Coming off his worst game as a pro, rookie left tackle Matt Kalil(+3.4)bounced back nicely with one of his best. He did not give up a pressure on his 27 pass block attempts, and his +2.1run blocking grade is the best of his young career. Kalil’s athleticism was on full display with 5:36 to go in the second quarter as he got out in front of Minnesota’s toss play. He did a nice job of finding his target, cornerback Cortland Finnegan, and planting him on the ground to clear a path for Peterson. Kalil later showed power at the point of attack as he widened the edge on defensive end Eugene Sims to open a hole for a 17-yard run where Peterson was largely untouched. It was by no means a perfect day for Kalil, but since he’s shown more than capable as a pass protector, Vikings fans will be keeping a close eye on his run blocking to see if he can be a dominant all-around player for years to come.
Williams Can Still Rush
Despite a noticeable slip in his ability against the run this season, defensive tackle Kevin Williams(+2.6) has remained an interior presence as a pass rusher and he was Minnesota’s best on Sunday. He picked up a hit and five hurries on his 48 pass rushes, while also adding a batted pass. While a lot of his pressures came of the unblocked or clean-up variety, he was able to bull rush left guard Robert Turner into the quarterback’s lap on multiple occasions. Sunday was also Williams’ best game against the run since Week 9. While he was unable to notch any tackles, he did a nice job of redirecting blockers, such as the second play from scrimmage when he hurled a pulling Scott Wells into the ball carrier to allow linebacker Jasper Brinkley to make the tackle for no gain.
Cornerbacks Struggle in Coverage
Minnesota has received the requisite inconsistent play that comes with two young cornerbacks on the outside, and Sunday’s game was no different. Cornerbacks Josh Robinson(-3.5)and A.J. Jefferson(-1.3) combined to give up 10 of 16 passes their way for 99 yards, while notching a penalty apiece. Robinson was the culprit on two of St. Louis’ three touchdown passes, as he was out muscled by Brian Quick on an end-zone fade, before losing track of Danny Amendola for a score early in the fourth quarter. His pass interference penalty came on a go route to Quick where he all but tackled him on his way to a 29-yard spot foul. Jefferson was not much better, as all five receptions his way went for first downs.
Game Notes
- Vikings QB Christian Ponder was 4-for-4 on throws between 10-20 yards. He was 0-for-1 on his lone attempt beyond 20.
- Minnesota blitzed on only 12 of 60 drop-backs, but they all had an effect on Sam Bradford. He graded at -2.5against the blitz and +3.8when they rushed four.
- Vikings DE Jared Allen played all 85 snaps. This marks the first time he’s gone the distance this season.
PFF Game Ball
Adrian Peterson was the best player on the field as he continues to carry Minnesota toward a playoff berth.
- Vikings DE Jared Allen played all 85 snaps. This marks the first time he’s gone the distance this season.
After Brian Robison's injury and with the only other DE on the depth chart, D'Aundre Reed, inactive for the game, I'm surprised that they didn't use anyone else to spell Jared Allen at DE. I thought the Vikes were a more flexible than that on the DL.