Post by FSUVike on Mar 20, 2022 17:51:13 GMT -6
Remember when we all said losing Rhodes/Waynes/Mac wasn't a big deal because their replacements couldn't possibly be worse? And then we said it about Hughes/Hill/Gladney. And are now saying it about Peterson/Breeland/Dantzler.
Or how about Compton & Remmers. Elf & Dozier. The lists go on.
If there is one thing being a Vikings fan has taught me it's that there is always someone worse who could play that Position and Minnesota is likely to find and employ that person.
Let's also not forget that Bynum had a small sample size. Or that Everson was the only other consistent pass rusher. Or that everyone is learning a new scheme. Or that when Kendricks gets hurt either Dye or Surratt will be on the field for every Defensive snap. Or that Rookie Corners typically struggle early.
This is why I and others wanted Minnesota to fix the Interior Pass Blocking. The Offense is miles ahead of where the Defense currently stands. It makes sense to fix its remaining issue so that Unit can cover for the other while it's rebuilding.
I named multiple iterations of CBs and OGs going back 4 years. Each new group was either just as bad or worse.
I do believe the Run D will improve. Scheme and having 3 Bigs on the D-Line plus a downhill ILB should improve that aspect. Although the only Edge currently on the Team that doesn't suck against the run is Hunter, so still a little work to be done there.
As far as Pass Rush, Hunter again finds himself alone on the outside. I do believe Watts/Tomlinson/Lynch will provide more consistent pressure up the middle. But will it offset the utter lack of Edge pressure opposite of Hunter? Or will Ed have to blitz a lot. Yes. a high Round pick will help. And it's needed as there is zero evidence Wonnum, Jones or Robinson are anything to count on.
In the Secondary you have Bynum with a limited sample size and Dantzler, who's been inconsistent but at least has had some flashes. There is no CB1 or Slot Corner. Yes, one will come from a high pick but again, Rookie Corners take time to develop. The Nickel Corner is likely to be a Street Free Agent. Sauce Gardner/Dantzler/Street FA is not better on paper than last year's group.
And let's talk about depth. What happens if Hitman misses several games? Does that mean Metellus plays? If Hicks goes down who's stepping in to stop the run? If Gardner/Stingley/Booth/Elam or Dantzler goes down is Boyd up?
The only depth is at DT. Maybe you count Dye or Surratt as guys who could step in for Kendricks. Maybe. I happen to like the upside of both with actual Coaching.
I realize no Team has proven depth everywhere. But Minnesota literally has proven depth at 2 Position Groups: WR and DT/3-4 DE. That's it.
And while I'm actually a proponent of the scheme change it takes more than 1 Training Camp to switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Sure, they will be in Nickel a ton. But their responsibilities will be different enough to require thinking instead of reacting. The keys will likely be different enough. The fundamental techniques will be different enough. The terminology will be different enough.
All of that will result in miscommunication, hesitancy and frankly outright busts in run fits, gap assignments, coverages, etc. And that will likely last through at least the first third of the season.
I'm not a Doom and Gloomer. I'm a Realist. Realistically speaking, the sheer number of things that have to go right for this Defense to improve is just too high. Holes left, health, learning the new scheme fast. Just too much. That's why I'm not going to criticize Ed D. or his Defense at all this year. Unless they tackle like sh*t, which is always inexcusable.
... and neither is this Chris guy.