No Spin, analysis of Vikes vs Cowboys

Talking Points

This was one of the best overall big time games I have seen the vikings play on the road against a good team since the Seahawk playoff debacle in the Zman era.
Great coaching game plan and execution by the players on both sides of the ball with the exception of our DB's play.
Great gutsy play to win call, by the Zman, when he went for the touchdown from 4th and 2. Crucial turning point of the game
The Run defense was excellent all night against an outstanding O-line and top offensive team. Without our starting run stopper.
QB play was solid, and Kirk had a very good efficient game 
The offense overall  played well enough and contributed to the win without their number 1 receiver 


Offensive game balls
Kubiack & OC play calling was excellent this week. Great calls at crucial times.
RB Cook was a beast all game, Madison was excellent as well in spot duty.
I can't believe I am saying this but the O-line overall was very good. I even saw improvement in the weak link Elfin. He made some good key blocks and I did not see him get manhandled at all throughout the game. Major improvement against a good D-line, The tackles held up well against top DE's. Bradbury was solid & Dozier was very good.
Rudy was clutch with key catches at crucial times.

Defense game balls
Zman's game plan and great calls at key times were excellent. He had the team ready and prepared from kickoff. Great job
Dline front four were excellent in stopping the run and shutting down Zeke  all game against a top O-line, Great job
Kendricks great play all day, big time pass break-up that won the game.
Holton Hill seemed to play the best of the DB's when given his chance. Two nice pass breakups with good coverage.

Areas of improvement needed going forward 

Offensive
They need to start working Josh Dotson into 3 WR sets to have a number 3 CB on the other team try to cover him. That should be a key match up all day that could result in big chunk plays down the field. It will also lesson the chance of double coverage for Digg's or Theilin
They need to become more dynamic in the pass game, incorporating Dotson in the mix will help.
OG Dozier is doing well, If Elf has problems game to game with larger stronger DT's, where he is getting too many holding penalties and is getting manhandled they need to have a quick hook and put in Collins or Dozier to offset or stabilize the larger stronger DT.   

Defensive

Better CB pass coverage
It appears that Hughes is not as fast as before the injury and that is hurting him a bit in coverage. it may take him a while to get back to full speed.
Rhodes has been okay at best as the number 1 corner 
Waynes seems to be in good position most of the time but does not have great ball placement skills to bat balls down when he's in position to do so. 
Mac is doing well in the slot. His coverage skills seem to be pretty good.
Hill seems to have the best pass coverage skills presently and should be elevated to split time with Rhodes and Waynes as number 1 or 2 corner  

Zman and DB coach need to spend extra time coaching up these DB's to play better in pass coverage. Try different combinations at times until you find the top two to be consistant starters.

Better inside pass rush from DT's
Need to generate a better inside pass rush on passing downs to compliment DE's
Play Ifeadi Odenigbo at DT more. he is a beast and major play maker and as a pass rusher and run stopper also.
design blitz or DL schemes for passing downs that disrupt or collapse inside pocket making QB throw to quickly or be sacked.  



Feel free to opine but remember to keep it pithy!