Even after all the awesome FA pick ups?

**Angryviking** · 03-14-2005, 10:52 PM

I was just wondering where the Vikings would end up statically defensively and how many turnovers do you think we will get this year with our revamped D?

KJ · 03-14-2005, 11:01 PM

I'd guess that they'll be ranked about #10 overall, and then maybe next year will become top 5 material after a year of working together.

**GettinWiggyWidIt** · 03-14-2005, 11:04 PM

It all starts up front for the vikes. Last year we were in the bottom third for takeaways, with only 19. This year we'll see fewer doubles on K-will if P-will stays healthy. That creates more sacks along with the development of of Udeze and the LB corps. Those pressures create more balls for the now great secondary. Sharper has averaged 6 picks in the past five years with an, at times, arguably crappier D. I see a jump in takeaways to about 30.

**LunchBox** · 03-14-2005, 11:10 PM

See, i don't think that Pat is gonna help us get more sacks at all. There is no way that he will EVER be doubled on a pass play and Kevin is still going to see all those double teams. As far as overall defense, i would say about 15-20th. Our D always disappoints me and i won't believe that we have a good one until i see it.

**ultravikingfan** · 03-14-2005, 11:12 PM

"LunchBox" wrote:

See, i don't think that Pat is gonna help us get more sacks at all. There is no way that he will EVER be doubled on a pass play and Kevin is still going to see all those double teams. As far as overall defense, i would say about 15-20th. Our D always disappoints me and i won't believe that we have a good one until i see it.

Thats fine. Udeze can have all the sacks from the lineman, and we'll pick up more with our blitzes. Way to stay positive! :cheers:

**mrkodi** · 03-14-2005, 11:19 PM

"KJ" wrote:

I'd guess that they'll be ranked about #10 overall, and then maybe next year will become top 5 material after a year of working together.

So you are expecting almost worst to first???? :colors: :colors: LOLOLOOLOLOOLOL

**Angryviking** · 03-14-2005, 11:20 PM

I think if we can get some more experience and leadership and LBs we're going to be fine, and Harris isn't all that experienced so i dunno how we are gonna do up the middle again. i think we're gonna be better against the run that's for sure with Pat

**Caine** · 03-15-2005, 12:38 AM

1st, for Lunchbox: Pat Williams will draw a double due to his size. Even on passing downs, that's a whole mountain comming in. Imagine the look of horror in the eyes of an opposing QB as that monstrosity collapses the pocket from the front. If he stays healthy, it will become a "pick your poison" front...something we've sorely lacked in recent years.

2nd, for Mrkodi: I'll answer for KJ, "Yes, I do expect a huge jump in Defensive rankings". What you likely don't realize is that our pathetic performance in the past couple of years wasn't due to lack of talent, but lack of talent in key positions...we have addressed that. All 3 Defensive tiers have been improved, all while retaining the better elements of the previous D.

While a leap into the top 10 might be a stretch, the top 15 is reachable. The #10 D was Philly with an average of 319.7 yds per game allowed. Cleveland was #15 with 325.9, while we sat at number 28 with 368.9. Can we gain back 45 yards per game? Absolutely. And, from there, it's only another 4-5 to crack the top 10.

So, again, it is not only possible but probable that the Viking Defense will be a much higher ranked squad over last season. Especially when you consider that 243.5 of those yards last season came in the air - our biggest area of improvement. After all, where are you going to throw? At Winfield or Smoot?

Pick your poison.

Caine

**fourdoorchevelle** · 03-15-2005, 01:23 AM

"LunchBox" wrote:

See, i don't think that Pat is gonna help us get more sacks at all. There is no way that he will EVER be doubled on a pass play and Kevin is still going to see all those double teams. As far as overall defense, i would say about 15-20th. Our D always disappoints me and i won't believe that we have a good one until i see it.

sorry but pat is a raging bull that won't be contained. the only thing that will keep him from getting doubled is him getting a breather on 3rd and long . but johnston will put on a nice pass rush in williams place. i would love to see a top ten d but will wait and see

**midgensa** · 03-15-2005, 01:55 AM

"LunchBox" wrote:

See, i don't think that Pat is gonna help us get more sacks at all. There is no way that he will EVER be doubled on a pass play and Kevin is still going to see all those double teams. As far as overall defense, i would say about 15-20th. Our D always disappoints me and i won't believe that we have a good one until i see it.

Of course the D always disappoints, we never hve enough talent. P-Will should help on pass plays just by taking up space, and Nap is a much better coverage LB than what we have had. With just that little more pressure on the QB and such good hands additions to the secondary (as well as the hard hits that Smoot and Sharper bring to jar balls loose) we should see some more picks. I would definitely bet on one of the CBs getinng 5-6 and one of the Safety's getting 5-6 while the others should still get 3 to 4. Turnovers should go up significantly.