Skins vs. Vikes Pregame Thread

[SirLK26]

I'm trying to be optimistic about this game, but I'm having a hard time with it. Minnesota has a really good defense and some good players on offense too. And with us coming off a big win and a 2 game win streak, who knows what the team's mindset will be. If Griffin actually plays and goes all RG3 over their ass, we should win big. If 2013 Griffin or McCoy plays, we probably have a decent chance as long as the defense plays well and the special teams don't have any f*ckups. Hopefully Haslett doesn't sit back and let Teddy attack us like he does with a lot of QBs. We're better off with an aggressive pass rush.

[scowan]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

I'm trying to be optimistic about this game, but I'm having a hard time with it. Minnesota has a really good defense and some good players on offense too. And with us coming off a big win and a 2 game win streak, who knows what the team's mindset will be. If Griffin actually plays and goes all RG3 over their ass, we should win big. If 2013 Griffin or McCoy plays, we probably have a decent chance as long as the defense plays well and the special teams don't have any f*ckups. Hopefully Haslett doesn't sit back and let Teddy attack us like he does with a lot of QBs. We're better off with an aggressive pass rush.

I think Haslett learned he can trust his rookie corner and his 2nd year corner Amerson after Monday night. With that bit of knowledge, he should be able to continue to disguise his blitzes the way he wants to in order to keep another rookie Teddy Bridgewater guessing. I'm worried more about RG3's decision making and abilities after a 6 week break than our defense at this point.

[over the mountain]

Originally Posted by scowan

I think Haslett learned he can trust his rookie corner and his 2nd year corner Amerson after Monday night. With that bit of knowledge, he should be able to continue to disguise his blitzes the way he wants to in order to keep another rookie Teddy Bridgewater guessing. I'm worried more about RG3's decision making and abilities after a 6 week break than our defense at this point.

i give Haz Mat a ton of credit for teh game plan against Dallas and for any second half adjustments he may have made (im not smart enough to recognize if he did or didnt adjust).

BUT this entire defense is still highly suspect imo. it has been better than i thought entering this season, but i dont think we get the same play from the D in the dallas game consistently going forward.

I would attack our secondary and safeties like I was playing madden.

[calia]

This has the feel of a trap game -- after a big, emotional win on the road, playing a team that isn't strong and that we ought to beat, a week before the break.... I think that how the team responds and plays throughout will say a lot about how Gruden is handling his first HC job in the NFL.

My guess is that the team is ready to play and that while there are some cringe-worthy moments, we'll pull away in the end.

Skins 35
Vikes 23

[SirLK26]

Originally Posted by scowan

I think Haslett learned he can trust his rookie corner and his 2nd year corner Amerson after Monday night. With that bit of knowledge, he should be able to continue to disguise his blitzes the way he wants to in order to keep another rookie Teddy Bridgewater guessing. <snip>

I hope you're right, but I have my doubts. Did you see our defense after Weeden came in? Haslett totally went away from the aggressive rush and basically said, "Okay, we're going to make this backup QB prove he can beat my secondary." And that's exactly what happened. I love Amerson and Breeland, but not only are they still young, but the safeties behind them are mediocre on a good day. Haslett needs to go up against every QB with the mindset that that QB will destroy his secondary if given time(because he probably will), and then bring the dogs to counter that. IMO.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

I hope you're right, but I have my doubts. Did you see our defense after Weeden came in? Haslett totally went away from the aggressive rush and basically said, "Okay, we're going to make this backup QB prove he can beat my secondary." And that's exactly what happened. I love Amerson and Breeland, but not only are they still young, but the safeties behind them are mediocre on a good day. Haslett needs to go up against every QB with the mindset that that QB will destroy his secondary if given time(because he probably will), and then bring the dogs to counter that. IMO.

Huh? We were blitzing to the end.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by scowan

I think Haslett learned he can trust his rookie corner and his 2nd year corner Amerson after Monday night. With that bit of knowledge, he should be able to continue to disguise his blitzes the way he wants to in order to keep another rookie Teddy Bridgewater guessing. I'm worried more about RG3's decision making and abilities after a 6 week break than our defense at this point.

I have to agree with this. Our defense hasn't been the issue all season. The issue has been bad offense (turnovers) and bad special teams. If we break even on special teams, are able to move the ball offensively with no turnovers, and convert red zone possessions into TDs then this is a W. If we turn the ball over, settle for FGs in the red zone, or give up big plays in special teams then this is a L.

That simple.