Vikings defense can be elite

**singersp** · 08-24-2012, 06:22 AM

Vikings defense: Closing the gap

Vikings defensive coordinator Alan Williams truly believes a shoddy defense from a year ago can be elite if players heed three key principles.

Vikings defense: Closing the gap | StarTribune.com

**Caine** · 08-24-2012, 07:40 AM

"OK, guys...all we need to do to be the best is to know what the other team is going to do before they do it, then be in place to stop them from doing it before they can adjust....

...too complex? Let me simplify it to 3 things. We need to tackle the ball carrier before he crosses the line of scrimmage, hit the quarterback before he passes the football, or prevent the receiver from catching the ball. If we do those 3 simple things, we'll be an elite defense."

Can we PLEASE be a little more OBVIOUS!!!

While I do agree that his "Alignment. Assignment. Technique" are VERY important elements, he's left out "Game Plan, Play Calling, and Execution". Further, the question remains about the talent level at critical spots on the Defense.

PERSONALLY, I think we can be better than we were. I think that many of our woes came from a complete lack of a secondary (which has been addressed to an extent) and poor scheme and execution (which go back to coaching). The question is, can this guy get us there? Can he maximize the talent of the team and make things happen?

We'll see...

Caine

**NodakPaul** · 08-24-2012, 09:48 AM

Elite? Ummm no. Better than last year yes. But not elite. Not this year.

**C Mac D** · 08-24-2012, 11:27 AM

Chris Carr sucks and will be a liability in coverage. Other than that, I feel pretty good about our D this year... definitely not elite though.

**El Vikingo** · 08-24-2012, 01:06 PM

Marrdro saying our D is awesome in 3,2,1...

**Minniman** · 08-25-2012, 01:19 AM

Elite defenses need elite players.

They need play-makers.

**kevoncox** · 08-25-2012, 02:34 AM

I forget what Ints look like.

**Minniman** · 08-25-2012, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by kevoncox

I forget what Ints look like.

I hear you.

The Vikings have had such a loose zone over the last decade that their major sponsor has become Kaopectate.

How many times do we have to see corners lined up five yards off the receiver on 3rd and 3 to know that something is not schemed right?

**PackSux!** · 08-25-2012, 10:12 AM

I noticed last night we were in some man formations.

**singersp** · 08-25-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Caine

PERSONALLY, I think we can be better than we were. I think that many of our woes came from a complete lack of a secondary (which has been addressed to an extent) and poor scheme and execution (which go back to coaching). The question is, can this guy get us there? Can he maximize the talent of the team and make things happen?

We'll see...

Caine

Given our roster, maximizing the talent of some our players, gets you between mediocre & serviceable.