Minnesota Vikings Discussion – SkolAsylum: 21 Dec 2023

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Minnesota Vikings Discussion Topic of the Day

Who sucks and should be cut?

Minnesota Vikings News:

Vikings injury report

Vikings Lions game preview

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Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 7:18 pm

Go saints. I guess
I feel dirty typing that

skolifer
skolifer
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 8:18 pm

HUNViking
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
22 December 2023 12:03 am

FT*! But it’s for the greater cause, so…

NoDakRube
21 December 2023 4:36 pm

Now for something totally not important in light of what VP and Zeph are going through…

I have been arguing with some folks at my company whether our Christmas card should say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”….

ND is 77% Christian, 3% other religion, 20% no religion.

My point is you piss of a lot of Christians with “Happy Holidays”, and the atheists don’t give a shit one way or the other…so why not just say “Merry Christmas” given those demographics….its turned into a huge Kerfuffle and I will likely be fired.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 4:42 pm

What day of the year is it? Christmas. That’s what you say.

norseman1
norseman1
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 4:47 pm

Not big on Xmas music but my fave is John Lennon Happy Xmas. Cool song. New world can kiss my ass with dissecting everything.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 4:49 pm

I get all kinds of cards that say Happy Holidays. I always wonder WTH why don’t they say Merry Christmas like they. did for over the first half century of my life.
When “Merry Christmas” was in, I. don’t recall anyone ever complaining about it.

NoDakRube
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 4:54 pm

Thanks for your confirmations folks.

VikingPhilip
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 7:26 pm

Christmas is also celebrated by many people as a secular holiday. Go with Merry Christmas.

skolifer
skolifer
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 7:57 pm

Probably won’t be popular, but I’m WWJD on this topic. He, IMO, wouldnt want or care about it being about Him. I use Happy Holidays because it’s more inclusive and I can pick my moments in other times of the year to share my faith in Him.

That said, my business is multicultural/religious in terms of the people I work with and I try to be respectful of all backgrounds. But I also sleep well at night believing Jesus knows my heart on the matter.

To be clear, if I’m talking to someone I know personally, I’ll use Merry Christmas if I know their faith. I just don’t force that phrase on everyone if I’m communicating in a general sense.

norseman1
norseman1
21 December 2023 4:11 pm

Seems Flores is owning up to D with Bungals 2nd half. Pretty sure he’s gone after year tho. Read Falcons coach seems to be losing locker room. List of teams it appears. Maybe offer him more money, don’t want to see another Donatell.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  norseman1
21 December 2023 4:14 pm

20/20 hindsight. Should have done this, should have done that. Flores is straight up though. Takes ownership.

The offense needs to find a way to score a lot of points Sunday. Maybe as many as 42.

norseman1
norseman1
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 4:22 pm

Zero idea what will happen. Pretty sure Mullens is good for a turnover. Need balance i’m sure of that. I have one leg off the band wagon.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  norseman1
21 December 2023 4:41 pm

I don’t think there IS a band wagon at this point. We’re 7-7 and we’re not what one would refer to as a powerhouse. We are hopeful… not much more.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 4:33 pm

42 – WOW. I guess it’s first time in a while playing a “good” offense with a starting QB. We’ll just have to see how much magic Flores has in his bag.

JRobert
JRobert
21 December 2023 3:49 pm

Just watched a fun video. Our last game against Detroit. Unfortunately, we lost, but JJ flat out light up the Lions secondary – like for 225 yards.
They still won’t be able to cover him.- fun to watch all his moves and catches.

VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:00 pm

I’m going to be out of the area on Sunday. Where do I find the map of what games are showing and where?

VikingPhilip
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 3:05 pm

Thanks NVF. If I was at home I wouldn’t get to see the Vikings. Where I’m going, the Vikings will be available on tv. Now, the question is, will I be able to find a tv.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:07 pm

Laughing… well there’s always a Sports bar somewhere…

DE Viking
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:05 pm

https://506sports.com/

FOX EARLY

comment image

Detroit @ Minnesota – in the red
GB Car is green

VikingPhilip
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 3:11 pm

That’s a large part of the country getting the Vikings. Let’s hope they don’t embarrass us.

DE Viking
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:13 pm

Yep. Maybe the way to view this is you won’t be able to escape the Vikings on TV.
Good or bad.

norseman1
norseman1
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 3:15 pm

The more we are exposed the most likely to lay a egg.

DE Viking
Reply to  norseman1
21 December 2023 3:21 pm

That is the Viking way.

skolifer
skolifer
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:47 pm

Here’s the most convenient map I’ve seen for where games are shown:

comment image

VikingPhilip
Reply to  skolifer
21 December 2023 3:57 pm

What would I do without you?

skolifer
skolifer
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 7:13 pm

Miss me? That said, so sorry to hear about your grandson, Zeph. You’re all in my prayers.

VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 2:57 pm

Thanks again for all the kinds words.

For those of you asking his name is Zeph.

For Northwoods, it is AML leukemia.

We had already planned a trip to go see the family, so we will get to see him in a few days.

norseman1
norseman1
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:11 pm

Sorry VP, been off link. Cancer of any kind sickens me but especially when it goes after kids. He’s youthful, he has that going. Hang in there.

Mjolnir
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:28 pm

ZKOL FOR ZEPH!

NoDakRube
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 4:30 pm

Thank you for the information…it has always been easier for me to pray when I have a name.. your family and little Zeph will be in my prayers.

Regardless of whether its good news or bad news, please keep us updated.

No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 2:21 pm

Gonna play golf Sunday. Might have to try this. I tend to swing the club smoothly and make pretty good contact, pretty consistently, but without much speed or power. Thus I am a short, straight hitter. I currently hit my 6 iron about 135 yards. I have always felt I should hit it farther, but have never really worked out how to add more pop without ruining my rhythm and timing. In other words, when I try to swing the club faster, I hit the ball worser.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrihkWJkoRli3k58Jv7w8QF;_ylu=c2VjA3NyBHNsawN2aWQEZ3BvcwM1MA–?p=How+to+save+your+hands+and+wrists+until+the+last+moment+in+the+golf+swing&vid=05d4b8dfe639133d3bf4fc6dd725800f&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP._S8rYS7Uw7StznvMVeiGLAEsDh%26pid%3DApi%26h%3D225%26w%3D300%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DF-zozR_RDQY&tit=Understand+speed+-+We+want+fast+%3Cb%3Ehands%3C%2Fb%3E+not+only+fast+%3Cb%3Ewrists%3C%2Fb%3E%E2%80%A6&c=49&sigr=p1.20T6t2PhZ&sigt=TgYL9RjnOaVP&sigi=tQX30R19lf7R&fr=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&h=225&w=300&l=316&age=1673380807&fr=yfp-t&tt=b

NoDakRube
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 2:44 pm

I am the other way, when I swing harder I hit it better, up to a point. The smooth and easy approach has never worked for me.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 2:56 pm

Interesting. I had someone tell me a long time ago if I could swing a club on a hardwood floor in my socks and stay perfectly in balance, that would greatly help me in my ball striking. Thus I worked on that, and to this day (at 70 years old) I can still swing the golf club fully in my socks on a hardwood floor and not slip or slide, or lose my balance.

NoDakRube
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 4:32 pm

I can’t swing the club on the fairway with golf spikes on and have my feet stay in the same position…now I have back issues and my right hip is shot so that might have something to do with it.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 4:43 pm

Might… grin.

skolifer
skolifer
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 3:45 pm

there are about 20 or so ‘name of your sex tape’ titles in this thread

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 3:17 pm

Some good stuff there, especially concerning the body stuff – most am’s overly work their bodies far too much. Where I might disagree with this guy is fast versus efficient hands, Again most am’s actually lose speed because of inefficient hands. To me, the hands and arms kind of work together as one.
At my best, I practice half back swings coming forward with fast arms/hands. Contact is better, hands release the club very efficiently, and I can hit it just about as far as regular swing.
For sure for most am’s, proper use of arms and hands is the key to better golf.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 3:27 pm

Yeah, I have always been more of a swinger, than a hitter I guess. I have never felt like I cocked my wrists at all for instance.

VikingPhilip
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 3:28 pm

This comment could go south very quickly.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 3:29 pm

Laughing… indeed.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 3:40 pm

If you just keep your wrists “soft”, they will cock and uncock automatically. In fact you can’t keep it from happening.
Golf swing made simple- take club back with arms/hands and place over right shoulder. Swing forward with arms/hands, brush the grass and place club over left shoulder. That’s it.
Hit ball further, swing arms/hands further – that’s it.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 3:44 pm

Sounds good JR

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 3:46 pm

good luck. Would say as “we” get older, everyone loses distance. Can’t beat Father Time.

JacksonVike
21 December 2023 12:32 pm

I wonder if Quessenberry can play guard?

bowbunch
bowbunch
21 December 2023 12:10 pm

NoDakRube
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 1:25 pm

I like it.

DE Viking
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 3:23 pm

If the Vikings lose Sunday, I’d bet the game is moved, even though they claim it won’t be.

NoDakRube
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 4:37 pm

No, the Vikings have a 98% chance of making the playoffs if they lose Sunday but win the next 2, they are not going to move this game.

JRobert
JRobert
21 December 2023 12:07 pm

Another little bit of information I was listening to yesterday – sort of in interesting.
Discussion was about chances of Purdy winning the MVP. Thoughtful stuff and other notable names were discussed.
Then one of the analysts asked – do you think if Purdy played for the Jets he’d even be ranked as a top 20 QB?
Made me think some.

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 12:19 pm

Is Purdy performing because of the system, and Shanahan scheming to Purdy’s strengths? Was Culpepper average w/o Moss?

Can’t help but think of the movie Deliverance when I read of the 9er’s qb. “He sure has purdy teeth”.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 12:31 pm

I think this aspect plays out this way for every QB in the league. There is no such thing as a successful (i.e. winning) QB on a bad team.

bowbunch
bowbunch
21 December 2023 11:58 am

Behave yourselves. Off to our Christmas party.
comment image

bowbunch
bowbunch
21 December 2023 11:58 am

freezeyface
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 12:15 pm

NoDakRube
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 1:37 pm

This makes my heart happy.

bowbunch
bowbunch
21 December 2023 11:57 am

Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 11:45 am

Someone below said watching this team is like a kick in the nuts (Ben?).
Made me think of this.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:57 am

My favorite is the handshake nut shot at the end.

Reminds me of when I worked at a lawn care place in the summers between college.

This was before the movie Waiting.
They had their own game in place where any time you tried to sit down, someone would try and poke your ass with their thumb and then everyone would call you (not the thumb poker) gay.

Anyways, they also liked to try and give you nut shots.

Man, was that a fucked up place to work. These days it would have been a lawsuit.

bowbunch
bowbunch
21 December 2023 11:37 am

bowbunch
bowbunch
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:48 am

“Like watching your mother in law drive your Cadillac of a cliff. You have mixed emotions.”

I think that aptly describes my feelings watching the Vikings lately.

NoDakRube
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 1:21 pm

Thats awesome

NoDakRube
21 December 2023 11:19 am

According to the New York Times playoff calculator, if the Vikings lose this weekend but win the next 2, they have better than a 98% chance to make the playoffs……

@Maybe the Vikes should rest their starters this week?@

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 11:30 am

What are the odds if we just win them all?

NoDakRube
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 1:21 pm

> 99%

KFEY93
21 December 2023 11:06 am

Since it might get lost in the shuffle, is the rule that we can only talk about the deer on the highway on Tuesdays (may his rests be long and sustaining) ? Or is it we can talk about him every day EXCEPT Tuesdays? Looking for clarification.

bowbunch
bowbunch
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 11:09 am

I vote Captain Dork of the Nerd Squad conversations only on Tuesdays since perma-ban was vetoed.

KFEY93
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 11:13 am

Im fine with just Tuesdays.

NoDakRube
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 11:17 am

Yes, the motion was made and seconded for an only on Tuesdays discussion….there was not a final vote of the membership but there seems to be consensus for this approach..

The original motion was never on Tuesdays, and then there was an amendment for never ever, but I think most of us agree once a week is plenty and doable.

KFEY93
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 11:40 am

Perfect, thank you for clarification, I will stop breaking the rule now that I am aware of it in full.

JacksonVike
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 12:08 pm

I would like to take the time to apologize for my actions yesterday. I was not aware of the seriousness of the previous days, Tuesdays only vote. I would not have posted the article I had posted otherwise.

bowbunch
bowbunch
Reply to  JacksonVike
21 December 2023 12:09 pm

You should have known it was serious. We never joke in these parts. Sarcasm especially is strictly forbidden.

JacksonVike
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 12:11 pm

I am now aware, and will take everything to heart, that is posted on the daily thread.

NoDakRube
21 December 2023 10:41 am

VP….
Just saw the bad news on your grandson.
I will be praying him…
Could you please provide his first name?

Also do you by chance now the type of Leukemia?
ALL, AML, CML, JMML?

If you don’t respond I will assume you didn’t see it and will ask again tomorrow.

VikingPhilip
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 3:01 pm

Info posted above.

NoDakRube
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:23 am

This is true…

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 12:37 pm

Seconded

HUNViking
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 2:20 pm

Thirded

Mjolnir
21 December 2023 10:31 am

The pic up top is badass btw.

Love everything about it – neck roll, torn jersey, blood on the pants.

Scott Effing Studwell

That is Vikings football to me.

Skol!

DE Viking
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:06 am

@Puketown has grass, so it must be good@

Mjolnir
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 10:08 am

Can’t speak for Puketown….

but…

grass IS good

😵‍💫😵‍💫

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  Mjolnir
21 December 2023 10:41 am

Just heard “Do you Feel like we do” from Frampton Comes Alive.
Made me wanna light up right then.

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:10 am

If my wife can grow tomatoes at 6000′ above sea level, a bunch of smart guys and girls could figure a way to grow grass at the Bank. It would be very $pendy

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  SkolfromMT
21 December 2023 10:27 am

Interesting. Was talking to a lawn expert yesterday – mine sucks. He said all grass needs is sunlight, moderate temperatures, and water (probably reasonable soil too), Doesn’t seem like that would be too hard to duplicate.

DE Viking
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 12:26 pm

The problem is, the sun angle from Nov to Jan in Minny isn’t strong enough to grow grass. If you know a way to duplicate the sun, let the Wilfs know.

bowbunch
bowbunch
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 12:32 pm

Lots of black lights.

Northwoods
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 12:33 pm

Simple. Just mount a big mirror on the moon.

comment image

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  DE Viking
21 December 2023 12:33 pm

Don’t know, but will artificial light work?

KFEY93
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:16 am

It can be done, it would just be insanely expensive but also as they said, what do you do with the grass when the Vikings are not playing and other events have to go on? If they had a building connected to the stadium where the sod could be wheeled to for watering and light when there isnt football being played that could work but its a little late to be doing that.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:28 am

Logic doesn’t apply. Just agenda to be pushed.

KFEY93
21 December 2023 9:24 am

As surprising as our defense has been, there’s some context that seems to be missing. Every system has its weaknesses that can be exploited. Usually that comes from not having the perfect personnel, which the Vikings dont. Our DBs are small and can be bodied by physical WRs, jump balls etc, we also still dont have a legit pass rusher bedsides Hunter. We have also faced back up level QBs for a good chunk of the season. What Flores has done is amazing but it CAN be better, as I stated last April, this defense will take time to be true top 3 to 5. They made the jump to top 10 way faster than I anticipated. I hope we keep him around.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 9:28 am

We technically do have a 2nd pass rusher, he just doesn’t want to play.
What a shit signing.
Although I will admit the tape on the one game Davenport did play was impressive. That man can play if he wants to.

Anyways, I just wanted to take this opportunity to shit all over Davenport.

What an asshole.

KFEY93
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 9:32 am

True, honestly though he’s not even in my mind as being part of the discussion berceuse he might as well just be a piece of furniture in the locker room. So, point still stands, one pass rusher haha. He wont be here next year, so I still stand with extending JJ, Hunter, Flores over Kirk, drafting a big bodied CB, DE, NT, Guard/Center, maybe a safety etc. And hitting on one big stud FA. Bring in a cheap bridge QB on a two year deal, draft your QBOTF and profit in the next season or two. Boom, who wants me on their corporate team? Im a hustler.

Mjolnir
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 9:38 am

‘What an asshole….’

Words you never want to hear from anyone but your proctologist….

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 9:43 am

Ass hole or piece of shit? I am leaning towards piece of shit.

JacksonVike
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 12:17 pm

I know everyone talks about Flores leaving, but he did turn down an opportunity to be a head coach last year, to be the DC for the Vikings. Maybe, he does not want to be a head coach and enjoys being a coordinator, or maybe he knew the Cards were a shit show.

Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 8:51 am

Brian Flores defense stalls out in the 4th quarter since forever.
It’s actually improved under KOC.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 9:15 am

Yep. I even voiced that opinion myself.

It’s not true.

4th quarter Flores sucks. Cut him.

Mjolnir
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 9:46 am

Agreed. Given the fiasco in Miami I don’t see Flores as a ‘yes man’ he’ll push back if he disagrees.

I watched the Belichek/Parcells 30 for 30 and they had a dynamic like that. Belichek knew what he was doing and would straight tell Parcells to get bent. Worked out well for both.

Mjolnir
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:00 am

It is. Was real good though.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 9:47 am

So true. I absolutely love pressure defense. But if I’m Flores near the end with a lead, it would be scarry as hell to call a heavy blitz and put our DB’s in man coverage.

Mjolnir
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 10:09 am

He’s called zero blitz with zone behind it several times this year iirc….

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Mjolnir
21 December 2023 10:14 am

Hope we got home – don’t remember though. Just remember all those blitzes against the Chargers with soft DB coverage and Herbert threw for over 400 yards. Yuck!

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 10:38 am

I’ve watched a ton of tape.

Flores play calls with any sort of lead resembles Donatels.

They both go to a 3 deep shell, sometimes with man under, and don’t blitz much.

The deep zones get gutted.

Time and time again.

The only surprising part to me is that Flores seems to naturally revert to this.

I thought it was a KOC influence.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 10:42 am

You remember the 49er game and they brought zero blitz just before half.
The entire football world destroyed the Niners DC for the call – since we burnt them for a TD.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 10:50 am

I’m not even remotely advocating for zero blitzes. Ever.

Nevermind. I watch way too much tape.

The difference in defense is night and day on depth and positioning when we get a lead.

We basically stop blitzing. Like Chicago’s last game winning drive.
One bliz on 6 plays. Deep cover 3 shell most plays.

Weak.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 10:58 am

I think we agree – you can’t have a 15 yard gap between your second and third layers of the defense. It’s just too easy for any reasonable NFL QB.
And, I have no idea why they are playing like this.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 11:06 am

You should go watch some of the play off loss to the giants.

You’ll notice a pattern.

Deep zone shells with giants receivers running wide open through the gaps underneath.

Am I the only one that remembers this?

Same wide open middle of the field plays against the Bengals.

It was crazy to see.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 11:10 am

I agree completely. Now the Bengals game wasn’t good , but that Giants playoff game was pitiful.
Now, I hate this big gap defense. but if our DB would simply jump up and bat the ball away against the Bengals, we might have less concern.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 11:18 am

That’s the issue when you revert to a bend, but don’t break strategy.

Sometimes the other team has the potential to break you.

Not sure what we can do about undersized corners getting out jumped.

Draft new corners, I guess?

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:32 am

Is it really that big of a stretch to think KOC favors and encourages this approach?
His first choice for a coordinator was Donatel who likes deep shells.
So KOC has now had 2 D coordinators that would immediately revert to a 2 or even 3 deep cover shell in the 4th with any sort of lead.
It doesn’t work. Teams would come right back into it in 2022. I laid out all the 2022 blown leads a few days ago.
It’s a legit question to wonder why
another D coordinator, who is known for aggression, is doing the exact same weak zone coverage as Donatel?

And I’m not talking about a traditional cover 2 or three shell that Flores reverted to either.

We are playing our guys 20 yards off the LOS and dropping 8 in multiple plays.
Anyone who watched that tape from the Bengals game should have been horrified by the huge gaps in our zone defense. By design.

Those weak zones are crap, and the exact opposite of aggression.

And yes, I do think Flores would drop into a soft zone if Koc asked him too.
It’s not like that is some kind of crazy concept.
Defenses do it all the time. Zimmer did it too at times. It has its place.

Flores isn’t crazy and just sitting around wanting to rush 6 on a zero blitz, but koc is telling him what coverage to run.

KOC likes to play safe, conservative, football in the 4th with any sort of lead. All those one score leads are no accident, and look what kind of offensive plays he calls. Safe, conservative, even scared.

Everything I’ve seen, KOC likes the soft zone D that gets called, and I’m sure he discusses it with Flores.

What I didn’t realize was Flores reverts to it out of instinct too.
But I was slowly coming around to wondering.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:03 am

KOC hired Donatel since the fangio defense limits explosive plays at the expense of stopping the run.
If you watch KOC, the guy loves to throw deep and will happily not run the ball.

Fangio D is dangerous to a KOC scheme.

Problem was we sucked at running it and left huge gaps in the zones to run through.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:15 am

He’s not fangio. That’s for sure.

Is the talent really better this year though?

I’d say it’s similar.

Flores is getting a heck of a lot more out of the same guys.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:29 am

Agree with pace and mettilus.

And as a whole the CBs are playing better.
I really thought Hicks sucked last year.
He’s much better in the Flores scheme.

Having Smith and mettilus sit back in cover 2 was a waste of their talents in Donatels defense.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 10:40 am

I don’t know about this. KOC is a former QB and OC. If you give him KC,JJ, JA, KO and Hock against that defense, they would absolutely light it up. He knows this.
I wonder if the problem is we don’t really have one really good cover guy.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 10:52 am

He does know this. Yet it is a staple of the 4th quarter defense of both his coordinators.

It’s no secret. It’s why our 20 point leads last year evaporated against bad Bears and Jets teams.

It wasn’t because they were beating zero blitzs.

Hell, Donatel rarely blitzed.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 11:02 am

He’s a former QB and knows how to exploit this type of defense.
Perhaps you’re right, just makes little sense.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 11:08 am

Take a look at how wide open and exposed the middle of the field was in the giants play off loss.

The gaps in the zone defense was insane.
Guys were freely running untouched.

Yet here we are again.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 11:15 am

I agree the Giants game was pitiful – an absolute shit show the entire game.
Slight difference (as I remember) the Giants were using motion and our DB’s were actually lost and running away from the middle as the play starts – most of the game.
And our DE’s didn’t maintain outside control and let Jones run all over the place.
It was a horrible effort and piss poor coaching.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 11:24 am

I remember we could not stop any pass over the middle and Jones was running free the whole game.
I also remember any type of man coverage was a complete disaster.
I think Donatel told everyone we would like the new look of the defense?
Was it to call more man coverage that looked as bad or worse than the zone he normally calls?

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 12:00 pm

One last about the pass over the middle. They would throw a 10 yard crossing route and we didn’t even have a defender within five yards. Play after play – it was stunning.

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 10:12 am

Can we just cut him every 4th quarter and then re-sign him?

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  SkolfromMT
21 December 2023 11:09 am

He did say he’ll do better and admitted it wasn’t working.

We’ll see.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 9:23 am

Yup, literally all bad is 100% KOC’s fault, all good is 100% a fluke. These people are just negative to the bone when it comes to the Vikings.

HUNViking
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 2:26 pm

Harbaugh. His name is Harbaugh.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 9:17 am

Well, my D never stalls out.
So there.

NoDakRube
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:27 am

My Gaydar just went off…

freezeyface
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:04 am

they sell it at sharper image

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 10:00 am

Ben is hitting on you, just so you are aware.

NoDakRube
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:45 am

You are one sick son of a bitch.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:00 am

Dude didn’t back down hahaha. Love it.

NoDakRube
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 11:21 am

Another experience that is not on my bucket list.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 2:42 pm

This you?

1000013934
No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 3:00 pm

That is… disturbing.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 11:32 am

It’s an everyday thing

Surly Viking
Admin
21 December 2023 8:30 am

FTP
FTP
FTP

JRobert
JRobert
21 December 2023 8:17 am

Yesterday was a bit slow so I went looking around for some football stuff.
Came across several Viking fans posts calling for KOC’s head. Stuff like he’s over his head, was just lucky last year, etc.
I was frankly shocked and think that is a gross over reaction based on the last couple of weeks. Anyone feel differently?

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:25 am

Fans overreact. Myself included.

I am fine with the 5 year plan for coach and GM, and once we go through 3 more seasons with no championship, I will jump back on the FIRE EVERYONE bandwagon.

KFEY93
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 9:07 am

5 years and 2 to 3 years of the QB of their choosing should be the leash.

Mjolnir
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 10:06 am

Yup. There are circumstances for firing a coach early. Denver – they signed Hackett thinking they’d land Rodgers and then scrambled into a terrible trade for Wilson. Then they shit the bed and he’s gone. Urban Meyer also comes to mind – embarrassed himself and the Jaguars and was generally a dick – so they shitcanned him. Other examples obviously. Give a guy time if he shows you results. Bad coaching at times aside, KOC is getting results. I think it’s promising that IF he cleans up the mistakes this team might could win some games….

Mjolnir
Reply to  benjammin
21 December 2023 10:34 am

Carolina is an absolute dumpster fire. Rumors that coaching staff wanted Stroud and ownership wanted Young and wouldn’t budge.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:27 am

These people can’t be taken seriously.

NoDakRube
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 10:28 am

I know, right? If they want to be taken seriously they need to be posting on Skoloholics.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  NoDakRube
21 December 2023 10:29 am

Wrenage
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:37 am

I’m more of a three-year person with coaches and GM.

First year, establish their vision
Second year, push for playoffs
Third year, playoff win or at least something equally valid

If they don’t do that, don’t waste anymore time on them. Fire and move on immediately. No seven-year aimless wandering in the desert. They don’t have it.

KFEY93
Reply to  Wrenage
21 December 2023 9:08 am

Problem is they dont have their QB. Im on the train if your roster and QB dont get you to the bowl in 5 years, pack it up for both of em.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  Wrenage
21 December 2023 9:24 am

3 Years… that gets you into maybe 1 at the most years having the guys and contracts you want. I think they need 5. Unless it’s a disaster of course.

DE Viking
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:49 am

It’s an overreaction.

KFEY93
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 9:07 am

I agree. I believe Jro is the loudest voice calling for KOCs head, I find that laughable after a season and a half of football for a first time head coach inheriting a broken and aging team and trying to make it his own. That takes time. It takes more time to make that time viable and actually competitive. I think a lot of folks have very unrealistic expectations for last year and this season. Its gone about as expected imo, and calling for KOCs head is super reactionary and emotional. I get it, losing close games is hard to handle, regardless of circumstances around the loss, but, it would be foolish to fire a head coach at this stage. Let him get his QB for a year or two then lets evaluate.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 9:33 am

Not really calling out anyone here – it was elsewhere and it was pretty loud. Fans do seem to always have higher expectations – guess it’s just part of the game.

KFEY93
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 9:46 am

I call those fans rubes or casuals. They think every team every year is SB bound because its “fun” and thats what true fans do. I disagree with that mentality but thats because im not that type of fan and I dont have that childlike view of the sport. Then when the flaws of the team get exposed they get pissed and blame the HC for everything instead of just the things the coach can control.

Mjolnir
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 9:51 am

Calling for KOC to be fired is ludicrous. 2 years in a row he’s in playoff contention – not SB bound but it’s a start. Too early to say that it’s his absolute peak to be 1 & done. He can be better, and hopefully he will be.

KFEY93
Reply to  Mjolnir
21 December 2023 10:21 am

Yes sir

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  KFEY93
21 December 2023 10:46 am

I am both. A rube and casual fan.
Fuck the Vikings if they are not going to try hard for a championship. The “competitive rebuild” bullshit tells me all I need. owners want the stadium full and money to keep pouring in without producing a top tier team.

I will watch, and root for them. I will rant stupid shit since I am not an expert.

I will let the GM and Coach do whatever they want, even re signing he who is to only be named on Tuesdays

NoDakRube
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 10:49 am

he who is to only be named on Tuesdays

Well done Surly, thank you for rule following.

KFEY93
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 11:00 am

Oh shit, I didnt follow the rule. Wait is the rule you can ONLY talk about him on his rest days or you CANT talk about him on his rest days?

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 11:01 am

So what would be trying hard for a championship in your mind look like?

KFEY93
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 11:12 am

I know you are asking Surly, but I would say not sinking dead cap and resources into an aging, emotionally weak QB, finding the right young guy for your system, bolstering both lines via draft and FA and nailing coaching positions. They have the opportunity to do those first two this coming off season. As well as getting the team financially stable around the cap and acquiring draft capitol and cutting dead weight when needed. The did a little of that last year but theres more work to be done.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 11:19 am

Burn it all down when they Fired Zim/Wryck.
Dump ALL high priced talent not on rookie deals.
Draft O Line and D line until you dominate both lines of scrimmage.
Look for QBOTF vs what they continue to roll out.

OR

For this season, it would look like trading up to draft in the top 10 and get whatever QB is their next mistake, then shore up the lines best they can.

Sign JJ and wave goodbye to several overpriced people. I am also fine if they trade JJ for picks.

They are currently short more than 1 player, so the qb is critical but not the only place that needs to do better.

At least create the illusion that you are trying to win a championship vs just plodding along, satisfied with just above average.

bowbunch
bowbunch
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 11:22 am

One big concerning thing to me is the seeming lack of a direction in their moves. Even listening to Movin the Chains a couple of months ago, the hosts (Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller) made a comment that they had no idea what Kwesi is doing and that the moves he has made seem to be taking them down 3 different paths.

KFEY93
Reply to  bowbunch
21 December 2023 11:43 am

Yup, make up your mind and commit. Trying to make everyone happy, clean cap space AND expect to “compete” are never going to happen and you will be stuck where we have been the past half decade, .500 hell and then no one gets what they want.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 12:05 pm

My only problem with this is in my experience people saying what you’re saying get pissed when gambles don’t work. If you gamble, sometimes you lose. So it’s all good talk that they should burn it all down and find the QBOTF but those are just words and not an easy task. So if you roll the dice and burn it all down you could end up like the Bears and Lions were and then you continue to burn it all down and burn it all down, and burn it all down. I’ll take trying to win.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 12:37 pm

Right – file this in the “talk is cheap file.”

HUNViking
Reply to  Surly Viking
21 December 2023 3:07 pm

^^This^^, pretty much.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 9:14 am

People are nuts.
I have been very critical of him, and really wanted Harbaugh, but he’s been improving as a play caller and is a decent head coach.

His tendency to stick with a struggling player or coach is both good and bad. He tried to “coach up” Dobbs, and I thought he should have stopped after the Chicago game. But that persistent attitude will help if we get a rookie QB.
In hindsight, was anyone surprised that trying to get Dobbs to run our offense as a pure pocket passer failed?
He also stuck with trashy Donatel, and sticking with Mattison as much as he did shows he will stay the course on a struggling player.

In hindsight:
If you wanted to sign a certain QB to a long term contract and try and win now, then I still think Harbaugh should have been the pick. He’s a proven winner, and knows how to run a team.
If you want to draft and develop, I think that more suits kumbaya Kevs style.

Firing him silly. My biggest pet peeve with him and Flores has been running a neutered offense and defense in crunch time.

Both of them have come out now and said that was a bad idea.

Against the Bengals KOC called a good game….with the exception of running the exact same play twice. I’m not even saying 2 sneaks were bad. Just not the exact same thing that they already stopped. Otherwise, it was a good game plan.

Flores was ok.
Sometimes our guys got outplayed, but other times he’s got 3 safeties 20+ yards off the LOS.

That’s crazy and setting up the guys for failure.

Anyways, I hope both of them keep improving.

KFEY93
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 9:33 am

Solid post, up vote for you

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  Big Stupid Face
21 December 2023 9:43 am

a lot of excellent points.
When I first heard the stuff I thought – First year coach and went 13-4 with a team that had been 500 for a couple of years (same players).
And now, if someone had said we would lose QB1 and WR1 for over have the season, 7-7 at this point with still a chance for playoffs seems pretty good to me. We can can second guess playcalls on both sides of the ball – esp, when things don’t work out.
And I do think things are getting better. Oline couldn’t block very well last year and it seems to be getting pretty good at least on pass blocking. And, there has been a big improvement on defense.
Regardless, under the circumstances, think from an overall standpoint KOC has done pretty well.

No longer New Vikings Fan
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 9:44 am

In every sport there is an element of luck. Were we fortunate last year? Sure we were. Josh Allen’s fumble that Kendricks recovered in the end zone with 40 seconds left was pure providence. I mean, that game was a crazy set of bounces for both teams.

This years misfortune can be directly traced to turnovers though. Plain and simple. Without those, we might be undefeated, even with Cousins out.

As to KOC, I think his offensive passing scheme is very hard to execute, Both the receivers and the QB have to read the defense, and the receivers are required to adjust their routes mid-flight. Somehow he still expects the QB to “know” where the receivers are going, and deliver the ball to them “on time”. However, timing throws aren’t really a big part of the scheme, so the arm talent of the QB along with his processing speed are at a premium. Notice we don’t run a lot of slants. Why is that? Because KOC’s vision is very cerebral and simple plays seem to be beneath him somehow. He wants a complex route combination that adjusts to the defense, not simple throws to the inside or the outside.

There are so many simple plays that KOC just doesn’t run at all, which could pick up 5 yards. I don’t know why he doesn’t run them. Like, ever.

So as brilliant as KOC is in scheming an offense, I think he leaves plays, yards, and first downs on the field way too often. Also, he too often makes it hard on the QB, as he has to do a lot of processing on passing plays, that can lead to his QB having to hold the ball too long.

Thus, I am not a fan of his game-planning, or offensive play-calls, and currently, not a big fan of him as a head coach.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 9:58 am

Well, we’ll just have to disagree on the offensive scheme. I think our offense is great IF you have a talented WR corps and an experienced QB (brains) with an arm. We force defenses to cover all nine quadrants of the field on all plays. generally, when everyone is on the field, it’s pretty solid. Now, if we blocked a little better on run plays, it would be really tough to defend.
Now, I may like shanahan’s version of this offense, but we don’t have the skill players for that. Our talent is throwing the ball down the field.

Mjolnir
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 10:02 am

Agreed. Good take.

Big Stupid Face
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 11:34 am

Very accurate

KFEY93
Reply to  No longer New Vikings Fan
21 December 2023 10:26 am

So as brilliant as KOC is in scheming an offense, I think he leaves plays, yards, and first downs on the field way too often. Also, he too often makes it hard on the QB, as he has to do a lot of processing on passing plays, that can lead to his QB having to hold the ball too long.

Thus, I am not a fan of his game-planning, or offensive play-calls, and currently, not a big fan of him as a head coach.

Translation – KOCs scheme makes it hard for my nephew to play QB and I dont like that so I dont like him as a head coach.

freezeyface
21 December 2023 7:53 am

also idk if there is only one certain player that sucks and needs to be cut…

but the Powell Tush Push needs to be taken out of the playcalling, put in BSF’s burlap sack, beaten, drowned, revived, beaten again, drown and then burned

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 7:56 am

Again, I honestly don’t mind it if it were to set something up. You know it’s 2 down territory. Try the motioned tush push… next time motion him and instead of stopping right behind the qb, hike it he runs a swing route while that side’s WR goes deep, just something. That play in and of itself was a master class of what not to do on that play.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 8:02 am

For sure that play was bad.
But I’m also not a fan of Flores’ three rushers and 3 deep eight in coverage look. Elephants could run through the hole in the zones. And then. our BD’s have a lot of problems bating down balls.

freezeyface
21 December 2023 7:44 am

VP…

Just wanted to say i’m praying for your grandson and for the whole family. What a tough diagnosis during the holidays. The Lord knows. And He will be a stronghold for you and your family.

Love you, buddy

VikingPhilip
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 7:54 am

Thanks freeze.

Also thanks to all the others that gave kind words on Skoloholics After Dark.

I want to go back to bed, but I’m off to the Salt Mines. At least I’m getting fed since there is a Christmas luncheon today.

DE Viking
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 8:03 am

So sorry to hear VP.
Devastating for the family, but the LORD has your back.

Mjolnir
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 8:46 am

Very sorry to hear VP. Good buddy of mine had something similar with his little girl – she was 7 at the time of her diagnosis. Graduated high school this year. She’s healthy, happy and will be around a long time. So will your grandson.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 7:54 am

Oh no… I must have missed something yesterday… Whatever it is sounds horrible and yeah around the holidays always sucks. Just had a co-workers dad die on Monday. Whatever it is man, hope everything takes a turn for the better!

VikingPhilip
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 7:56 am

You can see the whole lamentation on last night’s thread, but short version is that my 3 year old grandson was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this week. It’s been a rough week.

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 8:04 am

Shit man, I’m so sorry. Every day is precious.

bowbunch
bowbunch
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 8:10 am

That sucks. My best friends kid was diagnosed with leukemia 2 years ago at the same age. It’s been a battle for them but he is happy and healthy now and rings the bell next month. It is scary no doubt but kids are tough. We’ll all be prayin for ya.

Surly Viking
Admin
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 8:26 am

So sorry to hear that.

Wrenage
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 8:38 am

That blows. Keep on keeping on.

SkolfromMT
SkolfromMT
Reply to  VikingPhilip
21 December 2023 10:04 am

I will add your gs to my daily prayer intentions. I guess I don’t need to know his name as God does.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 8:02 am

God Bless you and your family.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:03 am

Mispost – meant for VP.

freezeyface
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:07 am

i mean you can still say it to me, i would take God’s blessings as well, Jro

Edgecrusher71
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 8:08 am

You beat me to it, I was replying that you don’t get no blessings. NO BLESSINGS FOR YOU!

freezeyface
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 8:10 am

comment image

VikingPhilip
Reply to  Edgecrusher71
21 December 2023 3:27 pm

Soup Nazi auto rec. Thanks for making me smile.

JRobert
JRobert
Reply to  freezeyface
21 December 2023 8:11 am

Yea, we could all use a good dose of that every day. Just hoping for a little bigger shot for VP and his grandson.

freezeyface
Reply to  JRobert
21 December 2023 8:11 am

good point, you can take mine as well

About The Author

benjammin

benjammin

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