Welcome! We're talking Vikings for the next 30 minutes. Ask away.
Definitely, the bye week allows coaches extra time they don't get in the week-to-week prep to look at the mirror. Mike Zimmer noted the DL's play as the obvious strength, but was also pleased with the progression of guys like Josh Robinson, Chase Ford. Offensive line is an obvious place for improvement, but Vikings were happy with Joe Berger's contributions and will stick with him at RG.
On the self-scouting note, too. Vikings want more from Cordarrelle Patterson. At this point, it's been on him to "just run the routes," as one personnel guy said. They're being patient with him, but not making it easy for him.
Yes. TEs coach Kevin Stefanski said "he's cleared; he's healthy." Rudy wanted to play vs. Washington, but the extra two weeks made sure he'll be out there. To what degree? We'll see.
No more extra than Teddy is doing with Greg or Jarius or Ford, etc. The miscommunication is troubling, but expected for two guys with 1 combined year of exp. under the belts. Notice Patterson isn't being limited to short routes/screens. They're trying to develop him as a receiver. It's on him as much as Teddy.
As Teddy would say: "Not at all."
Vikings have as good a shot as any to win this game at Soldier Field, coming off a bye, healthy and with the Bears reeling. I have them winning, but as we've found out -- something always happens on that loose, crummy turf in Chicago.
He's a pretty good example of how this coaching staff feels about young guys going through growing pains -- patience. Mike Priefer likes results now, but they still believe Locke is the long-term future at punter.
Ha! I'll set that mark at 2. He's got 1.5 as he's battled through pneumonia, only at 253lbs now (played around 265-270 in MIN). Add aging to that and he's definitely regressed, but that's expected. We're finding out why he didn't command the money he initially wanted in free agency, but that's what happens when you're north of 30 as a pass rusher.
Spielman wouldn't answer any questions about Adrian Peterson (was asked 6 before we gave up).
Zimmer has rarely been afraid to speak his mind, rather choosing to back track after the fact then bite his tongue in the moment (See: player fines). I feel Zimmer's take on Peterson is universal among people at Winter Park paid to win football games. But the Wilfs and others in the front office make money off other outlets and sponsors play a role.
I'll page Roger Goodell....
He's the only one that knows that answer. Monday's hearing will go a way in determining the NFL/NFLPA duel over this .They both have drastically different interpretations of the agreement on Sept. 18 when AP was placed on the Commissioner's/Exempt list. There are many hoops to jump through. Nov. 23 may be too soon.
That's puzzling as the Bears are the type of opponent the Vikings have beat! (3-6, struggling). However, Vegas is setting the edge first on those who are buying into a Chicago bounce back. No one is disputing the talent on the Bears, but I think the Vikings get that 'upset,' as Vegas would call it.
There was more to that Chicago loss on Sunday night than Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers.
Vikings get more of a pass, IMO, on a short week without their starting QB. Chicago had Cutler, Marshall, Jefferey, Bennett, Forte and put up 14 points. Green Bay's defense can be opportunistic, but they're far from dominant. It's not encouraging to see all your talent on offense and seemingly quit when your defense gives up short fields and TDs.
Saw him today. He's alive and "Huh!?" ing as ever.
Luke Kuechly off his rookie deal soon? Two biggest positions to target, IMO, are safety and middle linebacker.
Not especially. Norv's most known for the 3 WR, 1 TE spread package that has become the norm in the NFL. However, he also isn't oppose to adapting to his personnel. I don't see the '12' packages (2 TEs) increasing more than he already uses it (20-25 times per game). It's mainly a run formation, but now with Ford + Rudy, could provide a good play-action deep threat.
Logistics will be difficult. But sure.
You're not alone. Felton now has the right to void his 2015, which he's slated to make around $2.5M. That's all right money for the 15 snaps a game he's getting, but you wonder if Norv/Spielman see him as worth it in this system. Line was a ball carrier at SMU, may be better suited out of the backfield for Turner.
All right, everyone thanks for inquiring! Same time next week.
