Daily Norseman - 2020 NFL Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle SeahawksThe Purple and Gold Standardhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48653/dailynorseman_fave.png2020-10-11T22:35:00-05:00http://www.dailynorseman.com/rss/stream/212718502020-10-11T22:35:00-05:002020-10-11T22:35:00-05:00Seattle Seahawks 27, Minnesota Vikings 26: Russell Wilson takes down the Vikings
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<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Seattle Seahawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rLTXIgForIB0rWoYQHvcsj37SMM=/47x0:5303x3504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67617197/1279734192.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Shoulda had ‘em. Shoulda had ‘em.</p> <p id="EIIx3z">The one thing that the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> had to do in order to win on Sunday Night Football in Week 5 was stop <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>’ star quarterback <span>Russell Wilson</span>. For the first half of the game, they did just that.</p>
<p id="zezLUn">When it mattered the most, they did not.</p>
<p id="Fe1zwu"><span>Wilson</span> led the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> on a 94-yard drive, culminating with a 6-yard pass to D.K. Metcalf with 15 seconds remaining to give the Seahawks a 27-26 victory over the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> in prime time.</p>
<p id="7tJDes">The Vikings were dominant in the first half, as they opened the scoring on their first possession on a nice touchdown run by <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good things happen when <a href="https://twitter.com/dalvincook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dalvincook</a> has the ball in his hands.<br><br> : <a href="https://t.co/zIbY0W3yku">https://t.co/zIbY0W3yku</a> <a href="https://t.co/wtmOwxn8gr">pic.twitter.com/wtmOwxn8gr</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1315450849200680961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="2pRsL9">The 8-yard run by <span>Cook</span> was his seventh touchdown of this young season, and <span>Dan Bailey</span>’s extra point staked the Vikings to an early 7-0 lead.</p>
<p id="3HgReY">The Vikings got two field goals from <span>Bailey</span> in the second quarter, one from 52 yards out and one from 46, to give them a 13-0 lead going into the locker room at halftime. The defense sacked Russell Wilson four times in the first half and looked completely different from the defense we’ve seen from this team for most of the season.</p>
<p id="CIKBQn">Then, on the first play of the third quarter for the Minnesota offense, <span>Cook</span> came up lame after a short reception and limped to the sideline. The injury seemed to breathe new life into the Seahawks, as they ran off 21 unanswered points. The first came on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to <span>Will Dissly</span> to cut the Minnesota lead to 13-7. On Minnesota’s next possession, a play that had originally been ruled an incomplete throw by <span>Kirk Cousins</span> was later reversed and called a fumble as <span>Cousins</span>’ hand was empty going forward. The Seahawks turned that into a 13-yard pass from Wilson to D.K. Metcalf and took a 14-13 lead.</p>
<p id="rmFXbP">The Seahawks then got an interception of Cousins courtesy of <span>K.J. Wright</span>, and quickly turned that into a 29-yard run from <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838540/chris-carson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Chris Carson</a> to make the lead eight points at 21-13. It certainly looked like the Vikings were reeling at that point in the game.</p>
<p id="tlVsu1">Cousins collected himself, however, and led the Cook-less Vikings down the field and connected with <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> on a 3-yard score. Minnesota was unsuccessful on their two-point conversion attempt, and so the lead for the home team was 21-19 going into the final quarter of play.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/athielen19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@athielen19</a> for six!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skol</a><br><br> : <a href="https://t.co/eb3AOSHD16">https://t.co/eb3AOSHD16</a> <a href="https://t.co/OEFcT65zH6">pic.twitter.com/OEFcT65zH6</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1315480791451918337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="ALUByl">The Vikings then put together an incredibly impressive drive that started at their own 3-yard line. With an outstanding combination of runs and passes, the Vikings marched 97 yards in 15 plays, capping the drive with the second Cousins-to-<span>Thielen</span> touchdown strike of the evening.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHA ONE!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/athielen19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@athielen19</a> puts the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> on top.<br><br> : <a href="https://t.co/eb3AOSHD16">https://t.co/eb3AOSHD16</a> <a href="https://t.co/ABJQ3anlVZ">pic.twitter.com/ABJQ3anlVZ</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1315486750001819649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="qRRmL8">The 6-yard pass put the Vikings back on top by a score of 26-21 with just over seven minutes remaining in the contest. The Seahawks took possession again, but Russell Wilson made a pretty awful throw and <span>Eric Wilson</span> took advantage of it.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Eric Wilson with the pick. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> have a chance to make this a two-possession game <a href="https://t.co/S67P864df8">pic.twitter.com/S67P864df8</a></p>— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanBormanNFL/status/1315488524859322368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="5lKouV">The interception put the Vikings in Seattle territory with a chance to take a two-score lead. Minnesota moved themselves down to the Seattle 6-yard line where they faced a 4th-and-1 at the two-minute warning. The Seahawks’ defense stopped <span>Alexander Mattison</span> on fourth down and took over deep in their own territory with 1:57 left on the clock.</p>
<p id="e1ILYu">After a long scramble by Wilson, the Vikings forced a 4th-and-10, but Wilson found D.K. Metcalf for a huge 39-yard gain into Minnesota territory at the 38. A few plays later, the Seahawks were looking at a first-and-goal from the Minnesota 6-yard line. The Vikings’ defense forced yet another fourth down with just twenty seconds remaining. Wilson dropped back to pass and fired a bullet to Metcalf for a score. The Seahawks failed to get the two-point conversion, but they still had the lead at 27-26.</p>
<p id="pX0jFf">The Vikings had one last possession, but Cousins was hit on a dropback and what appeared to be an incomplete pass was declared to be another fumble (after review), ending the game. The Vikings had one of the best teams in the NFL on the ropes for much of the evening, but wound up falling just short.</p>
<p id="J1qaKc">Minnesota falls to 1-4 with the loss and will return home to U.S. Bank Stadium to host the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> in Week 6. The Seahawks remain undefeated at 5-0 and will have their bye in Week 6.</p>
<p id="vCBlE1">The Vikings lose a close one to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football by a final score of 27-26. Thanks to everyone that got their coverage of this week’s game right here at The Daily Norseman!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/11/21512279/minnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-final-score-game-recapChristopher Gates2020-10-11T19:46:40-05:002020-10-11T19:46:40-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks: Key information and Sunday Night Football discussion
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4zXA4Z-f262JJDu-U-ETk1rBMPE=/0x0:2029x1353/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67616549/usa_today_15021010.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s get it done in prime time</p> <p id="GVy07Z"><em><strong>UPDATE</strong></em>: Given a few technical issues and the lack of comments thus far, we’re just going to stick with one thread for tonight’s game. So keep it here all night and we’ll see you for the recap.</p>
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<p id="rbrJ9C">Well, folks, it’s prime time for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, as they get ready to take on the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> on Sunday Night Football from an empty CenturyLink Field. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s game.</p>
<p id="ERuvXX"><strong>Date and Time</strong>: Sunday, 11 October, 2020, 7:20 PM Central time</p>
<p id="CTUTZb"><strong>Location</strong>: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington</p>
<p id="C97TrS"><strong>Television Coverage</strong>: NBC from coast-to-coast</p>
<p id="r4zhR1"><strong>Radio Coverage</strong>: <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> Radio Network, Sirius Channel 81/88, XM Channel 88/226, SiriusXM App Channel 820</p>
<p id="jicaTN"><strong>Line</strong>: Vikings +6.5, Over/Under 54.5</p>
<p id="RNgbRb"><strong>Chris’ Prediction</strong>: <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> 34, Vikings 31</p>
<p id="BdCKop"><strong>Three keys</strong></p>
<p id="4wenbd"><strong>1) Try to keep </strong><span><strong>Russell Wilson</strong></span><strong> contained</strong> - Wilson might be playing better than any quarterback in the NFL right now, and he’s going to be making plays all night. The Vikings just have to try to keep the damage to a minimum.</p>
<p id="LVxghI"><strong>2) Take advantage of a bad defense</strong> - The Seahawks’ pass defense is awful. They’re dead last in the league, and they’re without their top player in Jamal Adams. Kirk Cousins, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a>, and <span>Justin Jefferson</span> (among others) need to be able to take advantage of that if this team wants to have any chance.</p>
<p id="xZyRYq"><strong>3) Let </strong><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019"><strong>Dalvin Cook</strong></a> - The NFL’s leading rusher (going into today’s game) has been spectacular so far this season, and he will have to be again tonight in order to keep the Vikings in this one and the offense balanced.</p>
<p id="U8PTSk"><strong>Know the Foe</strong>: <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com">Field Gulls</a></p>
<p id="czPBb0"><strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="https://www.twitter.com/dailynorseman">@DailyNorseman</a></p>
<p id="bS2pPz"><strong>FaceBook</strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedailynorseman">https://www.facebook.com/thedailynorseman</a></p>
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<p id="fZZDZ5">That’s everything you need to know about tonight’s matchup, folks.</p>
<p id="oPTzmn">Pretty much nobody expects us to win this one, ladies and gentlemen, but you already knew that. So, let’s just hope for the best and, if we’re lucky, we can all meet back here in a few hours to celebrate an unexpected Vikings’ victory.</p>
<p id="L4d2tM">SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/11/21511887/minnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-key-information-first-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2020-10-10T19:15:00-05:002020-10-10T19:15:00-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks: Game time, channel, radio, streaming and more
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<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dt_jRyEA_SWqwKEAw8qES5MxhQI=/0x0:2776x1851/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67613556/1279332502.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How can you follow along with the action?</p> <p id="sdVgNd">We are about 24 hours away from kickoff for Sunday Night Football between the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> from an empty CenturyLink Field. We want you to be able to follow along with all of the action in this one, so we’re putting everything you need in one easy, convenient place. Let’s get to it!</p>
<h4 id="dlDWNW">Television Info</h4>
<p id="L3norc">For the first. . .and, as of now, only. . .time this season, <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> fans will have to wait all day for Sunday night, as this game will be broadcast on NBC from coast-to-coast. Kickoff for this one is scheduled for <strong>7:20 PM Central</strong> on Sunday night, and your play-by-play team will be Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth.</p>
<p id="JaieVb">No map needed for this week, folks. It’s on NBC. You’ve got NBC.</p>
<p id="dH3BEA">Largely because they don’t have any other options, the American Forces Network will be broadcasting this one <em><strong>live</strong></em> on Sunday, showing it on AFN Sports 2. Coverage will start at <strong>0200Z on Monday morning</strong>. That means a kickoff time of <strong>0300L on Monday morning</strong> for viewers in Central Europe, <strong>0430L on Monday morning</strong> for fans in Afghanistan, and <strong>0900L on Monday morning</strong> for everyone in Japan and Korea.</p>
<h4 id="fN3E1k">Radio Info</h4>
<p id="DUiUPM">Once again, the <a href="https://www.vikings.com/audio/radio-network"><strong>Vikings Radio Network</strong></a> and all of its affiliates will be bringing you live broadcasts of every Vikings game for 2020. If you’re traveling around an area where there’s an affiliate or you just prefer the radio to the television, check out their site and find the affiliate in your area.</p>
<p id="JdFYEP">For those with satellite radio, you can find the Vikings feed for this contest on either <strong>Sirius Channel 81 </strong>or <strong>XM Channel 226</strong>. There will also be a nationwide broadcast courtesy of Westwood One that you’ll be able to find on SiriusXM NFL Radio, <strong>Channel 88</strong>. If you’re using the SiriusXM app, the Vikings’ permanent home there can be found on <strong>Channel 820</strong>.</p>
<h4 id="1mk1rS">Referee Info</h4>
<p id="Lhw4RF">According to <a href="http://www.footballzebras.com/2020/10/week-5-referee-assignments-2020/">Football Zebras</a>, the officiating crew for this prime time contests will be headed up by Tony Corrente. The Vikings have actually not seen Corrente since Week 2 of the 2018 season when his crew handled the 29-29 tie between the Vikings and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> at Lambeau Field.</p>
<h4 id="4JVAjQ">Weather Info</h4>
<p id="TgtHia">From looking at the forecast from our friends at WeatherNation, it could be a bit of a sloppy track on Sunday night in Seattle. The forecast is calling for rain showers nearly all day in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday, and temperatures will be in the mid-50s with winds coming out of the south at 5-10 miles/hour.</p>
<h4 id="bLqZ2O">Streaming Info</h4>
<p id="jttJfA">Since this game in on NBC, I assume that you will be able to find a stream of it on the NBC Sports website. I believe a lot of the cord-cutting services offer some sort of streaming option, and there’s always <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https://gamepass.nfl.com/packages&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/9/12/21433969/green-bay-packers-minnesota-vikings-game-time-channel-radio-streaming&xcust=___sb__e_21264402__r_dailynorseman.com/archives__t" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>NFL GamePass</strong></a> if you don’t have any of those. Heck, you can even get Sunday Ticket on your PlayStation or XBox, if nothing else.</p>
<p id="ZqD1o1">In the spirit of the legendary Bob Casey, there will be no illegal streams here on the Daily Norseman. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO illegal streams here on the Daily Norseman. Promoting such things is grounds for an immediate and permanent ban. Don’t be one of those troll accounts that we get here every so often that we ban across the entire platform.</p>
<p id="5DqQAU">That should be all of the relevant information you need to follow all of the action from CenturyLink Field on Sunday night between the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> and your Minnesota Vikings. As always, the Game Threads will start flowing approximately an hour before kickoff, so we hope to see you here then.</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/10/21509834/minnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-game-time-channel-radio-streamingChristopher Gates2020-10-09T20:32:40-05:002020-10-09T20:32:40-05:00Vikings at Seahawks: Final injury reports for both teams
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<img alt="Tennessee Titans v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fNi46CEXx-FCVcxu3TEI3obPHs8=/0x0:4643x3095/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67610854/1228747557.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>And some very positive news for Minnesota</p> <p id="sO1ZJN">We’ve gotten the final injury reports from both the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> heading into this Sunday’s contest at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Let’s take a look at both of those reports and see who will be sitting this one out for both sides.</p>
<p id="tdlDg7">We start, as usual, with the visiting team.</p>
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<p id="6yIL2F">The Vikings have not filled in the participation levels for Friday’s practices, but they did make the designations for the players that received them clear.</p>
<p id="hJy0nc">The big news here, obviously, is the status of Eric Kendricks. After not practicing at all on Wednesday and Thursday because of a foot injury, Kendricks was a full participant in practice on Friday and was not given an injury designation by the team. That’s a pretty damn remarkable recovery, but one that is good to see for <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> fans given that Kendricks hasn’t missed a defensive snap all year and the team is already short at the position.</p>
<p id="3xXMx3">Rookie wide receiver and return specialist <span>K.J. Osborn</span> is the only member of the Vikings that has been officially declared out of this one. I assume this means that <span>Ameer Abdullah</span> takes over return duties for the Vikings on Sunday night.</p>
<p id="r6pHTj">Now, on to the home team.</p>
<div id="8k1XqE"><div data-anthem-component="table:9519301"></div></div>
<p id="jqjlsy">That’s a ridiculously long injury report from Pete Carroll. . .Belichickian, quite frankly. Adams is the big loss for the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>, obviously, as he’s been a huge part of their defense and they will have to change things significantly without him in the lineup. The Seahawks also listed five players as questionable for this one, but linebacker <span>Bobby Wagner</span> has gotten a clean bill of health for the Seahawks.</p>
<p id="uGp6fF">(I usually alphabetize all the players on the injury reports and stuff, but man. . .that’s a lot of damn players and my computer was being uncooperative. So there you go.)</p>
<p id="oyPzvv">Those are the full injury reports for both the Seahawks and the Vikings going into this weekend’s prime time matchup. If anything changes between now and kickoff, we’ll be sure to let you know.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/9/21509818/minnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-final-injury-reportsChristopher Gates2020-10-09T13:56:23-05:002020-10-09T13:56:23-05:00Five Good Questions with Field Gulls
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<p>We get some intel from this weekend’s opponent</p> <p id="PMLkH0">As we do from time to time, prior to each <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> game we sit down with the folks from the SB Nation website of the opponent for the week and ask some questions of them. This week, Mookie Alexander from <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com">Field Gulls</a>, SB Nation’s home for the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, and I exchanged some questions about our respective teams. Here are the questions I asked him, along with his answers. When he posts my answers to his questions, they will be <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/2020/10/9/21509527/5-qs-and-5-as-daily-norseman-previewing-vikings-seahawks">linked here</a> and on the main page.</p>
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<p id="rLyk5n"><strong>1) I’m going to come off sounding like a mark for asking this, but honestly. . .what’s it like getting to watch </strong><span><strong>Russell Wilson</strong></span><strong> every week? The guy is deservedly on the shortlist of MVP candidates through the first four weeks of the season and just continues to get it done.</strong></p>
<p id="tTFWmd">It is one of the best things to watch in sports. Watching Wilson regularly tear apart defenses has been the most enjoyable weekly sports viewing experience of my life. It didn’t always start that way and I was one of the skeptics after those first few games of his rookie season, but then he led the team to comeback wins over the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> and <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> and the rest is history. What has made Wilson particularly incredible is the evolution of his game. Early Wilson was a phenomenal rushing threat who could improvise something out of nothing while still being a very accurate passer. Current Wilson has lost his top-end speed but remains a smart scrambler who can extend plays with his legs and he’s a better pocket passer than ever before. It’s not just completing passes in the pocket that you have to pay attention to, but rather his vastly improved footwork within the pocket and the removal of his horrible habit of spinning into disaster. That Pete Carroll and Brian Schottenheimer have “unleashed” Russ in a pass-first offense and he’s (thus far) flourishing is a credit to the coaching staff for going against their preferred style of football and a credit to Wilson for reaching a level of play to be capable of mastering this offense. He’s been a top-10 QB for a long time and then eventually top-5, and he has established himself as at least top-3.</p>
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<p id="x2nfMC"><strong>2) Statistically, the </strong><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/"><strong>Seahawks</strong></a><strong> look a little rough on defense this season, particularly against the pass where they rank dead last in yards allowed. Is the Seattle secondary really that bad, or do you think this is a function of the Seahawks having been involved in a lot of shootouts so far in 2020?</strong></p>
<p id="r57r8I">The secondary has been banged up and bad, plus the pass rush is not helping. Seattle is really struggling to generate pressure with four guys, which makes it harder for a secondary that has otherwise been sub-par. <span>Shaquill Griffin</span> did get back on track against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> but his start to his contract year has otherwise been disappointing. <span>Jamal Adams</span>, as great as he has been in different facets of the Seahawks defense, got picked on by <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20837383/cam-newton-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Cam Newton</a> and <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840267/julian-edelman-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Julian Edelman</a> in the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> game. <span>Quandre Diggs</span> has been fairly reliable as the free safety and we thank Matt Patricia for being such a terrible coach and sending him Seattle’s way. Where the weakest spot has been is at RCB. <span>Tre Flowers</span> could not be playing any worse at the moment and it’s hard to see how he gets better. He’s just too foot-slow, he takes forever to get his hips turned, and he does not have good ball skills so usually throwing his way in 2020 has been an auto-completion. If Quinton Dunbar cannot play because of injury again, then <span>Kirk Cousins</span> may have a field day with Flowers out there. It’s disappointing to even type this up because Seattle’s secondary has been a total shell of its former self. I didn’t expect Legion of Boom 2.0 but this year has been the Legion of Room.</p>
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<div class="c-float-right"><div id="RIajbN"><div data-anthem-component="aside:9519218"></div></div></div>
<p id="pUTHRm"><strong>3) The Seahawks gave up a ton for former </strong><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/"><strong>Jets</strong></a><strong>’ safety </strong><span><strong>Jamal Adams</strong></span><strong> this offseason, and he appears to have been as advertised, including somehow leading the Seahawks in sacks after four games. However, he has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game. How will that affect what the Seahawks will do defensivel</strong>y?</p>
<p id="UPKdig">Well one of the things that immediately changed with <span>Adams</span> out was the reduction in blitzes. The Seahawks know Adams is tremendous getting after the quarterback and as such Ken Norton Jr has dialed up more blitzes than we normally see out of any Pete Carroll defense. A lot of this is because the four-man front just isn’t getting it done, but they got Adams to both improve the run defense as a box safety and to produce pressure off of his rushes on the outside. Seattle scarcely blitzed the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> on Sunday and I expect them to continue to play it conservatively against Minnesota to prevent the big play. <span>Ryan Neal</span> did a solid job of taking his spot last week and recorded another interception, but he ain’t a two-time All-Pro safety and Adams is, so this is still a considerable blow to Seattle’s defense.</p>
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<div class="c-float-right"><div id="N5r7d7"><div data-anthem-component="aside:9519222"></div></div></div>
<p id="0xTkdv"><strong>4) Give us one player on each side of the ball that </strong><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/"><strong>Vikings</strong></a><strong> fans may not be familiar with that you feel will play a big role in the outcome of this week’s game.</strong></p>
<p id="PMpDJe">On offense I’d go with David Moore. He’s the de facto third receiver below <span>Tyler Lockett</span> and <span>DK Metcalf</span> on the depth chart. Moore burst onto the scene in 2018 as a preseason star and then he replaced a washed up <span>Brandon Marshall</span> midseason. He had an immediate impact and racked up four touchdowns in three weeks. Unfortunately he was also a low-percentage option and had a roughly 50% catch rate entering this season, so he was considered a potential cut candidate after the Philip Dorsett signing and the drafting of Freddie Swain. Moore restructured his contract before the start of this season and he’s turned in 10 catches on 11 targets for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’s at his best when in the open field and he has a knack for winning “above the rim” in 1-on-1 situations. This year looks to be a genuine leap in quality of play from him and it’s considerably helped this passing game function.</p>
<p id="AI72MN">Defensively I think you have to look at nickel back Ugo Amadi. Amadi is a second-year DB out of Oregon who was mostly on Special Teams as a rookie but with the season-ending injury to <span>Marquise Blair</span>, Amadi has stepped up to the plate and been essentially the only consistently positive performer in the secondary and that even includes <span>Jamal Adams</span>. I think most Seahawks fans would agree that he has been the surprise of the defense and for positive reasons. He can close quickly to the ball-carrier both against the run and against the pass, plus he has recorded four passes defensed in his last two games. Seattle had serious question marks at the nickel position dating back to last year’s debacle, but Amadi has made tremendous strides and is someone who could play a major role in determining the outcome of this matchup.</p>
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<div class="c-float-right"><div id="REMXNJ"><div data-anthem-component="aside:9519224"></div></div></div>
<p id="fRcnAc"><strong>5) The Seahawks are one of just two undefeated teams in the NFC after the first four weeks and are on top of what might be the best division in the NFL. So, I’ll just ask the question, point-blank: Are the Seattle Seahawks the best team in the NFC?</strong></p>
<p id="tU9G3Q">I’ll be a total homer and say yes, but with the caveat there’s really no great overall team in the NFC at the moment. I suppose Tampa Bay is the most balanced squad and they entered this week #1 in overall DVOA, but they lost to Chicago and <span>Tom Brady</span> forgot how many downs there are in a gamel. At this point it’s possible he forgets how to play football entirely by next week and the wheels fall off for him and the entire <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> team. Anyway, I think it’s between Seattle and Green Bay as far as being considered top of the conference. Both of those teams have elite offenses that can largely erase their defensive weaknesses, but the Seahawks’ special teams is the best it has been in at least five years so really it’s just the pass defense that is a serious worry the rest of the way.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="PIK6i9">
<p id="3tS3e4">Once again, thanks to Mookie for taking the time to sit down and answer our questions about Sunday’s game. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com">Field Gulls</a> for more of the Seattle perspective on this weekend’s contest!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/9/21509695/five-good-questions-field-gulls-seattle-seahawks-minnesota-vikingsChristopher Gates2020-10-08T21:10:01-05:002020-10-08T21:10:01-05:00Vikings interim injury report: Eric Kendricks still not practicing
<figure>
<img alt="Tennessee Titans v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gRhC0Ek7_myyRrpB94wtNo6aOXQ=/0x0:1661x1107/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67605122/1277465364.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Time to get concerned</p> <p id="nPGnQE">It’s Thursday, which means we’ve gotten the second injury report of the week from both the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> leading up to this week’s Sunday Night Football contest at CenturyLink Field. There’s some good news on the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>’ front, but that is canceled out by more bad news, at least in my opinion.</p>
<p id="EbvuOY">Here is the full report for the purple.</p>
<h4 id="Xu7UYA">Did Not Participate</h4>
<ul>
<li id="YKaiQP">CB <span>Holton Hill</span> (foot, <em><strong>downgrade</strong></em> from limited on Wednesday)</li>
<li id="fk4NUg">LB <span>Eric Kendricks</span> (foot)</li>
<li id="LelEQu">WR <span>K.J. Osborn</span> (hamstring)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="jV5js7">Limited Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="z2yBN8">CB <span>Kris Boyd</span> (hamstring)</li>
<li id="h1PzdJ">OT <span>Oli Udoh</span> (finger)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="akuuqf">Full Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="cw6plX">C <span>Garrett Bradbury</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="5FuXsO">WR <span>Dan Chisena</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="8oS6GW">CB <span>Mike Hughes</span> (neck)</li>
<li id="5i0oHB">OT <span>Brian O’Neill</span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="QfuRs8">WR <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> (shoulder, <em><strong>upgrade</strong></em> from limited on Wednesday)</li>
</ul>
<p id="LAgabP"><span>Thielen</span> participating in full is the big positive from today’s report, obviously, as is <span>Mike Hughes</span> continuing to practice in full after missing a couple of weeks with his neck injury. <span>Hughes</span>’ recovery is a good thing in light of <span>Hill</span> being downgraded with his foot issue. This means the Vikings’ top three corners could be different once again if Hughes is able to go on Sunday against Seattle and Hill is not.</p>
<p id="5NaAIO">The biggest concern, obviously, is <span>Kendricks</span> still not practicing. He’s said that he’s “hopeful” that he’s ready to go on Sunday, but missing both Wednesday and Thursday practices is certainly not the best thing to see. <span>Kendricks</span> is, arguably, the best player on Minnesota’s defense, and if he’s not out there on Sunday. . .well, let’s not think too much about that.</p>
<p id="qaz4M9">Let’s see what the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> have here, shall we?</p>
<h4 id="0fYlkp">Did Not Participate</h4>
<ul>
<li id="VI5Y0k">S <span><strong>Jamal Adams</strong></span> (groin)</li>
<li id="wYygp0">LB <span><strong>Jordyn Brooks</strong></span> (knee)</li>
<li id="5Zlsav">S <strong>Lano Hill</strong> (back)</li>
<li id="tN1vgO">CB <span><strong>Neiko Thorpe</strong></span> (hip)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="scKb0t">Limited Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="WBWjGQ">LB <span><strong>Cody Barton</strong></span> (quad)</li>
<li id="8CMeGq">OT <span><strong>Duane Brown</strong></span> (knee, <em><strong>upgrade</strong></em> from DNP on Wednesday)</li>
<li id="fQLeMm">TE <span><strong>Will Dissly</strong></span> (achilles)</li>
<li id="lUFCx8">CB <span><strong>Quinton Dunbar</strong></span> (knee, <em><strong>upgrade</strong></em> from DNP on Wednesday)</li>
<li id="wzIpIz">CB <span><strong>Shaquill Griffin</strong></span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="M1wW1j">RB <span><strong>Carlos Hyde</strong></span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="22lQQp">G <span><strong>Mike Iupati</strong></span> (ankle)</li>
<li id="oPFtP3">DE <span><strong>Benson Mayowa</strong></span> (knee)</li>
<li id="Vq6tRA">LB <span><strong>Bobby Wagner</strong></span> (ribs, <em><strong>downgrade</strong></em> from FP on Wednesday)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="63uoPY">Full Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="xmJWLX">RB <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838540/chris-carson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019"><strong>Chris Carson</strong></a> (knee, <em><strong>upgrade</strong></em> from LP on Wednesday)</li>
<li id="odd33q">DT <span><strong>Poona Ford</strong></span> (groin/quad)</li>
<li id="1KaBju">LB <span><strong>Shaquem Griffin</strong></span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="VJkG5h">OT <span><strong>Jamarco Jones</strong></span> (elbow)</li>
<li id="z4UdOu">G <span><strong>Damien Lewis</strong></span> (ankle, <em><strong>upgrade</strong></em> from LP on Wednesday)</li>
<li id="KC9MOf">OL <span><strong>Ethan Pocic</strong></span> (ankle/knee)</li>
<li id="o6Hnzv">WR <span><strong>K.J. Wright</strong></span> (illness, <em><strong>upgrade</strong></em> from DNP on Wednesday)</li>
</ul>
<p id="41ufQ9"><span>Adams</span> has already been ruled out for Seattle, which is a huge blow to their defense in numerous different ways. Wagner being downgraded could be significant as well, but if I were a gambling man, I’d be willing to wager won’t miss this one.</p>
<p id="r2s1Ph">The Seahawks also removed three players from their injury report as well. They are cornerback <span>Tre Flowers</span>, defensive tackle <span>Jarran Reed</span>, and wide receiver <span>David Moore</span>.</p>
<p id="JN7qse">Those are the interim injury reports for the Vikings and the Seahawks for Sunday’s game. We’ll be keeping an eye out for the final injury reports tomorrow afternoon.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/8/21508474/minnesota-vikings-interim-injury-report-eric-kendricks-still-not-practicingChristopher Gates2020-10-08T15:24:03-05:002020-10-08T15:24:03-05:00Vikings at Seahawks Preview: The Cook-Off
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Palm Beach Post" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uQWHttiIa6Uu5KcM14VaQG24r6A=/0x0:2100x1400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67603534/usa_today_15022280.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Does the Vikings struggling defense have any shot of slowing down Wilson and the red-hot Seahawks offense? | Allen Eyestone via Imagn Content Services, LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Russell Wilson has been cooking up a storm in Seattle. Can Minnesota bring the necessary heat on Sunday night?</p> <p id="WcFonQ">The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> are off to a 4-0 start for the first time since their 2013 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> title season. The record alone isn’t all that noteworthy, because winning a lot of football games is nothing new for this franchise. No NFC team has more wins or a better point differential over the past decade. Seattle has made the playoffs in eight of the past ten seasons and looks well on their way to qualifying again this year.</p>
<p id="pxwkOi">When you look into <em>how </em>the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> finished the first quarter of the season unscathed, then it becomes interesting. After leaning on their lock-down defense for years, the artists formerly known as the Legion of Boom went from the best thing around to laughably obsolete faster than burned CD mixes. The Seahawks are last in yards, passing yards, and yards per drive allowed. They have allowed at least 415 yards in each of their four contests. Their defensive expected points added has been -7 or worse in each game, meaning the defense is performing at least a touchdown worse than expected given the down, distance, and field position.</p>
<p id="68dJUh">So how exactly are the Seahawks pulling this off despite their defensive shortcomings? It can all be explained with a single three-word catchphrase:</p>
<p id="4ahF8y">Let. Russ. Cook.</p>
<p id="bK8n2X">The Athletic’s Ben Baldwin <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641874&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2102422%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailynorseman.com%2F21506026%2Fminnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-preview-2020-week-5-nfl-picks" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">had an article on Tuesday</a> outlining how the Seahawks were historically reluctant to pass on early downs, despite mountains of analytic evidence to the contrary. And, you know, the fact that <span>Russell Wilson</span> is on the team and he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The “Let Russ Cook” Twitter meme was born, pleading for Seattle to utilize Wilson more. This season, the meme has transformed into a fundamental change in philosophy for Head Coach Pete Carroll and Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The Seahawks are passing much more often on early downs and the early returns have been eye-popping. Baldwin cited how Seattle is passing on first and second down 12% more than expected based on game situation thus far. Wilson has thrived and then some; he has been the best statistical passer in the NFL through four games. He is currently leading the NFL in touchdowns, completion percentage, adjusted yards per attempt, and quarterback rating. Wilson has been insanely effective passing outside the numbers this season <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLResearch/status/1313508415507845120">according to NFL Research</a>. Russ isn’t just cooking with his expanded role—he’s a 3-star Michelin chef.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="H0ZAZj"><q>Russ isn’t just cooking with his expanded role—he’s a 3-star Michelin chef.</q></aside></div>
<p id="Bg4lH6">Even the best chefs can’t reach their potential without using good ingredients, and Seattle certainly has plenty to throw in the pot. <span>Tyler Lockett</span> is one of the better slot receivers in the league and can hurt you lining up outside as well. Cagey veteran tight end and one-time <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> scout/TV announcer <span>Greg Olsen</span> is having a solid first year in Seattle. David Moore is a deep threat that already has two long touchdowns this season. But nobody poses matchup problems quite like the player that answers the question “what would it look like if <span>Danielle Hunter</span> played receiver?”—second-year star <span>DK Metcalf</span>.</p>
<p id="NCZZIM">Metcalf has been a big play factory this season. He is tied with <span>Stefon Diggs</span> for the league lead in receiving yards despite being tied for 26th in targets and tied for 43rd in receptions. (He’d also be tied with <span>Lockett</span> and <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> for third in touchdowns if it wasn’t for that bone-headed play against Dallas.) The knock on Metcalf coming out of college was that he was a one-trick pony and didn’t have much of a route tree to speak of. This season, he’s getting open for big plays using some surprisingly good route running to go along with his comic book size, strength, and speed. The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> rank dead last in rate of explosive pass plays allowed; Wilson and Metcalf are a huge threat to roast Minnesota’s secondary Sunday night.</p>
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<p id="99gQPs">While letting Russ cook is relatively new, Russ cooking the Vikings is not a phenomena unique to this season. Including the Blair Walsh Game (sorry for the reminder), Wilson is 6-0 in his career against the Vikings with eleven touchdowns, only three interceptions, and a 104.6 quarterback rating. In those six games, the Seahawks have won by an average of 14 points per game (and yes, that includes the one-point victory in that Blair Walsh Game I just won’t stop f***ing talking about already). We might have to start calling him Russell Wilf-son with how much he has owned the Vikings over the years.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="ZidtvJ"><q>We might have to start calling him Russell Wilf-son with how much he has owned the Vikings over the years.</q></aside></div>
<p id="kf3Nl8">The only silver lining to Wilson’s dominance of the Vikings is that his personal performances haven’t been <em>that </em>great. He has averaged only 220 total yards in those six contests. Most of Seattle’s wins were due in large part to the Seahawks defense dominating a comically inept Vikings offense time and again. Of course neither defense is their teams’ respective strength this season, so it’s highly doubtful that Wilson will be held in statistical check this time around.</p>
<p id="9mmZ4I">Even if Wilson’s passing stats see an unsurprising uptick, don’t be surprised if the Seahawks run a bit more than they have been this week. The ground game has certainly worked for Seattle against Minnesota in the past. The Vikings have allowed the <a href="https://www.sharpfootballstats.com/explosive-play-rankings%E2%80%94def-.html">second lowest rate of explosive plays</a> on the ground this season, but they’re also dead last in the league at <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29939464/2020-nfl-pass-rushing-run-stopping-blocking-leaderboard-win-rate-rankings#rswrteam">run stop win rate</a>. They’re basically the Leroy Hoard of run defense.</p>
<p id="3aHfSx">Part of that is by design; Zimmer’s defensive linemen are instructed to occupy gaps and prevent big gains over trying to make plays in the backfield. But there’s still a chance Seattle could run a bit more on early downs Sunday night to break the early tendencies they have shown and replicate last year’s game where they ran for over 200 yards against the Vikings. Seattle’s revamped offensive line has jumped from 20th to 6th in PFF run blocking grade and from 16th to 11th in adjusted line yards this season. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838540/chris-carson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Chris Carson</a> is finding a bit more room to run now that the Seahawks are mixing up the play calling.</p>
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<p id="NmlMVh">It appears that the Seahawks are poised to score a good amount of points even if the Vikings defense builds upon the incremental improvements they showed in Houston last week. Thankfully, the Vikings should be well-equipped to engage in a shootout with Seattle. The offense topped 400 yards for the second straight week in Houston. The terrific triumvirate of <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a>, <span>Adam Thielen</span>, and <span>Justin Jefferson</span> have amassed 778 yards from scrimmage over the past two games. Arif Hasan outlined how <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641874&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2116609%2F2020%2F10%2F05%2Fjustin-jefferson-vikings-takeaways-how-good-can-he-be%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailynorseman.com%2F21506026%2Fminnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-preview-2020-week-5-nfl-picks" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">historically great Jefferson’s first four games have been</a>. Jefferson has done just about everything you could ask from a young wide receiver from release to route to catch point.</p>
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<p id="4AkOec">There is no reason to believe it won’t continue this week; the matchup for Jefferson and <span>Thielen</span> is ideal. JJ Zachariason charted how the Seahawks have already allowed 500 more yards to wide receivers than any other team.</p>
<div id="31j4Mc">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's the weekly chart showing the receiving yards allowed by each team to each position (and percentage), the targets allowed (and percentage), and the touchdowns allowed. These are all receiving numbers -- not rushing. <a href="https://t.co/CvWcwfM00G">pic.twitter.com/CvWcwfM00G</a></p>— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) <a href="https://twitter.com/LateRoundQB/status/1313456012842676226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="jmaMJy">The Vikings have the <a href="https://www.sharpfootballstats.com/explosive-play-rankings--off-.html">highest rate of explosive plays on offense in the league</a>, ranking third in percentage of runs that go for ten or more yards and first in passes that go for 15 or more yards. With star safety <span>Jamal Adams</span> sitting out another week, there should be plenty of opportunity for <span>Kirk Cousins</span> to find receivers for big gains. <span>Cousins</span> has been far from perfect this season, but he made some impressive throws against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>. A huge 3rd & 10 pass threaded between defenders to Jefferson followed by this incredible completion to <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> while throwing off his back foot was about as good as you’re going to get for a crucial two-play sequence.</p>
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<p id="BJ7M5X">The throw to <span>Rudolph</span> had to be incredible because Cousins faced immediate pressure up the middle, which is an all too familiar sensation for the Vikings quarterback. Luckily, pressuring the quarterback isn’t the strong suit for Seattle that it has been in years past. In fact, neither team has excelled at rushing the passer this season. The Vikings and Seahawks rank 30th and 31st respectively in PFF pass rush grade. Both teams are in the bottom ten when it comes to frequency of pressures per opponent dropback as well. That said, defensive tackle <span>Jarran Reed</span> had a season-high six pressures against the Vikings last year. With how awful <span>Dru Samia</span> has been this season—dead last in pass blocking, run blocking, and overall PFF grade among 70+ qualifying guards—there is a constant risk of potential big plays getting blown up before they start.</p>
<p id="DK2y3J">The Samia sinkhole has been rough to watch, but there have been glimmers of hope along the Vikings offensive line too. <span>Garrett Bradbury</span> is having a solid second season at center, especially when it comes to blocking for Cook and <span>Alexander Mattison</span>. Bradbury delivered key blocks on Cook’s first touchdown and Mattison’s score. The Vikings center is the 9th highest graded player at his position by PFF this season and is starting to show signs of why the Vikings drafted him in the first round last year.</p>
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<p id="aBKa5v">On the occasions when the blocking isn’t as ideal, it’s nice to know that Cook can create extra yards out of nowhere so often. The league’s leading rusher ranks first in <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/nfl/rb/2020">defense-adjusted yards above replacement</a> and broken tackles, along with top five classifications in yards after contact per carry and PFF’s Elusive Rating metric. I know the popular adage is that running backs don’t matter, but Cook doesn’t matter the least out of any back in the league. His involvement in the offense is crucial to the Vikings success. If they can consistently feed Cook and keep Wilson off the field, they’ll have a chance to steal the victory. If Cook is marginalized becuase they’re constantly chasing like the first two games against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> and <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>, they won’t stand a chance.</p>
<p id="h8xHKl">With all the big-play offense and porous defense on both sides of the ball, just about everyone expects this game to be high scoring. The over/under for total points scored on Sunday night currently sits at an absurdly high 57.5. Of course, when everyone is convinced that a game will go a certain way, it often goes the opposite. Maybe this game somehow turns into a 16-12 rock fight instead of a high-flying shootout.</p>
<p id="1zzmbX">I still envision both offenses finding a lot of success on Sunday night. There is certainly a path for a Vikings win: control the clock, take care of the ball, limit the number of possessions, and continue the bend but don’t break tendencies on third down and red zone defense. Seahawks field goals won’t necessarily be a bad thing as long as the offense can continue their recent run of form.</p>
<p id="PmYk9M">I don’t know if they’ll be able to check enough of those boxes on Sunday night though. The lack of fans will make the idea of a Vikings upset in their third annual trip to CenturyLink Field more palatable, but I think they’ll come up a bit short trying to match Seattle’s firepower. Playing better over the past two games doesn’t necessarily translate to beating one of the NFC’s best teams on the road.</p>
<p id="gNEDPJ">And if the Vikings drop to 1-4, their season might be <em>cooked</em>.</p>
<h4 id="A2hF6u">Prediction</h4>
<p id="ej1eDp">Seahawks 34, Vikings 27</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="bQxWGw">
<p id="cw8Vbd">And now for the rest of my Week 5 <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/nfl-picks-spread-pickem">NFL picks</a> (home teams in ALL CAPS):</p>
<h4 id="niNuni">
<a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> over BEARS</h4>
<p id="jzOeyG">Unless Chicago can find a way to hypnotize <span>Nick Foles</span> into always believing that he’s in a playoff game, I don’t think they can keep up with the Bucs.</p>
<h4 id="2ykX2d">
<a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">FALCONS</a> over <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>
</h4>
<p id="3szMkB">If it takes me picking against Carolina every week for <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> to thrive, then so be it.</p>
<h4 id="wwYgry">
<a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> over <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">TITANS</a>
</h4>
<p id="BdiPHT">Feels like this game probably isn’t going to be played. And if it isn’t played, then there might be a chance that the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> would have to forfeit for <a href="https://www.paulkuharsky.com/news/titans-broke-protocols-gathered-for-a-workout-last-week">breaking COVID-19 protocols</a> last week. I was going to pick Buffalo either way, but that possibility solidifies it.</p>
<h4 id="walrvX">
<a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">RAVENS</a> over <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>
</h4>
<p id="TLt4Sf">Congratulations on your first NFL win, <span>Joe Burrow</span>! Now you get to visit Baltimore and take on their blitz-happy defense with your offensive line that has a worse pass blocking grade than the Vikings. Enjoy!</p>
<h4 id="TskV91">
<a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">CHIEFS</a> over <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Raiders</a>
</h4>
<p id="cqvden">The only things that could stop Kansas City right now are injuries or COVID-19. Unfortunately the latter <a href="https://arrowheadaddict.com/2020/10/07/stephon-gilmore-positive-covid-19-chiefs-bad-omen/">seems to be a very real possibility</a>, but for now I’ll stick to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> continuing to roll through the rest of the league.</p>
<h4 id="UeHf3C">
<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> over FOOTBALL TEAM</h4>
<p id="d36Vsi">The Kyle Allen Era has officially begun in Washington. It’s funny to laugh at <a href="https://twitter.com/JPFinlayNBCS/status/1313853088785199105">this list of 30 quarterbacks that have started for Washington since 1993</a>...until you realize that seven of them have also started for the Vikings.</p>
<h4 id="z0SQqx">
<a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> over JETS</h4>
<p id="DVD2gi">Arizona has come crashing back to Earth over the past two weeks, but they still aren’t “lose to the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>” bad. But wait...GOOD GOD, THAT’S JOE FLACCO’S MUSIC! Will someone please explain how Adam Gase said it isn’t fair to throw <span>Sam Darnold</span> back out there ten days after hurting his shoulder last Thursday, but it was just fine ten <em>minutes</em> after hurting his shoulder last Thursday?</p>
<h4 id="a3TBRI">
<a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">STEELERS</a> over <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>
</h4>
<p id="ZXQHxj">Pittsburgh pressures the quarterback on nearly half of their opponents’ dropbacks this season and Philadelphia keeps losing linemen and receivers to injuries. I don’t think this is going to end well for <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20842014/carson-wentz-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Carson Wentz</a>.</p>
<h4 id="HiYMhb">TEXANS over <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>
</h4>
<p id="B3UbX5">Addition by subtraction. You’re free, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Deshaun Watson</a>. I mean, the team that GM Bill O’Brien left you still sucks pretty bad, but you’re free of Head Coach Bill O’Brien.</p>
<h4 id="zjx42w">
<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ERS</a> over <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>
</h4>
<p id="FJYIxg">San Francisco might be getting a bit healthier with the possible returns of <span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span>, <span>Richard Sherman</span>, and <span>Raheem Mostert</span> this week. I’d feel a lot better picking them if I <em>knew</em> they were coming back, but it’s also only the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>, so I’ll lean on the side of optimism.</p>
<h4 id="qi7f2t">
<a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> over <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">BROWNS</a>
</h4>
<p id="rt5OY0">Is it weird that I’m legitimately excited about this matchup? The Week 2 loss in Indianapolis looks <em>slightly</em> less embarrassing with each successive team the Colts defense shuts down, and Kevin Stefanski is doing some really fun stuff with Cleveland’s offense. This should actually be a pretty intriguing game to watch.</p>
<h4 id="P9hpOQ">COWBOYS over <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>
</h4>
<p id="fgEZXG">I’m making this my Survivor Pool pick of the week, now 4-0 on the season after the Rams finally closed out against the Giants last week. I know this is a bit risky. But if the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> lose at home to drop to 1-4 against a previously winless team that employs the former head coach that was supposedly the root of most of their problems, the schadenfreude would more than make up for the disappointment of losing my pick.</p>
<h4 id="908jc5">
<a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">PATRIOTS</a> over <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>
</h4>
<p id="y4WW7E"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20837383/cam-newton-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Cam Newton</a> or not, <span>Brett Rypien</span> isn’t beating a Bill Belichick game plan on the road.</p>
<h4 id="GUCEZM">SAINTS over <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>
</h4>
<p id="oUo4cU">The reports of the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>’ demise appear to be exaggerated for now. So can my fantasy teams please have <span>Michael Thomas</span> back?</p>
<p id="peCtZT"><em>Last week: 10-5</em><br><em>Season so far: 41-21-1</em></p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/21506026/minnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-preview-2020-week-5-nfl-picksEric Thompson2020-10-08T11:01:13-05:002020-10-08T11:01:13-05:00Vikings initial injury report: Kendricks, Thielen both listed for Minnesota
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PrU3OYTwEhpYhA6EcMPXwxaaRLw=/0x0:2665x1777/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67601879/usa_today_15021004.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>That doesn’t sound great</p> <p id="TK7kiZ">The initial injury reports for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> before Sunday night’s matchup on the West Coast came out yesterday, and there are a couple of very prominent names on it for the purple that will bear watching.</p>
<p id="q24iA7">Here is yesterday’s entire report.</p>
<h4 id="omaoKn">Did Not Participate</h4>
<ul>
<li id="grRxMv">LB <span>Eric Kendricks</span> (foot)</li>
<li id="c3WfYp">WR <span>K.J. Osborn</span> (hamstring)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="USNGaf">Limited Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="PxQcQK">CB <span>Kris Boyd</span> (hamstring)</li>
<li id="iiAFid">CB <span>Holton Hill</span> (foot)</li>
<li id="p965pc">WR <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="aXuCF7">OT <span>Oli Udoh</span> (finger)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="xBXKRD">Full Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="8hN8QX">C <span>Garrett Bradbury</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="MvDi61">WR <span>Dan Chisena</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="1mmYeX">CB <span>Mike Hughes</span> (neck)</li>
<li id="HnZduA">OT <span>Brian O’Neill</span> (shoulder)</li>
</ul>
<p id="2Kqqyq">I’m not sure when either <span>Kendricks</span> or <span>Thielen</span> suffered their injuries against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, but both of them played the entire game. Hopefully neither of those injuries will be all that serious, but they are both players we’ll be keeping an eye on.</p>
<p id="9ccIpr">On the positive side, <span>Mike Hughes</span> is back to practicing with his neck issue that has caused him to miss several weeks, and he might be on track to come back this week. With a pair of corners still limited, getting <span>Hughes</span> back would be a significant boost.</p>
<p id="UxGhVS">Here’s what the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>’ injury report looked like from yesterday:</p>
<h4 id="0fYlkp">Did Not Participate</h4>
<ul>
<li id="VI5Y0k">S <span>Jamal Adams</span> (groin)</li>
<li id="wYygp0">LB <span>Jordyn Brooks</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="8CMeGq">OT <span>Duane Brown</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="lUFCx8">CB <span>Quinton Dunbar</span> (knee)</li>
<li id="5Zlsav">S Lano <span>Hill</span> (back)</li>
<li id="tN1vgO">CB <span>Neiko Thorpe</span> (hip)</li>
<li id="o6Hnzv">WR <span>K.J. Wright</span> (illness)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="scKb0t">Limited Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="WBWjGQ">LB <span>Cody Barton</span> (quad)</li>
<li id="xmJWLX">RB <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838540/chris-carson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Chris Carson</a> (knee)</li>
<li id="fQLeMm">TE <span>Will Dissly</span> (achilles)</li>
<li id="wzIpIz">CB <span>Shaquill Griffin</span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="M1wW1j">RB <span>Carlos Hyde</span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="22lQQp">G <span>Mike Iupati</span> (ankle)</li>
<li id="z4UdOu">G Damian Lewis (ankle)</li>
<li id="oPFtP3">DE <span>Benson Mayowa</span> (knee)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="63uoPY">Full Participation</h4>
<ul>
<li id="iYotpu">CB <span>Tre Flowers</span> (hand)</li>
<li id="odd33q">DT <span>Poona Ford</span> (groin/quad)</li>
<li id="1KaBju">LB <span>Shaquem Griffin</span> (shoulder)</li>
<li id="VJkG5h">OT <span>Jamarco Jones</span> (elbow)</li>
<li id="RYacvo">WR <span>David Moore</span> (ankle)</li>
<li id="KC9MOf">OL <span>Ethan Pocic</span> (ankle/knee)</li>
<li id="n1gFW7">DT <span>Jarran Reed</span> (finger)</li>
<li id="Vq6tRA">LB <span>Bobby Wagner</span> (ribs)</li>
</ul>
<p id="fOugOi">Yes, it would appear that the Seahawks have listed approximately half of their roster on their first injury report of the week. None of those players listed were <span>Russell Wilson</span>, however, which is good for the Seahawks.</p>
<p id="nCh6Ee">Those are your first injury reports of the week for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> and the Seahawks, folks. We’ll be monitoring these throughout the week and the situations with <span>Eric Kendricks</span> and <span>Adam Thielen</span> in particular.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/8/21507771/vikings-initial-injury-report-eric-kendricks-adam-thielen-seattle-seahawksChristopher Gates