Merry Tuesday, everyone!
Well, after watching a replay of the game, I have to say that I’m impressed. The Vikings played a very good game, and it was not just one player or position group that stood out, although Dalvin Cook stole the show and the defense played a pretty solid second fiddle. The only facet of the game where I have any gripes is the special teams, as Bailey botched an extra point, and the punting unit allowed two blocked punts. Other than that, there isn’t a whole lot of criticism to hand out.
The defense, with backups making up nearly half of the personnel, played a very solid game. The Lions put up 20, but you can attribute much of those points to the punting unit, as one blocked punt gave Detroit the ball on the 4, and the other blocked punt gave them the ball on the 22. I’m impressed with what Zimmer has been able to do with this group. They started the year somewhat thin, especially at corner, then one presumed starter decided to take the year off, Danielle Hunter, one of the best defensive players, suffered a season ending injury during training camp, Anthony Barr was sidelined for the year early on, and the list goes on, but this group is starting to click, and they’re fun to watch (it also helps that the offense is able to sustain some drives and give the defense some rest, which wasn’t happening for much of the first half of the season).
Dalvin Cook. I’m not sure what you can say about the kid. I was elated when we drafted him, and I’m even happier now that he’s a Viking. The kid is fun to watch, and he’s one of those guys that I love to cheer for. Dude grew up in a situation that was not ideal, but he overcame it, and I love seeing him succeed. If he can stay healthy, he is going to have a spectacular career.
I’ve criticized Kirk Cousins when he’s played poorly, and I believe that it was justified. I also believe it’s justified to give him credit for the way he’s played these past two weeks. He isn’t putting up huge stats, but the team doesn’t need him to when Cook is doing what he’s doing. What Cousins is doing is playing very efficient football, and very mistake-free football. He’s completing a high percentage of his passes (to the right team), and the offense is sustaining drives, giving the defense time to rest and stay fresh, which is helping immensely, and he’s not turning the ball over. He’s still not worth what the team is paying him, but it makes it somewhat tolerable when he plays like he has the past two weeks. Keep it up, Beavis.
Around the DN since our last open thread:
The Vikings signed Cordrea Tankersley to the practice squad, per Chris. I don’t believe in tanking, but if you were ever going to tank the season, you’d HAVE to have this guy as one of your starters, just because of the name.
Luft Krigare and the gang are back with Vikings vs Lions: GMG In The Raw! Getting it done again.
GA Skol has snap counts from Sunday’s victory, along with analysis, as he brings you Minnesota Vikings Weekly Player Recap: Week 9 2020.
Other Vikings/NFL news, and random oddities and annoyances:
In last night’s Toilet Bowl, the Patriots juuuuuuuust barely beat the Jets, from NFL.com.
We come to today’s media selection:
This was on the radio yesterday, so I’m going to play it. I never did like this song, but I remember EVERYBODY playing it constantly in the barracks back when it was first released. This is Snow with his one hit called I’m a Farmer.
I’m a farmer, I’ve got a lot of mud on my hands, I’ll milk your moo moo cow. I don’t know any of the other words, he talks too fast.
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-Take the gender hatred elsewhere, it won’t be tolerated
-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
-If discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
-If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
-While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm.
With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on, don’t forget to tip your waitress (from a minimum of six feet away, of course), and try the head cheese.