Running is the Recipe
Nov 15, 2022 14:22:11 GMT -6
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Post by FSUVike on Nov 15, 2022 14:22:11 GMT -6
Of all the potential Playoff matchups the Vikings could face only the 9ers are in Top 10 in Yards Rushing Yards allowed per game (#1 overall).
The Bucs are 14th. The Eagles are 20th. The Gaints are 24th. Seattle is 27th. The Boys are a whopping 29th!
Minnesota needs to get a consistent ground game going. Not because it helps JJ and the other weapons, as well as helping the O-Line keep an aggressive mindset.
No. The Vikings need to pound the damn rock to protect their Defense. Unless Donatell's Group somehow maintains their current pace of generating TOs once the Playoffs start, they will be a major liability.
The best way to protect them is to keep the opposing Offense on the sideline as long as possible. A shortened clock will keep the Defenders fresher. Particularly the pass rushers, who are going to be a key element in any sustained success in the postseason.
The Vikings just had enough success against the #7 ranked Bills Run Defense. If they can really lean on it for success against the Cowboys and Giants I think O'Connell will have a template he can use in the Playoffs. Mixing in Play Action and taking shots to JJ anywhere and Hock and Thielen in the intermediate part of the field with success running off-tackle while still getting enough yardage up the gut to keep putting the Offense in favorable down and distances is the key.
That, and avoiding the 9ers. From the moment the offseason ended I've said that the Vikings can only go so far until they run into a Team that is better on both sides of the Trenches. Right now, San Fran is the only opponent that has that combination. As long as Philly, the Hags, Cowboys and Giants keep struggling against the run there is a path to beat them when it counts the most, by controlling the clock and protecting this horseshoe Defense as long as it can.
The Bucs are 14th. The Eagles are 20th. The Gaints are 24th. Seattle is 27th. The Boys are a whopping 29th!
Minnesota needs to get a consistent ground game going. Not because it helps JJ and the other weapons, as well as helping the O-Line keep an aggressive mindset.
No. The Vikings need to pound the damn rock to protect their Defense. Unless Donatell's Group somehow maintains their current pace of generating TOs once the Playoffs start, they will be a major liability.
The best way to protect them is to keep the opposing Offense on the sideline as long as possible. A shortened clock will keep the Defenders fresher. Particularly the pass rushers, who are going to be a key element in any sustained success in the postseason.
The Vikings just had enough success against the #7 ranked Bills Run Defense. If they can really lean on it for success against the Cowboys and Giants I think O'Connell will have a template he can use in the Playoffs. Mixing in Play Action and taking shots to JJ anywhere and Hock and Thielen in the intermediate part of the field with success running off-tackle while still getting enough yardage up the gut to keep putting the Offense in favorable down and distances is the key.
That, and avoiding the 9ers. From the moment the offseason ended I've said that the Vikings can only go so far until they run into a Team that is better on both sides of the Trenches. Right now, San Fran is the only opponent that has that combination. As long as Philly, the Hags, Cowboys and Giants keep struggling against the run there is a path to beat them when it counts the most, by controlling the clock and protecting this horseshoe Defense as long as it can.
... and neither is this Chris guy.