Defense Looks Slow & Confused - Is it the 3-4 or Donatell?
Oct 10, 2022 12:08:38 GMT -6
via mobile
HunterMorrow, vikingpwr, and 1 more like this
Post by MidwinterViking on Oct 10, 2022 12:08:38 GMT -6
I don't buy the lack of talent argument at all.
Dalvin Tomlinson is a wrecking ball. Dantzler has taken the step forward we hoped. Hunter is known to be very good to elite. Za'Darius has brought everything we hoped for in both energy and rush skills.
Chandon Sullivan has been a huge improvement. Per Pro Football Reference, Sullivan has allowed 9 catches in 5 games - that's 1.8 per game in a target heavy slot role. Those 9 catches have gone for 96 yards = 19.2 per game.
Last year Mac Alexander allowed 2.8 catches and 40 yards per game in the same role. So far, Sullivan has cut opponents production to the slot in HALF. Sullivan has also missed 0 tackles so far (Mac missed 8 in 2021). If you want to rip on him ok, but you better bring strong evidence or you'll look very wrong.
The issue is scheme. Two things in particular, somewhat related.
1. The safties are playing really far back. They stop the deep ball, but can't participate in plays. Harrison Smith has fallen from 7.6 tackles per game in 2021 to 5.6 in 2022. There has been a similar drop off from Xavier Woods to Cam Bynum. The deep safety net has effectively taken the safties out of 4 of 60 plays a game and put them further downfield on others.
2. Blitzing. Or lack therefore. Zimmer wasn't a prolific blitzer, but he did show blitzes a lot. Safties aren't a threat to blitz. And compared to other teams the Vikings seldom bring pressure. There has been nothing to confuse opponents protection, so it's all on Hunter and Smith to make plays 1 on 1. The Vikings need to figure out a way to at least make the other team think before the snap and react after it.
Dalvin Tomlinson is a wrecking ball. Dantzler has taken the step forward we hoped. Hunter is known to be very good to elite. Za'Darius has brought everything we hoped for in both energy and rush skills.
Chandon Sullivan has been a huge improvement. Per Pro Football Reference, Sullivan has allowed 9 catches in 5 games - that's 1.8 per game in a target heavy slot role. Those 9 catches have gone for 96 yards = 19.2 per game.
Last year Mac Alexander allowed 2.8 catches and 40 yards per game in the same role. So far, Sullivan has cut opponents production to the slot in HALF. Sullivan has also missed 0 tackles so far (Mac missed 8 in 2021). If you want to rip on him ok, but you better bring strong evidence or you'll look very wrong.
The issue is scheme. Two things in particular, somewhat related.
1. The safties are playing really far back. They stop the deep ball, but can't participate in plays. Harrison Smith has fallen from 7.6 tackles per game in 2021 to 5.6 in 2022. There has been a similar drop off from Xavier Woods to Cam Bynum. The deep safety net has effectively taken the safties out of 4 of 60 plays a game and put them further downfield on others.
2. Blitzing. Or lack therefore. Zimmer wasn't a prolific blitzer, but he did show blitzes a lot. Safties aren't a threat to blitz. And compared to other teams the Vikings seldom bring pressure. There has been nothing to confuse opponents protection, so it's all on Hunter and Smith to make plays 1 on 1. The Vikings need to figure out a way to at least make the other team think before the snap and react after it.
... and neither is this Chris guy.