Great read. My favorite thing about the Vikings organization in the post-Zimmer era (there are a few, no doubt) is their willingness and ability to make adjustments - which is uncommon for a Minnesota sports team. It really gives the fans reason to hope each season. As a long time fan, and all the heartbreak that has come with it, I really appreciate the blend of "let's be competitive now" with "we need core fundamentals to build a strong foundation" (otherwise the highest powered offense in the league can get shutout 41-0 in the NFC Championship game). I really, really hope Murray comes in and just kills it with KOC's guidance. But if he's not the long-term answer, it still feels like we are making pretty good strategic decisions for the long-term. Hopefully Teally adds to the equation. These players have earned a shot at a good season with a competitive team. SKOL.
One of the big surprises to me in the Seahawks stats was how they ranked 26th in Rushing EPA. I keep hearing about how the Seahawks had an amazing run game and they won the Superbowl off of it and Sam Darnold was more along for the ride. This seems to conflict with that narrative.
They played with huge leads often last year, so that might also have contributed to the lower EPA/inefficiency in the running game. I think I saw a stat where they had, by far, the biggest first half scoring differential, so they were playing a lot of games that were essentially over by the end of the 3rd quarter. Running on nearly every play for more than a quarter will impact those numbers quite a bit, unless you're like the '06 Chargers or '24 Eagles and just blasting open holes for a HOF RB in the 4th quarter.
Great read. My favorite thing about the Vikings organization in the post-Zimmer era (there are a few, no doubt) is their willingness and ability to make adjustments - which is uncommon for a Minnesota sports team. It really gives the fans reason to hope each season. As a long time fan, and all the heartbreak that has come with it, I really appreciate the blend of "let's be competitive now" with "we need core fundamentals to build a strong foundation" (otherwise the highest powered offense in the league can get shutout 41-0 in the NFC Championship game). I really, really hope Murray comes in and just kills it with KOC's guidance. But if he's not the long-term answer, it still feels like we are making pretty good strategic decisions for the long-term. Hopefully Teally adds to the equation. These players have earned a shot at a good season with a competitive team. SKOL.
One of the big surprises to me in the Seahawks stats was how they ranked 26th in Rushing EPA. I keep hearing about how the Seahawks had an amazing run game and they won the Superbowl off of it and Sam Darnold was more along for the ride. This seems to conflict with that narrative.
They played with huge leads often last year, so that might also have contributed to the lower EPA/inefficiency in the running game. I think I saw a stat where they had, by far, the biggest first half scoring differential, so they were playing a lot of games that were essentially over by the end of the 3rd quarter. Running on nearly every play for more than a quarter will impact those numbers quite a bit, unless you're like the '06 Chargers or '24 Eagles and just blasting open holes for a HOF RB in the 4th quarter.
Awesome article - a lot of great information. I like the breakdown - gives a glimmer of hope. :) Looking forward to the defense part!!