Excellent article! I have a question about the Vikings goal of smaller, more agile linemen. It clearly worked in Green Bay, but there are other run heavy teams and some of them must focus on larger Off. linemen. Even run heavy teams usually pass for much higher yardage than their run
games. Aren't the Vikes making a sacrifice in pass protection with a smaller OLine
To your question: Yes -- though with Cleveland in there, the only undersized guy vs. league average is probably Bradbury. Last year's Elflein/Bradbury/Kline OL was one of the lightest in the league.
Everything is give and take. Pass protection in the dropback passing game is tougher with a smaller OL because DL are gearing up for the pass and use everything they have. But the Vikings use a lot of bootlegs and play-actions to slow down the rush when they're either ahead or close in games. That's why an early INT like Cousins's vs. Atlanta is so costly... puts them in a position to have to throw a lot. Same with any time the opposition shuts down Cook.
Excellent article! I have a question about the Vikings goal of smaller, more agile linemen. It clearly worked in Green Bay, but there are other run heavy teams and some of them must focus on larger Off. linemen. Even run heavy teams usually pass for much higher yardage than their run
games. Aren't the Vikes making a sacrifice in pass protection with a smaller OLine
How do other teams handle this issue?
To your question: Yes -- though with Cleveland in there, the only undersized guy vs. league average is probably Bradbury. Last year's Elflein/Bradbury/Kline OL was one of the lightest in the league.
Everything is give and take. Pass protection in the dropback passing game is tougher with a smaller OL because DL are gearing up for the pass and use everything they have. But the Vikings use a lot of bootlegs and play-actions to slow down the rush when they're either ahead or close in games. That's why an early INT like Cousins's vs. Atlanta is so costly... puts them in a position to have to throw a lot. Same with any time the opposition shuts down Cook.
Awesome as always. I hope the OL coach took Ezra to IHOP for a short stack after that second one!
Thanks for this great article! What is that unfamiliar feeling in my gut? Is it....hope?
Glad you enjoyed it!