Good Morning!
Just like I did previously expect a lighthearted answer to any question(s) but I’ll give you an answer…a wrong answer is still an answer though.
For salary cap questions I’ll continue using overthecap.com so I’m consistent with the numbers.
Any trades involving draft picks I’m using the updated NFL Trade Value Chart developed by Rich Hill available at https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart-Rich-Hill.asp
For evaluating or looking up draft prospects or rookies my go to is thedraftnetwork.com
If I can’t come up with what I think is a legitimate answer, I’ll ask someone who I think can provide one.
Enough from me, let’s see what’s on everyone’s mind.
Pirateflip pondered: Could you try to come up with something to mitigate the occurrence/severity of concussions, besides turning the game into flag football? I’m hoping for a magical medical fast acting cure, maybe involving mushrooms.
Let’s start with kickoffs: Eliminate the current kickoff structure with returns that are likely to cause orthopedic injuries and/or concussions in favor the the XFL kickoff. The XFL kickoff is a better product on the field with a decreased incidence of injury.
Add the Sky Judge. Another XFL innovation that would help streamline officiating and put another pair of trained eyes on the field of play.
Enforce the rules in place. I think we all saw the Dolphins QB earlier this year that was ataxic after a blow to the head, there is no way he should have been allowed back on the field and I personally believe he couldn’t clear the current concussion protocol. Right now the team medical staff have the final say whether a player can return, that at least creates a conflict of interest. I’d leave the team medical staff in the decision process but have the final say given to the unaffiliated medical observer, and I’d make sure that person is a Neurologist familiar with the current league concussion screening. I know ER physicians who are unaffiliated medical observers at Jags games, should be a neurologist IMO.
Technology advances in helmet design should help but can only go so far when the game is designed to have two very large men crash into each other.
Or try some mushrooms.
Skoldiers pondered: After KOC pressor, he’s not making any changes to the coaching staff on def but he did kind of leave the door open for it. Any chance they hand the play calling duties over to Pettine if the Vikings put up another sticker on defense?
O’Connell has to do something, this is the first challenge faced by our rookie head coach, he has to get this corrected now. The defense has somehow gotten worse as the season has progressed either due to injury or mistakes by the players. I said this last week but I’ll say it again, this is still essentially Rick and Zimmer’s team with a few free agent signings. I don’t think they have the right mix of players for this defense. sidenote: I saw Hunter in coverage against the Lions and did a facepalm, he should be rushing the QB.
The coaching staff needs to examine what’s going right (not much tbh) and what’s going wrong. This defense is designed to limit explosive plays and hold opponents to field goals, not touchdowns….something that hasn’t happened.
Possible fixes:
The Vikings have the second lowest percentage of man coverage in the league, that has to change this week, even if Sullivan or Brad is out there at corner. The zone scheme isn’t working and certainly none of the opposing QBs are confused by the coverages.
Start mixing in the blitz more often, Hitman has been underutilized in that regard this year.
Mix in the coverages with half the field man to man, the other half zone and blitz from the zone side.
(essentially what the Steelers did in the 70s)
Have Pettine assist with the game plan.
The Colts are 31st in offense, the defense should look better this week but it’s a work in progress that if it isn’t fixed won’t keep the Vikings on the field against the Eagles or Cowboys.
PA Viking Fan pondered:
Being a Viking fan is painful. While close games are fun, losing them due to our poor execution the worse kind of pain. This is coming from someone who watched the team in 4 Super Bowls, so trust me, I know pain. What do you recommend we do in order to forget the pain:
- Switch sports or teams
- Fantasize about Jannifer
- Join an S&M Club
- Laugh about the Packers
How do we get through some of these games?
I’m a one team guy, but I’ll bandwagon for another team once the Vikings season is over…Falcons in the SB a couple of years ago, Stafford finally getting a ring after toiling in Detroit for so long, etc.
I also watch soccer but not as much as I used to, and as far as the World Cup I tuned out once the USMNT was eliminated.
Jannifer is a bot, so that’s a no-go.
I’m not much of a joiner, but feel free to go to any club you choose.
Always make fun of the Packers.
It’s entertainment, enjoy it for what it’s worth and come back here and complain with us when the Vikings lose.
Rob pondered: Give us a score prediction:
Vikings 24
Colts 20
Thanks for everyone who took the time to ask a question, look for our next mailbag next week after the Colts game.
Skol!
*presser
I think KOC is of English descent.