The Popeye Syndrome

Eric Scott / Armchair Distillery / 12-12-2022

Revisiting the 8-18-2022 ACD article “A Case For The Defense” … While some of the fundamental parts of that opinion have not changed, there is a growing concern that some foundational concepts have gone awry…

Too much change or not the right guys?

The change from the vaunted Purple 4-3 Double A Gap defensive front to a 3-4 has become a disaster. Any radical change brings an adjustment period. From an ACD point of view the change has become counter-intuitive. We like to watch our guys vanquish and squash opponents here!

A splecific and painful example was Herschel Walker. His pads were designed to meet the defense head on 25 to 30 times a game. This hammer-like activity continued until the other guy started to shy away from the beating he was taking. Large gains up the middle at the end of the game would then become commonplace. The Vikings brain trust at the time chose to make a bulldozer into a ballet dancer and run him around the end. It was a disaster from the beginning.

So perhaps it also takes time to assemble the right players to run this scheme correctly? We have some nice pieces, but they don’t fit right?

Coaching, coaching, coaching…

There is no doubt that Ed Donatell is a good coach. His scheme is based on a successful model that does have a following in the league and a track record of success. The question is really how he and his staff are adjusting to the players at hand, the injuries sustained and the tactics of the enemy as compared to the requirements of the 3-4 overall.

Maybe we are just a spoiled fanbase?

The Vikings 40 years of history with what has mostly been good or great 4-3 defenses. Certainly the fans are demanding a fearsom D-Line. One that disrupts the other teams plans at every turn. Thus the Vikings defense that is ranked dead last. Perhaps there is now a level 33?

Regardless, we were all used to the last 8 years of Double A-Gap Mayhem that the Zimmerian regime thrived on. Unquestionably we were all spoiled rotten watching Anthony Barr in his prime.

What to do now?

At its core, the ACD part of the fanbase wants to see sacks, interceptions and TFLs aplenty. Pressure on the quarterback is key to making bad throws happen. With all of the available weapons, a consistent pass rush just isn’t there. Commentators on the broadcasts have noted the lack of blitzes and the weekly opposition must be noticing this too.

You have Smith and Hunter and a cast of others and you don’t unleash them on the QB?

Perhaps they should dial up some good ole Double A Gap-ish madness and see if they can’t get themselves back to some semblance of respectability?

Without a clear improvement, this team will not be going anywhere in the playoffs. Allowing 400 yards a week isn’t going to cut it.

As Popeye said… “That’s all I can stands and I can’t stands no more!”