Vikes Vs Lions Articles

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09-23-2011, 09:38 AM
Marrdro

Vikes Vs Lions Articles

Bringing Pressure to Stafford
Put simply, the Buccaneers and Chiefs were conservative in bringing extra rushers to pressure Stafford. In 72 dropbacks against Stafford, the Buccaneers and Chiefs brought 5 or more rushers just 15 times (20.8%), according to my count. In the snaps Stafford saw 5+ rushers, he completed 5 of 12 (41.6%) passes for 87 yards with 2 TDs, 1 INT and a passer rating of 71.8. In 60 dropbacks against 4 or fewer rushers, Stafford is 42 of 60 (70.0%) for 512 yards with 5 TDs, 1 INT and a passer rating of 116.8.

It’s a limited sample size with only 12 attempts, but Stafford’s efficiency declines against 5+ rushers. Although in fairness, I should also point out that Stafford has 2 TD throws against pressure.

http://blog.vikings.com/2011/09/23/a...thew-stafford/

If Cook can get back on the field we could see them use Whinny as the author suggests. If he can't, then maybe Asher can step up, but my guess is we will see Whinny back out on the edge. If that happens, watch how many times they go that way.
09-23-2011, 09:42 AM
Marrdro

Can the Vikings win this one? Yes, but a lot will have to go right for that to happen. Somebody other than Percy Harvin will have to emerge as a viable receiving threat (I can’t think of who that might be). The Vikings defensive line will have to harass Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford for a full game, not a half game. Cornerback Chris Cook will have to get through an entire game healthy and play very well while he is in there. I could go on, but you get the point.

Lions 35 Vikings 17

http://grants-tomb.blogspot.com/2011...e-winning.html

I wonder if we will see Griff matching up with CJ. Might just be the ticket that messes up their passing attack. Lets not forget, we saw him used that way a couple times before he was injured and he shut some nice WR's down.
09-23-2011, 09:53 AM
tastywaves

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marrdro

Can the Vikings win this one? Yes, but a lot will have to go right for that to happen. Somebody other than Percy Harvin will have to emerge as a viable receiving threat (I can’t think of who that might be). The Vikings defensive line will have to harass Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford for a full game, not a half game. Cornerback Chris Cook will have to get through an entire game healthy and play very well while he is in there. I could go on, but you get the point.

Lions 35 Vikings 17

http://grants-tomb.blogspot.com/2011...e-winning.html

I wonder if we will see Griff matching up with CJ. Might just be the ticket that messes up their passing attack. Lets not forget, we saw him used that way a couple times before he was injured and he shut some nice WR's down.

Tough matchup for us on defense when you look at the talent. I would expect Griffin to take on Megatron. He'll win some and lose some, but he has shown he can play adequately with larger receivers. If Cook is healthy, then maybe he gets a few shots with him as well. Allen or Winfield will be severely overmatched by Calvin.

I agree that pressure on Stafford will be key, at least make him get rid of the ball quickly. Greenway is probably going to be given a lot of responsibility against their TE's and EJ is going to need to cover the middle, so maybe Erin goes in on occassion, but Winfield makes more sense as you say if Cook is playing. I like Winfield coming in on the QB, he is one of the craftiest guys I have seen at getting to his target. Rare skill.

Our offense will have its chances, they just need to perform for 4 quarters. McNabb's play once again will be key. AD will draw a crowd as usual. Getting the ball deeper on their secondary would be a good call normally, but not sure if we are the team to exploit it. Their front seven is their strength, which bodes well for them against our offense.

Best thing about this game is that it is a conference rival with a history of failure playing in our house. Hopefully that along with an 0-2 start brings some inspired play by the team.
09-23-2011, 10:00 AM
Marrdro

http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/v...8-98c2c37a1a61
09-23-2011, 10:03 AM
Marrdro

Quote:

Originally Posted by tastywaves

Tough matchup for us on defense when you look at the talent. I would expect Griffin to take on Megatron. He'll win some and lose some, but he has shown he can play adequately with larger receivers. If Cook is healthy, then maybe he gets a few shots with him as well. Allen or Winfield will be severely overmatched by Calvin.

I agree that pressure on Stafford will be key, at least make him get rid of the ball quickly. Greenway is probably going to be given a lot of responsibility against their TE's and EJ is going to need to cover the middle, so maybe Erin goes in on occassion, but Winfield makes more sense as you say if Cook is playing. I like Winfield coming in on the QB, he is one of the craftiest guys I have seen at getting to his target. Rare skill.

Our offense will have its chances, they just need to perform for 4 quarters. McNabb's play once again will be key. AD will draw a crowd as usual. Getting the ball deeper on their secondary would be a good call normally, but not sure if we are the team to exploit it. Their front seven is their strength, which bodes well for them against our offense.

Best thing about this game is that it is a conference rival with a history of failure playing in our house. Hopefully that along with an 0-2 start brings some inspired play by the team.

Good stuff my friend. Just saw something that said Cook was a go. Might be an interesting matchup to have him go against CJ as he is a bit taller/bigger than Griff and allow Griff to handle everyone else.

Just hope Pagac uses Whinny and a S the way he started out last week cause it was working. Not sure why in the heck they went away from it when they did, unless of course the injury to Cook forced their hand.
09-23-2011, 10:22 AM
Marrdro

The return of Vikings' DT Kevin Williams will impact Sunday's game

The Vikings currently rank 21st in the NFL in total defense, but they have the potential to perform better with Williams on the field.

Detroit's ability to stretch the field with players like Calvin Johnson could help the Lions negate that strength, though. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has shown his ability to get the ball out quick to weapons like Jahvid Best, who can turn a short pass into a big gain.

"Against that defense, you need a guy to catch a short pass and run it for a bunch of yards," said Stafford. "You have to take what they give you because they can get after the passer - they rush the passer really well."

http://www.detroitlions.com/news/art...7-ef4d48b8d041
Interesting points, especially the one about having to be able to catch the short ones.
09-23-2011, 10:32 AM
tastywaves

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marrdro

The return of Vikings' DT Kevin Williams will impact Sunday's game

The Vikings currently rank 21st in the NFL in total defense, but they have the potential to perform better with Williams on the field.

Detroit's ability to stretch the field with players like Calvin Johnson could help the Lions negate that strength, though. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has shown his ability to get the ball out quick to weapons like Jahvid Best, who can turn a short pass into a big gain.

"Against that defense, you need a guy to catch a short pass and run it for a bunch of yards," said Stafford. "You have to take what they give you because they can get after the passer - they rush the passer really well."

http://www.detroitlions.com/news/art...7-ef4d48b8d041
Interesting points, especially the one about having to be able to catch the short ones.

It'll be interesting if that's the tact they take. It has been successful against us so far and we seem fairly willing to invite it.

It might be the best strategy for us all things considered. Just need to execute the cover 2 better (like tackling) and make them work harder to get in the end zone. Not the sexiest thing for a fan, but with this team and the type of talent we have on the field, it probably is the way we need to play it.