971. Indianapolis ranked 1st in NFL scoring defense.
2008: secondary Indy broke the nfl record in TD passes allowed / 3rd in defensive red zone efficiency.
but hey…lets judge him by what happened to Indy in 2010 when their secondary was riddled with injuries because that’s fair.
by aceinthecorner on Jan 18, 2012 5:50 PM CST up reply actions
I'm going to agree
If he was good enough for Dungy, he is good enough for me. A little optimism would be nice too.
Nice post Ace
by IL PurpleRain on Jan 18, 2012 6:37 PM CST up reply actions
Dungy also has high regards for Frazier
A lot of good coaches had some forgettable beginning years, it’s this whole WIN NOW mantra that is sending the team in a downward spiral.
"You can write articles and do whatever you want, you can break down every player. Good, bad or ugly. But we just aren't good enough as a team, as a group. Offensively, defensively and special teams, from the No. 1 on the roster to the last man on the roster. We just aren't good enough. It's as simple as that." - Chad Greenway
by Grape Drank on Jan 18, 2012 10:47 PM CST up reply actions
I'm sure thats what people said about Josh McDaniels
If he was good enough for Belichick he was good enough for me. And Charlie Weis…
You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.
Agreed 100%
Why is everyone so quick to point out that Indy was 2-14 and there defense sucked this year? This guy has been coaching the DBs for 10 years… yep, lets judge him on ALL of those years, not just last year.
Hell, if we judged people by this past season, how do you think APs numbers would stack up?
Lets look at the WHOLE body of work and NOT just one season!!!
by 92Y_VikesFan on Jan 18, 2012 8:59 PM CST up reply actions
these are the same people who say to trade Jared Allen after his best year b/c his value will never be higher...
it’s easier for a lot of fans to have a short term memory. this guy was probably the 2nd best realistic option we could have hoped for, short of Tucker.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 9:17 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
How often in the past 10 plus years has anyone really talked about
the Colts’ strong defense? All I ever heard about was Payton Manning’s ability to dissect opposing defenses and score 35+ points per game. Which is just enough to beat a lot of teams, when your defense gives up around 25+ points per game
Neither Troll nor Short Sighted
If I said anything that offended anybody, I humbly and sincerely apologize. It wasn’t my intent to insult or denigrate anybody, nor to incite civil unrest. Just expressing my personal opinion.
I’m not saying the guy hasn’t been great. I’m well aware of his past performance. And I’m not saying the guy will fail here. Just expressing the opinion that it’s not a big-splash signing. Spagnuolo going to the Saints garnered more national press than Williams coming to the Vikes, so it would seem I’m not alone in that opinion.
All of which is totally meaningless. Amount of national press doesn’t win football games. Level of fan enthusiasm over a new coach doesn’t win football games. So I’m not sure why you got your panties in a twist that I didn’t cream my jeans over Williams’ hiring.
Williams’ defenses performed great when conditions were optimal. No question. His defense peformed poorly when conditions were sub-optimal. No question. The current condition of the Vikings is sub-optimal. So based on his past performance in similar conditions, it would seem that Williams might struggle here. If Williams had a history of getting players to perform above their talent level, or a successfull track record of building defenses out of fecal matter, or a history of spotting unhearalded, talented, young, players, then I’d be more optimistic about his odd of success here.
My personal opinion is that context matters. When I apply context to Williams’ entire body of work, my personal excitement level is tempered. That doesn’t mean I’m ignoring his whole body of work and only focusing on 2011.
In my opinion (trollish though it may be), the Vikings need a DC that can rise above adversity, inspire players to play above themselves while simultaneously building up the level of talent to ensure long-term performance. I’m not saying Willams can’t, or won’t be able to do those things, but there’s not much in his past to indicate that he can. I am cautiously optimistic he can do the job, and I’ll be pulling for him and team to succeed as enthusiastically as any other Vikings fan (I promise). I’m just not off-the-chain jizzing with excitement that he’s rolling into town. I’m sorry if that offends anybody.
I thought Singletary already was Special Assistant Whatever to the Head Coach
Now he’s just not the linebackers coach too.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
I know what this means.
He just prints off papers and gets Leslie coffee and doughnuts.
by christian220896 on Jan 18, 2012 5:48 PM CST up reply actions
Explains why he didn't have time to do both jobs.
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Anyone else still cheesing that the Packers lost?
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.
by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 5:47 PM CST reply actions
YES TO UNBANNED and Thanks to ACE
Thanks for the Info
I know nothing about this guy… But I agree with ACE about the SUPER-ABUNDANCE of Negativity… Singletary gets ZERO credit around here for turning the 49ers around … I guess we all forgot Bretts Miracle in 2009 against the 49ers ?? I’m not asking you to Drink the Kool Aid.. Just take a Chill Pill, Life as a Viking Fan isn.t easy… Go to the Dark Side and cheer on the 15-1 and never won a playoff game Packers if you are that miserable…
Thank you ace...
At least lets give the guy a chance. Everyone has to start somewhere!
by 92Y_VikesFan on Jan 18, 2012 9:02 PM CST up reply actions
one thing people forget is that
going into that game, every one viewed that 49er’s team as a playoff team. then we beat them on Favres’ last second Hail Mary and the 49er’s never recovered. Singletary rebuilt the 49er’s Defense, and Harbaugh fixed their Offense.
Oh, and I like the hire. After it became apparent we were not going to get Spag’s or Tucker, and I heard that williams was being interviewed he was the guy I wanted.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on Jan 18, 2012 10:19 PM CST up reply actions
I like the idea of Singeltary being Frazier's assitant, they are very different and they could be like Fire and Ice
Sometimes you need fire and sometimes you need ice. (trying to be optimistic here)
\m/
I guess at least
he would have been the one to develop Sanders and Bethea and both have been pretty solid safties.
by Simply_Greatness on Jan 18, 2012 5:49 PM CST reply actions
at least?
dude had a bad year in 2010 due to injuries. In the years preceding Indy’s secondary has been excellent.
by aceinthecorner on Jan 18, 2012 5:51 PM CST up reply actions
I say at least
because if I don’t look at the stats of the defense and look purely at who he would have coached I would say he at least developed a couple of good players.
by Simply_Greatness on Jan 18, 2012 5:56 PM CST up reply actions
fair enough
I’m just saying his linebackers as a whole have played well beyond just those two. It would be wonderful if could develop a Pro Bowl safety tandem here. I think this is a good hire and am optimistic he will bring that success to the Purple.
by aceinthecorner on Jan 18, 2012 6:01 PM CST up reply actions
He developed Sanders, Bethea, Hayden,
all had Pro Bowl years. http://www.dailynorseman.com/2012/1/18/2716575/vikings-to-offer-defensive-coordinator-position-to-alan-williams
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
Have to draft great potential before you can develope great players.
Just sayin.
Coaching isn’t everything.
by Lars in SLP on Jan 18, 2012 6:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Coaching isn't everything however..
Pure talent doesn’t just trump coaching in the pros. Bill Belichick has the ability to make ordinary players into super-stars. Coaching goes a LONGGG ways in today’s game.
by ReBel-aKILLies on Jan 18, 2012 7:15 PM CST up reply actions
So...
Maybe the NFL’s first dual head coach pair?
by christian220896 on Jan 18, 2012 5:57 PM CST up reply actions
Singletary kicked up
My bet is that Singletary won’t be with the team come August.
Agree with Ace, this is a good hire. Younger guy, proven track record. Someone on the way up, not on the way down who will mesh well with HC.
by Vikefandc on Jan 18, 2012 6:24 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I think
that Williams will definately improve the Defensive backfield. The only problem I have is his experience being a coordinator, which is none. I think Speilman should be the guy controlling the coaching hires because Frazier seems to be hiring his friends way to much.
by PurplePrideforLife! on Jan 18, 2012 6:29 PM CST reply actions
awww...people are tired of the negativity
Well, excuse us for not thinking of rainbows and sunshine while the shitstorm that has been the Minnesota Vikings continues to roll downhill. The problem with the Vikings defense this past year was the very poor Tampa 2. It doesn’t work now…because offensive coordinators have figured out how to play against it. The denial of this team is horrible. They keep believing that our offensive line is decent, they kept believing in Childress long after it was apparent that he was no good. They kept believing in McNabb until there was no chance of winning. They keep believing in offensive gimmicks and poor defense paying lip service to “we need to do a better job” without knowing what the heck to do. So, I think the negativity is very well warranted.
Same old crap, different day
You writers are so depressing. How do you expect any of us to be optimistic when you write all this depressing crap everyday?! Everything Frazier/spielman ever do/done is wrong and we’re all on a direct crash course for hell. How depressing must it be to write all this depressing shit? Because it’s depressing to read it all the time that’s for sure. Try wakin up on the right side of the bed for once.
Now, we all knew that the Vikings weren’t going to get the big name guys. Hell you would probably find something wrong with them too. Listen, every great team started somewhere. Many people wondered why the Patriots hired Belichick after his stint in Cleveland, but that worked out well for them didn’t it? Now I’m not saying that Alan Williams will be the next Monte Kiffin, but let’s at least give him that chance. Mike Tomlin wasn’t a big name, but he turned our defense around. Frazier wasn’t a big name, but he kept the defense playing at a high level and even helped improve our pass defense. We have to trust our coach and GM that they are making the right decision, and I do. Alan Williams should not be judged on one bad season. EVERYTHING was built around Peyton Manning and when he went down, it was reminscinant of the titanic sinking- everybody thought it was impossible and there wasn’t enough life boats or jackets when it did happen. I believe this will be a great hire, especially after we bolster our roster with more talented players. Godspeed Alan Williams.
On another note, I approve of the other coaching changes as well. I’m happy that Fred Pagac will be back with the LB’s because he was actually very successful there, and he’s already familiar with the players, the scheme, and the situation that we are in. I also like that Singletary is still on the staff. He’s knowledgeable, experienced, and adds a lot to our staff. For Gods sake he’s Iron Mike. Leader of one of the best d’s in league history. I’m very happy we still have him and Pagac.
The Tampa 2 isn’t a bad scheme with the right personnel and coaching. Teams can still be successful, but with the injuries we had this season paired with no offseason and overall talent level and depth we really had no chance after losing our top two corners to injury.
Welcome Coach Williams, I’m glad to have you here and am excited to see what you can add to our team. Good luck.
Can’t wait to pop up tomorrow morning and read the depressing crap thats put on this website! Till then, cheerio!
dfewkes15
by dfewkes15 on Jan 18, 2012 7:13 PM CST via mobile reply actions 5 recs
The situation that we are in right at the moment
is 3-13. Without eliciting some type of change at some level, how many years are you content with this?
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Totally agree with you
Further down this page I complained about people complaining about things (Tampa-2) they don’t really know anything about.
Some new coaches, a good free agency, a good draft, OTAs, training camps and we will be back on track again.
Always look on the bright side of life!
6' 3", 209 lbs, long blond hair, moustache and beard.
As a Viking ought to be ;-)
When you go 6-10 and 3-13 there is not a lot to be positive about
It seems like some people want cheer leaders here. They want people to blow smoke up their backsides.
That is not reality. Reality is there are over 18 free agents most of them not worth resigning or they would have done so already. There are several aging highly paid veterans that are not worth that money anymore and are declining right before our eyes. The QBs are projects and there is no guarantee that either will pan out. One has a lot of promise but is injured too often. The star RB had a major injury and will probably miss at least the first two months of the season (he would if I was in charge).
I could go on but why. If you follow the team then you should know the issues very well.
And I did not even mention the fact that the lease is expired and the team needs a new stadium.
So yeah, it is hard to put a positive spin on it for the yell leaders out there. Very hard indeed.
I am not going to blow any smoke up anyone’s backside. Got to find another dude to do that for you.
I hope as always that the Vikings can turn it around. I have been a fan since 1969 and have never wavered. I always hope for the best. But I am a realist. Right now, we will be lucky to get to .500 next year. Very lucky.
And for the record, Williams is not hired officially yet. He has to accept this job which may not be there next year if Frazier is canned.
by MarkSP18 on Jan 19, 2012 1:09 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I think that .500 is very realistic next year
Adding a stud left tackle will do wonders for the entire offense. Hopefully Cook and Winfield will be back. Draft a couple of corners, try and sign a couple of free agents. The Vikings entire secondary was completely decimated last year. Add a wide receiver. It won’t be that bad. On paper The Vikings have a very doable schedule next year. The biggest problem they face is their own division. The Packers and Lions are both legitimate Superbowl candidates. They Vikings can’t control that.
Frazier? High level?
Sorry, but when exactly was our defense playing at a high level? They got routinely lit up by mediocre QBs, even in ’09. Without Pat Williams, the run defense has disappeared. Frazier was terrible as a DC, and is clueless as an HC. If anyone cares to recall, back in 09, the only reason our Total D was near top 10 was the rush defense, thanks to Williams Wall and J. Allen. Our passing defense was bottom 10.
Does no one not realize that Fraizer will be call the defense,,,
he was the DC before he became the HC
I don't think that has been decided...at least not publicly
Frazier didn’t call the defense at the beginning of last year though he took it over late in the year.
by reebs on Jan 18, 2012 9:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Double-negative...
Very clever and well played Sir. In a post with so much negativity, you found a way to top them all.
No one not realize…..that’s too good. Hahaha
I will not be PONDERing anything, ever again....I'm so tired of this pun. Maybe we could use antonyms to be different, like: "FORGET about last season, as we COGITATE about winning in 2011!"...Whatever, SKOL VIKES!!!
People have forgot that with all the injuries and player issues
we where starting what our 4th string CB?… The Tampa can work with good personal who want to run it and the talent to work in it.
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.
by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 7:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
+1
i remember after a few games (and close loss’) some one put up an article showing that our corners were playing at an elite level, (#1 and #2 WR were doing nothing against Winfield and Cook). then Winfield started missing time do to injuries, and then Cook got arrested, and then our second string and even third string guys got hurt. I think we even signed some dude off the street to play in the secondary for one game? I might be wrong on that last detail but I swear I remember somethign along those lines.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on Jan 18, 2012 10:28 PM CST up reply actions
Doesn't seem to be anything particularly attractive about the guy frankly
But all you have to have is a former relationship with Leslie Frazier. Heck, if he does a lackluster job we can always promote him to HC in a year or two.
Colts fan here
I’ve read a few a comments about the Colts defense this year and I wouldn’t necessarily use that as a marker. Our offense was so bad that the defense was constantly on the field. By the second quarter, the CBs were gassed. Additionally, we don’t have a lot of talent in the secondary. In the past decade, the Colts have had good secondaries and I think that is a combination of good players and Williams. The Colts have been so dysfunctional this year that Williams is probably excited to get out of Indy. I think it will work out for you guys. Good luck!
thanks for your perspective!!
i hope skeptics at least consider it. you know better than any of us.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 9:22 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Yeah thanks a lot!
I agree with you there.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
If we could find a purple guy....
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
From my memory the Vikings
where actually pretty good in the secondary the first few games before injures started occurring.
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.
by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 10:56 PM CST reply actions
Despite our second half horrors.
☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.
by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
Just jam on the Eagles Ted.
Does anyone else get that nagging, uneasy feeling about this series of moves, or is it just me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44A9iDQNrss
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Got out of town on a boat
Goin’ to Southern islands.
Sailing a reach
Before a followin’ sea.
She was makin’ for the trades
On the outside,
And the downhill run
To Papeete.
Off the wind on this heading
Lie the Marquesas.
We got eighty feet of the waterline.
Nicely making way.
In a noisy bar in Avalon
I tried to call you.
But on a midnight watch I realized
Why twice you ran away.
Chorus
Think about how many times
I have fallen
Spirits are using me
larger voices callin’.
What heaven brought you and me
Cannot be forgotten.
I have been around the world,
Lookin’ for that woman/girl,
Who knows love can endure.
And you know it will.
And you know it will.
When you see the Southern Cross
For the first time
You understand now
Why you came this way
‘Cause the truth you might be runnin’ from
Is so small.
But it’s as big as the promise
The promise of a comin’ day.
So I’m sailing for tomorrow
My dreams are a dyin’.
And my love is an anchor tied to you
Tied with a silver chain.
I have my ship
And all her flags are a flyin’
She is all that I have left
And music is her name.
Chorus
Think about how many times
I have fallen
Spirits are using me
larger voices callin’.
What heaven brought you and me
Cannot be forgotten.
I have been around the world,
Lookin’ for that woma/girl,
Who knows love can endure.
And you know it will.
And you know it will.
So we cheated and we lied
And we tested
And we never failed to fail
It was the easiest thing to do.
You will survive being bested.
Somebody fine
Will come along
Make me forget about loving you.
At the Southern Cross.
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Another GREAT Song
CSN’s version is the best, but Jimmy Buffett played it in concert, and it was pretty good.
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
GREAT song
Thanks!
"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.
Does anyone have a clue
about Tampa-2, and what it is?
Seems like a lot of people have opinions about it without really knowing what it is.
Cover-2/Tampa-2 still can be a very effective defense IF I repeat IF you have the right personnel to run it (this year we didn’t have personnel to run any kind of effective defense).
It all start with the front-4 to be able to bring pressure, because you seldom blitz. CBs cover short zone and safeties cover anything deeper than that. LBs tackle RBs and cover TEs/RBs coming up midfield.
Check out this link if you want a little bit deeper understanding in Tampa-2:
http://www.footballtimes.org/article.asp?ID=167
6' 3", 209 lbs, long blond hair, moustache and beard.
As a Viking ought to be ;-)
by Tor 66 on Jan 18, 2012 11:25 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Thank you Tor
To me, well it confuses me- the title of them – I mean, there are so many variations of them that you can any thing you want to do to them. The best defense, (and I’m lame at this) but is to throw so many variables of each of these defenses at the opponent that even at half time the opponent can’t much prep plan for them much. Why claim that we are 4-3 or 3-4 or Tampa or whatever? Keep them guessing at all times. Are our coaches and players too stupid to be able to play them all and/or mix them up. I’d like to hear your opinion on this.
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
so that you can do dang
Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne
Correct
Vikings don’t run Tampa-2 all the time (I think cover-2 is used more often). Sometimes a CB or LB blitz, other times they run cover-3 or show cover-3 but run cover-2… Make them guessing.
But that is hard when the defense was like it was this year. I think coach LF mentioned something about "not able to run a basic defense" at some time.
A good free agency, a good draft, OTAs, training camps and we will be back on track again (I hope).
6' 3", 209 lbs, long blond hair, moustache and beard.
As a Viking ought to be ;-)
It would bother me
If blitz is rarely run on Tampa 2. We barely blitzed this year and the QB’s seemed to have all day to throw.
Didn’t one of those other teams blitz something like 30+% of the time this year?
I’ll have to watch the Giants game closer to see how they put so much pressure on the QB… but I sorta think they nailed him on the last game hard and often with linebackers…
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 19, 2012 7:08 AM CST up reply actions
"We barely blitzed this year and the QB’s seemed to have all day to throw."
Well we did lead the NFL in sacks so….
We used cover 2 the most
They had to back away from Tampa 2 because of personnel issues. You were right about Frazier, he certainly did say that they couldn’t run even the most basic coverage (believe it was during the game he was “mic’d up” for)
If we do stick with Tampa 2, well any defense really, that needs to be the top priority. A lot of people want a nice WR and a complete overhaul on the OL, I just don’t see us being successful like that. We averaged about 21 points per game, which is decent (middle of the pack) The defense is what killed us. We had the lead plenty of times only to give up game winning drives on a weekly basis. Safety, Cornerback, Linebacker and Defensive Tackle are all major to significant needs.
At this point in development, Christian Ponder and the offense will not be able to win a shootout very often. We will need to have great defense for the young QB to lean on.
"You can write articles and do whatever you want, you can break down every player. Good, bad or ugly. But we just aren't good enough as a team, as a group. Offensively, defensively and special teams, from the No. 1 on the roster to the last man on the roster. We just aren't good enough. It's as simple as that." - Chad Greenway
True dat brotha
Preaching to the quoir my friend:)
dfewkes15
by dfewkes15 on Jan 19, 2012 1:44 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'm with you on the fact that we couldn't effectively run ANY defense this season
Tampa-2 is a cover2 in which the MLB drops into deeper coverage when he sees it’s going to be a pass play. I don’t know if EJ can handle that too often. And I don’t know if we have another LB that could handle it either. Maybe we do, I just don’t know right now.
It’s all about having the right personnel when you let down to it, no matter which defense. Could you run a 3-4 without a big fat DT in the middle, or enough LBs to rush or cover? Would those great Tampa defenses have been that great without Derrick Brooks in the middle or a great pass rush from Warren Sapp and crew?
We haven’t run the cover-2 or any variation of it all that well because we didn’t have all the pieces. The safeties are supposed to be great in coverage, everyone is supposed to be fast, and great tacklers. Does that sound like any group we’ve had in the last few years? We drafted CBs seemingly for the sole trait of being good tacklers but they can’t even do that, let alone cover AND tackle.
We just don’t have the players right now, and unfortunately we don’t have the coaches to coach em up either. It’s a bleak time.
by Bodysuit Man on Jan 19, 2012 8:45 AM CST up reply actions
We definitely need to work on tackling
Hardly anyone actually tackles the ball carrier anymore, they just launch themselves into the other player. A lot of times they just bounce off, so while the ball carrier keeps running our “tackler” is laying on the ground. It’s not just our defense though, pretty much all defensive players could learn the fine art of following through with your tackles from Antoine Winfield (in my opinion, one of the best tacklers in the league) It is so frustrating to watch bad tackling
"You can write articles and do whatever you want, you can break down every player. Good, bad or ugly. But we just aren't good enough as a team, as a group. Offensively, defensively and special teams, from the No. 1 on the roster to the last man on the roster. We just aren't good enough. It's as simple as that." - Chad Greenway
it's easier than saying, "here's a sandbox and a bucket, make us some castles..."
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 19, 2012 8:40 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
There was an interesting piece about Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers on ESPN today
Vernon Davis credited Mike Singletary for his development, and for transforming him into a leader.
Can't win with him
We all remember the original “pants on the ground” don’t we Mikey?
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 19, 2012 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
Well its a progressive move,
we are moving backwards.
by seawolvesfan on Jan 19, 2012 11:24 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
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