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Matt Dee's avatar

I don’t think they need to bring anybody in at this point. If KOC can’t put together a successful offense for three weeks with Jefferson, Hockenson, and an improved running game, then he isn’t the offensive genius we think he is. Nobody they bring in is going to be a huge improvement on short notice. Run the ball a bit more, go 2 TEs a little more, let Nailor catch a few balls, let the defense do its thing, and they should be fine.

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andrew stead's avatar

Presumably Addison hoped that by pleading down the suspension might be only two games (otherwise why bother, the risk of jail time for a first DUI with no injuries was nonzero). Oops, but maybe he gets there on appeal.

Still, this shoe was always going to drop. It would be disappointing if KAM/KOC hadn't planned for this already--because agreed, if they were going to add a guy, it should have been before camp. There haven't been any particular surprises, either; Moore and Felton are doing +/- what anyone would or should have expected.

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Matt Dee's avatar

Right. Jefferson and Hockenson are a little dinged up but should be ready week 1. No real surprises unless Moore and Felton are way behind where they thought they’d be. Even if they are, they have plenty of weapons to survive a short stretch assuming McCarthy isn’t a disaster. Bengals may have better weapons without Addison, but I’d still take the Vikings’ weapons over the Bears’ and Falcons’ weapons with Addison out.

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andrew stead's avatar

Yep. Ideally/presumably KAM&KOC looked at the roster, the early part of the schedule and discussed how to best manage the suspension--with nothing they've seen so far causing any need to deviate from their plan.

The Tigers have weapons, but at least four of their starting OL wouldn't start for the Vikings (maybe Fairchild over Jackson, but probably not). It's hard for a QB to complete passes when he's lying on his back with tears in his eyes.

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Gregory's avatar

Why doesn't a heavier use of Nailor fit into your plans for the scheme, Matthew?

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Jared McNeill's avatar

I think they'll be fine, honestly. KOC is an offensive mastermind with so many weapons at his disposal who know his system better than anyone they could bring off the street. Plus, that running game will be a more featured aspect of this offense with the road-graders up front and the split-time arrangement of Jones and Mason. They'll be fine.

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