A month ago, when the Vikings fell to 1-5 against a poor Atlanta team, the Tank for Trevor movement was becoming a thing to consider. But did we think the Vikings were going to quit on Mike Zimmer? Did we really think that? I didn’t think it was possible, and I still don’t. The players that have been with Zimmer a while—Smith, Rudolph, Theilen, Kendricks, Reiff and Wilson—know what kind of a guy and coach Zimmer is, and they weren’t going to quit on him. Now on a modest three-game winning streak, everyone who was openly hoping the team would go south for a high draft choice have to be a tad embarrassed.
Cousins had his best game of the season. He was 10 of 11 on third downs with two TDs. His throws were tight and on target. He showed athleticism on two or three connections by throwing off balance or under duress. He was a professional quarterback. With Cousins steady play, it appears that Rick Speilman won’t have to answer for Santino after all.
The Bears were scouted well on both sides of the ball. Our defense was not surprised by anything Chicago did and it appeared the Bears were not prepared to anything the Vikings defense did. The offense kept tucking the ball in 33s belly and that helped the Vikings get the ball to Jefferson—who among is not excited to watch this young man play this game?
Our special teams—all parts of it—need to get better fast.
Here’s to a game well played Monday night and let’s keep it going now that we’re looking at three home games in a row.
Great article :) The game was ugly in some ways but after watching it twice back I was impressed by a couple of things. On the Chicago side, Hicks is truly a monster. Watching him grab the back of Jefferson's jersey and literally swinging out of the jawing when he was upset really showed his strength. I always thought he was good but man... the dude is an animal. Seemed like we handled Mack without little issue. Even the interception was more Theilen than Mack. I thought the line held up better than I expected. Patterson's 104 return was a thing of beauty and it was almost identical to the one he broke for the Vikings in Chicago. When both of the returns I was surprised that it appeared as the same approach by Patterson. I also thought Harrison Smith and the two Erics had a terrific game. I thought the CBs showed improvement again. Gladney is really improving. I think he's going to be really good. The game was ugly, I am glad we won.
That said, I wouldn't take any of the next 3 games for granted despite how much commentators are suggesting it should be 3 wins with no issues.
Very nice write-up. I have to imagine the weekly film room article will highlight the difference Hicks' absence made in the run game.
Possibly! A lot to take away from this one
Great article considering how bad the game was
A month ago, when the Vikings fell to 1-5 against a poor Atlanta team, the Tank for Trevor movement was becoming a thing to consider. But did we think the Vikings were going to quit on Mike Zimmer? Did we really think that? I didn’t think it was possible, and I still don’t. The players that have been with Zimmer a while—Smith, Rudolph, Theilen, Kendricks, Reiff and Wilson—know what kind of a guy and coach Zimmer is, and they weren’t going to quit on him. Now on a modest three-game winning streak, everyone who was openly hoping the team would go south for a high draft choice have to be a tad embarrassed.
Cousins had his best game of the season. He was 10 of 11 on third downs with two TDs. His throws were tight and on target. He showed athleticism on two or three connections by throwing off balance or under duress. He was a professional quarterback. With Cousins steady play, it appears that Rick Speilman won’t have to answer for Santino after all.
The Bears were scouted well on both sides of the ball. Our defense was not surprised by anything Chicago did and it appeared the Bears were not prepared to anything the Vikings defense did. The offense kept tucking the ball in 33s belly and that helped the Vikings get the ball to Jefferson—who among is not excited to watch this young man play this game?
Our special teams—all parts of it—need to get better fast.
Here’s to a game well played Monday night and let’s keep it going now that we’re looking at three home games in a row.
Forgot to note that I thought this is Zimmer's best coaching of the season.
Great article :) The game was ugly in some ways but after watching it twice back I was impressed by a couple of things. On the Chicago side, Hicks is truly a monster. Watching him grab the back of Jefferson's jersey and literally swinging out of the jawing when he was upset really showed his strength. I always thought he was good but man... the dude is an animal. Seemed like we handled Mack without little issue. Even the interception was more Theilen than Mack. I thought the line held up better than I expected. Patterson's 104 return was a thing of beauty and it was almost identical to the one he broke for the Vikings in Chicago. When both of the returns I was surprised that it appeared as the same approach by Patterson. I also thought Harrison Smith and the two Erics had a terrific game. I thought the CBs showed improvement again. Gladney is really improving. I think he's going to be really good. The game was ugly, I am glad we won.
That said, I wouldn't take any of the next 3 games for granted despite how much commentators are suggesting it should be 3 wins with no issues.
Crushing it as always Matthew. Appreciate your hard work.
Thank you so much, Justin! Greatly appreciate your support
Awesome write up! What’s the deal with special teams? Never seen it this bad. Chisena. You have one job!!!!!
Thanks! I think the issue with the special teams -- beyond the long snapper having the yips -- is having so many extremely inexperienced players