It ain't over!
If you think the season is over for the Minnesota Vikings, it's not.
By: Ross Blilie
As I watched the game between the Chargers and Vikings yesterday, I became just as upset and frustrated as every other Vikings fan in attendance at U.S. Bank Stadium. I had a hard time understanding how in the world T.J. Hockenson got the ball ripped out of his hands as he was being tackled to the ground. I also had a hard time understanding how the new and supposed improved secondary on defense gave up 18 catches and 215 yards to Keenan Allen as well as 405 yards passing from Justin Herbert. Moreover, I am still struggling to comprehend the decision making skills of Kirk Cousins.
There are so many questions that need answers. But what really needs to happen is that the team needs to come together, get on the same page, and win. The offensive line needs to take the bull by the horns and block much better for Cousins. The running backs need to be faster and more physical. The defensive secondary needs to become much more physical as well as play closer to the opposing wide receivers. The conservative zone defense that Flores has been playing isn't working. His blitz packages are not getting any pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. All they are doing is anticipating the blitz and then throwing bubble screens to the recievers or running backs to take the blitzer out of the play. Simple. I understand that as a corner and safety you don't want to give up the big play or the long route, but right now, they are not keeping anything in front of them nor are they stopping the opposition from scoring. So it stands to reason then, that there needs to be a change in strategy. Coach Flo has to come up with a different scheme.
When it comes to the Vikings offense, its the play of the offensive line that has not brought any success. They are struggling to open holes for Alexander Mattison. They are struggling in pass protection for Cousins to make a good decision on where to throw the ball. Something needs to change in that position group. Until we can see the offensive line pushing forward and keeping D-Ends out of Cousins' face, the Vikings offense is going to continue to struggle.
As a loyal fan to this football club, I still want to have optimism that they will turn things around and start a winning streak. How long, I don't know, but it has to start next sunday.
Ross Blilie is an avid NFL fan of the Minnesota Vikings since the 1990’s. He loves to talk about the NFL. He also enjoys attending the University Of North Dakota Men’s Hockey games in Grand Forks, ND. His hobbies also include bowling with his wife and friends, narrating audiobooks, fishing, and even sitting by a campfire with family at Lake Blackduck in Minnesota. You can find Ross on twitter & Instagram @Rossthenarrator.
