Smash Articles
14
Playoff Teams
Rule Changes
17 Game
Season
Low Lights
-
-
-
-
-
-
| |  
Taking Stock January 8, 2021
Not making the playoffs was a bitter pill to swallow however with what we had to
work with down the stretch that outcome appeared to be likely .. only to be
overcome by inspired determination combined with a good deal of luck combined
with a level playing field. That was just not going to happen.
The pivot point for me occurred in Tampa Bay, where the Tampa receiver slipped
in the end zone, where the ball popped up, causing the ball to be intercepted by Dantzler on his back
... untouched. Dantzler immediately got to his feet & ran it back for a
clear pick six. What
followed ... which is completely unexplained ... was a whistle to kill the
play. Although a flag was thrown for what appeared to be defensive
pass interference, the blown whistle sent a message of absolute omnipotence. I'm
"THE" official & I am in control here & I am stopping the play right here & right
now. A thrown flag, on its own, should never stop any play with a whistle
on any clear interception. For this bit of omnipotence ... as a precursor ... brings on the
statement that I hate A. A. Ron & I hate Tom Brady as they have earned much
... but certainly not all of it. That pick 6 would have changed the outcome of
that game & our season. A 12 point game would have been wiped out by a
14 point momentum crushing swing.
The most heartbreaking play of the season just might have been a small part of a
great rookie season. On the final play of our 2nd Chicago contest, Cousins
placed what could be called a 50/50 ball to the front of the end zone. Now
in understanding this heartbreak, in general, you need to delve into
mentality. Receivers are taught to high point the ball, getting their
hands on it, then pulling it in. Defensive backs & safeties are taught
that they should never high point any ball as they do not possess the skills of
a receiver, as if they did ... they dare not call themselves a defensive
back. They are instead taught to either deflect the ball or more
importantly redirect the ball safely to an open patch of ground. Herein
lies the rub. The general disconnect occurs when an over confident
receiver either has no idea, or little care, as to the intentions of any &
all defensive backs, as it is just assumed that they will just win. It is
for this reason that on "Hail Mary" attempts in the end zone,
receivers are taught to never bunch up in one place & instead, they are to
maintain their splits, which is a conservative distance away from the
"one-man-receiver-high-point" location, to receive anything that might
be directed in their direction. In addition to these conflicts,
quarterbacks are taught to never put up 50/50 balls, as they are paid based upon
an irrelevant QB rating system that penalizes their pocketbook for
interceptions. Again, their is no distinction or differentiation in that
quarterback rating for deflected balls or from last minute desperation 50/50
balls. In other words, not much effort or stock is put into practicing
"Hail Mary's" a coaches intent is to prevent the need for this play
rather than to understand that desperation may lead to opportunity, which may
change the result of any razor thin contest. A. A. Ron understands this
however this arrow is taken out of the quiver of almost every head coach as in
the NFL the tail is allowed to wag the dog. On that play, Justin Jefferson
had the correct split, where the ball was high pointed upward. At that
moment he chose to leave his split to instintively assist in catching the second
high point only to have a DB deflect the ball to that area that he just
vacated. Would Justin Jefferson had caught the defection if he had
maintained his split ... it helps to think no ... but we will never know ...
however what we do know was that play was apart of his first season where we
were all forced to see it unfold. Now it is clear that if he had actually
made that play, this Vikings team would have qualified for the 2020 post season
tournament. This isn't a detractor ... it's becoming part of his
greatness.
In being able to take stock in regard to this franchise, we should view the
terrain from Mark Wilf's perspective ... with all due respect.
In regard to any statistics related to injuries, comparing this franchise to any
other, we must first understand the legend that is Mike Zimmer. In other
words, we must instead confront the facts. From the 2019 season our
defense lost the services of Everson Griffen (DE), Danielle Hunter (DE), Anthony
Barr (for 14.75 games) (LB), All Pro Eric Kendrix (for the final 5 games
searching for a playoff birth) (LB), Linval Joseph (DT), Xavier Rhodes (CB),
Mckensie Alexander (Slot), Trae Waynes (CB), Jayron Kearse (Hybrid), Holton Hill
(Injury - released on 12/8), Chris Boyd (CB-injured IR December), Mike Hughes
(CB- injured IR October), Stephen Weatherly. We also traded our 2021 2nd
round pick to Jacksonville for Yannick Ngakoue only to trade him for a 2021 3rd
round pick of the Ravens which says something about having the right fit rather
than just a future expensive contract. On offense we lost the services of
Buffalo Bills #1 receiver Stephon Diggs, Pat Elflein (C/G - released), Laquon
Treadwell (WR - released), Kyle Rudolph (injured late), Alexander Hollins (recently
signed by Cleveland) (WR). On special teams Austin Cutting was
released. Now add in the little tid bit of Michael Pierce ... the 2020 anchor
of our defense line ... opting out under Wuhan China 19 reserve list (How good
were the Bears without Akiem Hicks?). Many of these players that were unaccounted
for on our injury list in 2020 found meaningful roles, to one degree or another,
playing for other
franchises. This isn't an excuse ... it is of fact. How Mike
Zimmer battled back from a 1-5 start, needing only 1 more victory to make the
playoffs isn't just astounding ... it might merits canonization ... as it could
be listed
under miracles. If you're still pissin' & moaning after all of that
... then you're just a retard.
Now one could say that Mike Zimmer could have chosen to keep as many of those
players of 2019 as possible ... meaning that he chose his path that resulted in
all this chaos ... but that's like drawing cards from the dead pile. His
franchise was well into cap hell. For the ones worth keeping he simply couldn't
afford them. The Zimmer/Spielman team was forced to make an
incredible list of decisions to patchwork 2020 ... most of which were spot on
based upon the present climate.
As for the cauldron under Head Coach Mike Zimmer & Rick Spielman ... for
that to work ... you need a coach with Absolute-Brass-Balls. These two
were the first to veer away from "Minnesota NAIVETY" & come to grips with the fact that this franchise, having never
won a Super Bowl championship, meant statistically ... something was very
wrong. Those strings are now irrevocably severed. Anyone worth his salt knows that all you require is a few key
players to influence the outcome of any game as the results of most games are all
razor thin ... which means trust falls in line with respect ... which must be
earned. The line of respect is as fragile as a porcelain tea cups ... it
is easily lost. Instead of allowing the tail to wag the dog our head coach
jettisoned those that could no longer be trusted ... regardless of both talent
& experience. What was seen in that 2019 season was completely
unacceptable where we needed to be willing to pay a very high price indeed in
2020. From the compromised we instead exchanged it all for (belly)
hunger. Those 1st year players are hungry for that 2nd contract.
Their play developed quickly. Where they cannot separate themselves from
that rookie persona is in their body development. In other words Brian
O'Neil improvement from year 2 to 3 & Bradbury's improvement from year 1 to year
2 was obvious ... just as it will be for 1st year Ezra
Cleveland.
Before this franchise falls into the trap of the argument of quantity versus
quality, in regard to our upcoming 2021 draft, we need to first consider our
2020 draft under Rick Spielman. First of all, if you only have 5 draft
picks, you're going to need to hit on every pick & if you're 1st round pick
ends up being a bust, then your franchise is in serious trouble. Of the
255 players drafted in 2020, the Vikings secured 15 picks. which represents 6%
off the best available NFL talent. Rick & Mike hit the jackpot on
Justin Jefferson (WR), Jeff Gladney (Slot), Ezra Cleveland (G), Cameron Dantzler
(CB), D. J. Wonnum (DE). Troy Dye (LB), Harrison Hand (CB), Josh Metellus
(S) & others secured significant playing time which represents a vast
variation from investing our resources (playing experience) in someone else's
cast offs. Amen. With at least 11 picks in 2021, plus additional
compensatory picks to come, we'd be better served continuing on that same road
by limiting the coveting of players until the middle rounds. Do not try to
make up for losing our 2nd round pick to Jacksonville ... just let it go.
I just can't fathom to see how Riley Reiff will be apart of our 2021 offensive
line at left tackle even though he's presently under contract. Reiff's cap
hit in 2021 is massive in a cap restricted year. Many believe that Ezra Cleveland will take on that roll allowing
the Vikings to insert a draft pick prospect between Bradbury & O'Neil, like
they did with Cleveland. I'd like to think that Udoh would be the heir
apparent to left tackle however he's only had one start & we all know what
happened when we moved on to Dru Samia. If Udoh was the man ... he would have
shown up before now however he may be our heir apparent as our swing tackle. When Rashod Hill is inserted into the line up ...
due to lapses ... we lose ... so that's may no longer be an option.
As for Kirk Cousins, the Packers mucked it up in 2020
by selecting A. A. Ron's potential replacement. The result of which was an
MVP season & a run at the Super Bowl which is tempting (drool). Could it be that the Vikings
might consider using our #1 pick on Kirk Cousins eventual replacement as his 3
year performance certainly doesn't justify the dollars spent on him, not to mention our
2021/22 $ commitments. It's time to chuck the meaningless NFL Quarterback
rating as apparently that it has been his guide ... or better said savior ,,, to
the end of that rainbow & that focal has been just poor judgment. What's more important
for this franchise is to consider the league wide changes at quarterback
that have entered the game since acquiring Kirk Cousins.
Herein lies my issues with Kirk Cousins. Is he capable of winning any game
in which he plays? Well the answer to that question is most certainly yes
in that he has the skills to beat down on any opponent that you put in front of
him. Now look at the picture overall. In playing the Bears &
Fudge Packers, as a bare minimum he needs to split victories with each, with the
intent of sweeping at least one of those opponents every year. In his 3
years, he's only accomplished the bare minimum once. If Cousins needed a
better team to accomplish these teams goals, then you would also need to temper
your argument of lowering your salary requirement to pay for it, not just push
the cap burden off into the future. There is a reason why rookie contract
quarterbacks have a major advantage in this league (drool) where if Cousins
doesn't concede that point, it will eventually end in your own demise.
Cousins guarantees should reflect concessions for the restricted 2021 cap as he
accounts for most of it. Before these seasons ever started, against top
competition, Kirk Cousins needed to secure victories against the Rams, Saints,
Patriots, Sea A-holes & Eagles in 2018. All were losses except for the
Eagles revenge match. In 2019 he needed to secure victories against the
Chiefs, Sea A-holes, Pokes, Eagles, Aints & 49ers of which he did better
beating the Pokes & Eagles & Aints. In 2020, he needed victories
against the Sea A-holes, Pokes, Bucs, Titans & Aints ... all of which were
losses ... where we found ourselves out of the playoffs. Now to be fair,
this is a team sport. meaning that all of this doesn't fall onto Kirk Cousins
alone however there is one undeniable fact. Kirk Cousins ... as remarkable
as he is ... doesn't holster a brush-back pitch (it's a metaphor dumb ass but
relevant nonetheless). These particular games were his measuring stick
& for whatever reason he hasn't established the
trait.
One of my favorite stories as a youngster was when Willie Mays came to the plate
facing Bob Gibson. As usual he dug in in preparation of that first
pitch. That was an arrogant sign of disrespect & Willie Mays clearly
saw it in Bob Gibson's eyes. Mays called for time (out) & stepped out
of the box & filled in his pivot hole then respectfully stepped back into
the box. My God ... this was Willie Mays after all. On the other
hand, if Mays didn't check his apparent arrogance he'd be looking at a pitch
straight at his head. In other words, no one ever disrespected Bob Gibson
that didn't regret it afterwards. Today, A. A. Ron holsters that
brush-back & so does Russel Wilson as they both have that thousand yard star
(of determination). Patrick Mahomes most certainly has it. Tarkenton
& Favre most certainly had it as both were gun slingers making opportunity
in every step. That didn't mean that they couldn't be beaten in a team
sport but it most certainly did mean that they possessed that confident kill
shot. I have no idea if this is some sort of genetic permutation or
if this is something that is acquired but if I were to hazard to guess ... I
would say that it's the latter. Men change based upon their environment
being in the trenches or in surviving a death or concentration camp however
there is one distinction in all of it. Of free will, they chose that
path. If I were ever to meet Fran Tarkenton I would say that you were the
best gun slinger that I will ever know because in his mind were the words, I am
the best gun slinger that you will ever see. In Tarkenton's case, it
didn't take an official to call a 4th & 22 out of bounds catch resulting in
a first down to make it so. This is not a code ... it was more than
that.
Gary Anderson set the precedent. Blair Walsh followed which eventually spiraled out of
control. A draft pick later followed with a quick hook. I don't expect Dan Bailey to be our kicker in 2021, regardless of
cost, as the trust barrier has been irrevocably severed & I also expect
Dan's career to spiral regardless of his prior accuracy record. In this
league coaches
are fired where necks get real short. Change is inevitable. It is time for the
impact of kickers in the NFL to be invested into kicking skills ... not in scoring
critical points. It's time to devalue kickers in the NFL forever. They are not the NFL
studs and they should not be entrusted to be the leagues top scorers.
Studs & point scoring should go hand in hand similar to the worlds most
popular sport (soccer). The NFL is our modern gladiator sport which should
have very little to do with kickers. The new extra point
rules have done nothing but to impart "THE SHAVER" into the equation
& has done nothing but detract from the integrity of the
game. The NFL's link with gambling & malfeasance is way too close
for comfort where the owners need to get on top of this & take control of it
... before it consumes each & every one of them. Who in that dark
& dank room is stating, "He be my Bitch".
Anthony Harris is a worthwhile player that I expect the Vikings to try to sign
but should not be apart of any bidding war. My expectation is that he will
transpire into a solid 3rd round compensatory pick in 2022. His interceptions in 2020 are
gone as he was apart of one of the worst defenses in the league which might
soften the market slightly but don't count on it. This
franchises offer to Anthony should be respectable but we certainly should prevent ourselves from
overpaying for his services. We should instead move the franchise tag
to
Eric Wilson where he's maybe more amendable to signing a long term deal seeing
2020's volatile market. Although Alexander & Kearse were solid
hybrids, Wilson appears to be an outstanding Zimmer hybrid. It may also be time to trade Anthony Barr as his skills
clearly would be much more effective in a pure 3-4 scheme where he may be a luxury
that we cannot afford. This is Coach Zimmer's prize pupil so a trade
may not be realistic however you never know with Barr. In other words, did
you ever think that we would trade Diggs, which apparently has turned out very
well for both franchises. Two mid/low 2021 Linebacker draft picks wouldn't
surprise me.
Regardless of how you feel about Kyle Rudolph, we have no choice but to
re-evaluate his impact on the cap. Somehow the players have to realize
that the cost of not having fans in those seats will have an impact in their
wallets as this omnipotent power was wielded fool hardily. When the
wallets are hit the media may turn their focus upon the omnipotence where that
media will be supported by these elite players. Hope is just a stupid word
that is only used to deal with politicians ... "I hope these politicians
don't do this" ... and they do it anyway. Over the years our offensive line has
been so woeful that Kyle had been shifted into our blocking scheme, rather than
securing down field opportunities however its now impossible to ignore the impact of
Tyler Conklin & Irv Smith Jr. It is clearly apparent.
The elephant in the room What to do about Michael Pierce
having his wallet fall onto that sword? If Michael had to make the same
decision today, would he still have chosen to take the Reserve Wuhan-19 path or
does his wallet now feel real regret. To be direct, you just cannot get a
revolution around the sun back & he's now a year older rusting all those
wonderful skills on that fence. After an entire season was played, does he
now realize that he bought into a bunch of really bad information where maybe he
should now be made to answer all those questions? There is no longer any
artificial umbrella to hide under anymore. That's right sports beat ...
get the hell off your asses. To be direct, we lost to the Bears because
they were very strong in the middle. Without Patrick Mahomes we lost that
game because of the imminent return of their all world tackle ... and we
lost. All those capable Viking defenses were anchored by an outstanding
Linval Joseph. This Vikings franchise cannot afford to guess when it comes
to Pierce as we need a viable solution in the center of our defense.
Regardless of Michael's answer ... sworn with a blood allegiance ... I expect
the Vikings to draft strong for the center of that defensive line. If we
were willing to jettison Yannick Ngakoue, along with some significant draft
capital, right after aquiring him, I would also expect to see Pierce playing
somewhere south of Siberia as there is no way he will get to choose his
destination playing for someone else using our capital in a short
cap. Michael has earned absolutely no capital under this
franchise. Decisions directly influencing the outcome of our 2020 season
have consequences.
The Viking Ghost Writer
http://MyVikingBlood.org
Date: January 8, 2021
|
