Week after week, rookie LT Matt Kalil (69 snaps) keeps holding his own against the pass rush, giving the Vikings flexibility with their protections that just weren't there a year ago. He gave up one pressure each to DT DaJohn Harris and DE Kamerion Wimbley, who clipped Ponder's heels but couldn't get him on the ground. Though the Vikings used chips or extra protectors 17 times (50%), the help rarely was to Kalil's side. Failing to block anyone on a toss left that lost 2 yards was an example of how far he has to go in the run game. Kalil's kickouts in particular never seen to connect. He did get a piece of Ayers on the draw that went for 22.

One coverage sack and 5.6 yards a carry usually means a solid day for the line no matter how you slice it.

FS Harrison Smith (18) blew up WR Kendall Wright on third-and-7, recovered the fumble Brinkley forced and got ejected for pushing aside back judge Steve Freeman while jawing with Washington after Winfield's pick. No matter the circumstances, that's a no-no. Fellow rookie S Robert Blanton (52) was remarkably serviceable in Smith's place, and Alan Williams didn't seem to back down from the game plan, putting Blanton in some man-to-man situations. He even stayed home to stop Johnson on a fourth-and-1 draw. Not bad for a guy who only had played defense in a game once, in the preseason finale. SS Jamarca Sanford (70) continued to impress in his second start, too -- breaking up two passes, tipping Hasselbeck's pass on his only blitz and sticking Johnson short of the sticks late. What's gotten into these guys?

I have been nothing but impressed but Mr Kalil. Him and Harrison Smith have been the biggest reason in the turn around for the vikings this year IMO. Which is very high praise for a couple of Rookies.

Also for Spielmen.


Also for Zygi.


Wow, Do the Vikings actually have a good front office?

Slainte

Great things can happen when you do not give full control to a clueless coach who thinks he is smarter than everyone aka Chilly.

Rhett Ellison played more snaps than Carlson.

Because Ellison is being used as an H-back / blocking TE, with a lot of motion, shifts, setting up in the backfield, etc. He's being used exactly like Jim Kleinsasser was, albeit a bit less effectively.

Watching the game again yesterday, on one of the early offensive plays in the game, the Vikings even had all three TEs on the field.

I think fans need to get over the money Carlson is making. The coaching staff obviously has, and doesn't feel pressured into using him just because he makes $x per year. He has a significant guaranteed salary that makes it a virtual certainty that he'll be here for two full seasons. He'll either be used effectively or he won't. The Vikings are winning, what they're doing with their tight ends has worked, and they have a premier receiving TE who is quickly developing into one of the best in the league. If you want to say "Carlson's signing was a poor move," then fine, say it once and be done. Or maybe save your breath and say it at the end of next season if it's still true, because that will be the earliest possible moment that John Carlson might no longer be a Viking.

Hey! Leave Chilly alone. He is an awesome coach and is doing well in....never mind.....



(Sorry - I have to take a shot at Childress every chance I get. Hopefully the therapy cures me some day....).