Vikings @ 49ers Game Day Discussion Thread -- Preseason #3

[Funkytown]

How much of it is our line and how much of it is AD making everybody look like a genius?

That's just it. I'm convinced that AD makes our guys on the o-line look 40 thousand times better than they actually are. Sure, they have their moments...but overall, eh, not that special--especially in pass protection. AP makes them look better, the whole offense look better (even as bad as they look at times, without him...oh boy), and the whole team look better. Take away AP, and we'd all be crying! We wouldn't even be half as good. It's hard to imagine that one guy would have that much impact on a team's success (outside of the quarterback position), but he's just that good!

[Mothman]

Josh Robinson was the big concern for me. He got picked on a lot yesterday. That neesd to get tightened up right away.

The OL is showing regression and that is not a good sign. I wonder how much of it is not having #28 in and how much of it is something we should worry about. Guards still stink.

Honestly,I'm not sure if I see regression from the OL or if I just see the same OL. Somehow, this group got the reputation of being a good o-line last year and in my (admittedly far from expert) estimation they're a mediocre line. Loadholt has never been able to handle speed on the outside. Fusco is a project. Sullivan's a very good center but he's always struggled against powerful interior linemen. Charlie Johnson is a journeyman guard and Kalil, while very talented, let pass rushers get past him at time last year just like he has this preseason. The mental mistakes he made last night are unusual but I doubt they'll continue with any frequency. Overall, this Vikings line run blocks well when they can get into a groove but they've never been a very good pass protection unit.

I agree that Robinson is a concern but we knew there would be some growing pains for him in the slot.

[PurpleHalo]

Trade Carlson to Miami... they need a pass-catching TE badly now that Keller is hurt. Let's get a decent pick for the guy.

Carlson is garbage, nobody will trade a "decent pick" for him. The second that signing was announced with 25 mil guranteed, I was puzzled beyond belief.

[VikingPaul73]

That's just it. I'm convinced that AD makes our guys on the o-line look 40 thousand times better than they actually are. Sure, they have their moments...but overall, eh, not that special--especially in pass protection. AP makes them look better, the whole offense look better (even as bad as they look at times, without him...oh boy), and the whole team look better. Take away AP, and we'd all be crying! We wouldn't even be half as good. It's hard to imagine that one guy would have that much impact on a team's success (outside of the quarterback position), but he's just that good!

Yep, agree 100%. Just imagine how good AD would be on a team with a good OL and a good QB to keep defenses honest!! I'm convinced he'd average 15 yards per carry on the Patriots!!!!!

[Funkytown]

Carlson is garbage, nobody will trade a "decent pick" for him. The second that signing was announced with 25 mil guranteed, I was puzzled beyond belief.

The contract was foolish, but I don't think he's garbage. I read a lot of really good things about him. I just haven't seen all of those good things yet, well, or any of those good things.

[DK Sweets]

It's obvious that this is a different offense without Adrian, but we had better NEVER lose him. Ponder looks better (as many have pointed out, he avoided his constant drift to the right) and the offense looks less than miserable when everyone is on the same page. I did notice a lot of his passes were high, which I can't imagine Jennings appreciating very much. I think (hope?) things will get better as time progresses and he has more chemistry with his weapons. I think Burton has a roster spot, and I think Webb could still get his. Bobby Felder continues to catch my eye (how could he not with that hair?) and I really think he's got a roster spot. I'm honestly not sure what anyone is talking about with Robinson being a sore spot in our secondary, he has made some awesome plays in the run game. Yesterday he blew up a play in the backfield by taking out a swing guard (I believe; it was definitely a lineman) and that isn't the first time I've seen him blow up the play by throwing his body right in the middle of where it was directed. He might not get credit for the tackle, but without him the runner would have bounced outside and picked up a lot more yards. He doesn't look like a seasoned veteran yet, but the effort and physical tools are definitely there. Jamarca Sanford seems more comfortable this year, too, which is awesome. I like the guy, so I'm excited to see him pick up his play, but entering training camp I wanted Blanton or Raymond to cut him out of the lineup. Also...FRED EVANS. Stop starting Guion.

[PurpleKoolaid]

The contract was foolish, but I don't think he's garbage. I read a lot of really good things about him. I just haven't seen all of those good things yet, well, or any of those good things.

Really? It is right up there with the Walker deal, and the worst FA deal Spielman has made. It makes the Simpson deal look great in comparison. What has he shown as a Viking to make you think he is anything but garbage? But then he was hurt right? That's always a good excuse.....err wait, Spielman KNEW he was an in jury prone TE before he ever signed him.

[The Breeze]

I'm also on the Fred Evans bandwagon~

[NextQuestion]

1.) Staley is the best LT in the game. I know PA gushes over Kalil but it's not even close.

2.) What's the financial hit if we ditch Cassel? He has been AWFUL.

[PurpleKoolaid]

1.) Staley is the best LT in the game. I know PA gushes over Kalil but it's not even close.

2.) What's the financial hit if we ditch Cassel? He has been AWFUL.

Almost as bad as Ponder. But Cassel hasn't been working with the starters has he? Maybe we could get a 6th rounder for bother of them.

[NextQuestion]

Really wish Matt Moore was going to be available.

[Funkytown]

Really? It is right up there with the Walker deal, and the worst FA deal Spielman has made. It makes the Simpson deal look great in comparison. What has he shown as a Viking to make you think he is anything but garbage? But then he was hurt right? That's always a good excuse.....err wait, Spielman KNEW he was an in jury prone TE before he ever signed him.

Right up there with the Walker deal? Quit.

And, I already said he hasn't shown anything. Did I not say that? Did you actually bother reading those three sentences or did you just see the "don't think he's garbage" part and lose your mind? lol Really! And I even acknowledged the contract wasn't smart. The heck? Anyways, I just don't think he's garbage because I read a lot of positive things about him. Basically, stuff like: He has great work ethic. He's humble. He's special. He's a great route runner. He has great hands; some of the best hands since guys like Walls and Sharpe. He's smart. etc. etc. etc. Oh, and the contract y'all have been crying about suggests he must have a little somethin' somethin' that he's working with, too. I don't think other NFL players and coaches would talk this way about him if it wasn't true. He gets a lot of HIGH praise for being garbage. I've seen a few articles praising him JUST like this. I doubt it's all lies. So, THAT'S why I don't think he's garbage. Has he shown me much? No. I already said that. But, I believe he can; and I hope he does. Is that a crime?

[The Breeze]

I don't see any reason to be concerned about Carlson's contract any longer. He restructured and as long as he out performs his last season, which if healthy he will, it will balance out. If I remember it right, he's not making much this year. Maybe, I got it wrong....

[vikes157]

Not to make excuses for the Vikings playing the way they did but to look at what happened logically, here's five things that still give me hope about the season:
1. We're pretty much still one preseason game behind everyone else- starters played 2 snaps against texans.
2. We played San Francisco 49ers- They're a tough team. Tough D
3. We've been playing on the road- We've never been seen as a road team, need to get better at this but this shouldnt surprise anyone
4. We just played on prime time television- again, we havent always done great on prime time (See Bucs game last year)
5. And last but obviously not F***ing least NO ADRIAN - Changes defenses completely, plain and simple these are not looks that Christian is used to seeing


Reasons for optimism
1. Christian is looking better as far as staying in the pocket and finding throws
2. Our defense should be top 10. We just need more continuity as far as people knowing how to work together within the defense.
3. Our WR's are looking MUCH better from last year.
4. We have MVPETERSON!

I think once guys like Felton, JWright, Peterson, Floyd, Ballard, and hopefully Kwill, get back into the roto we should be heading in the right direction.

PS Looks like Desmond Bishop lead the team in tackles at 9 vs. the 49ers. Good sign for him hopefully he will be able to get up to speed on everything at least by the bye week.

PPS Speaking of bye week, I could see that being a very key week for us as far as young guys taking over as starters, I understand it is still early in the year but Rhodes, Floyd, Patterson, and also Bishop, should be prepared to take over starting jobs at that point.

PPPS SKOL!!!!

[NextQuestion]

I was listening to KFAN this morning and I'm not sure who Charchian's guest was, but he seemed to be some Vikings insider guy, and he said there's a possibility Ballard might get cut.