Secondary Looking Shaky in London

[Mothman]

Here's a link to an article about the health status of the secondary:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_241 ... aky-london

Magnetic resonance imaging exams did not reveal serious structural damage to Cook's groin, Jefferson's ankle or Sanford's hamstring. However, coach Leslie Frazier said Tuesday the trio would not practice Wednesday and would be monitored each day to determine their availability.

Third-string cornerback Marcus Sherels afforded himself nicely in Cook's absence against the Browns, who went after a supposed weak spot. He was targeted 18 times but only allowed nine receptions for 50 yards, with a pass defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Besides punt returning, Sherels has proven reliable in spot duty in the secondary. But his diminutive stature (5-feet-10, 175 pounds) does not make him ideal to cover opponents' top outside receivers.

Xavier Rhodes has the size (6-1, 215 pounds) but the Vikings have been reluctant to shift the rookie cornerback from his comfort zone defending the right side of the field. That might change depending on their coverage needs against the Steelers.

Slot corner Josh Robinson allowed eight catches for 104 yards on nine targets against Cleveland. According to Pro Football Focus, Robinson has allowed completions 22 out of 23 times he has been targeted this season.

I thought Sherels was impressive against the Browns but wow, has Josh Robinson been a disappointment. I hope he plays better this week.

I understand this coaching staff's philosophy of not putting too much on a rookie's plate at once and letting their first year players focus on excelling at one position but they really need to loosen up when it comes Rhodes. They need the improved coverage he can provide and with players banged up and Robinson clearly struggling, there's just no good reason not to get him out there as much possible.

[Crax]

Even though the Steelers have been bad, Brown put up almost 200 yards on the bears. I'm worried what he might be able to do against the Vikings secondary.

[The Breeze]

Where's Winfield?

What's Frank Walker doing?

Didn't this same thing happen just a couple of years ago, with thw whole secondary getting injured?

ugh

[The Breeze]

Benny Sapp is available.

That could be your new sig.....for awhile.

[Mothman]

Where's Winfield?

What's Frank Walker doing?

Didn't this same thing happen just a couple of years ago, with thw whole secondary getting injured?

Yes, in 2011, when they went 3-13.

Scary...

[justinkendle]

Frank Walker lol im surprised no one brought up Asher Allen yet

[The Breeze]

Frank Walker lol im surprised no one brought up Asher Allen yet

We're just getting warmed up. This could be Greg Blue's time to shine.

[akvikingsfan]

I think we should bring back Captain Smoot.

[PurpleMustReign]

Two words : Wasswa Serwanga.

[dead_poet]

Too bad about Bobby Felder. I was hoping to see what he could do. They could really use him right now.

Robinson is trash. He should be on special teams only at this point. When Marcus Sherels is outplaying you, there's a problem. You know, one of these years the team is going to have a decent secondary. I'm thinking around 2025.

[NextQuestion]

Lito Sheppard could come save us!!

[Funkytown]

Third-string cornerback Marcus Sherels afforded himself nicely in Cook's absence against the Browns, who went after a supposed weak spot. He was targeted 18 times but only allowed nine receptions for 50 yards, with a pass defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

So he was in to replace Cook or Jefferson...or both? I heard he was in to replace Cook, but on here people suggested it was to replace Jefferson. Either way, he's not as terrible as people thought. Maybe, just maybe, in some cases the coaching staff does know more than the fans. And Robinson allowed 22 out of 23 completions when he's been targeted?

[mondry]

Too bad about Bobby Felder. I was hoping to see what he could do. They could really use him right now.

Robinson is trash. He should be on special teams only at this point. When Marcus Sherels is outplaying you, there's a problem. You know, one of these years the team is going to have a decent secondary. I'm thinking around 2025.

Really kind of makes me wonder about our DB's coach. It's not like we haven't tried to fix the CB position or find Winfields replacement. It's just of the last like 10 CB's we've taken, any where from like the super early 2nd round (cook) to 3rd, 4th, and 5th round guys and NONE of them have even been serviceable / reliable!

[Mothman]

So he was in to replace Cook or Jefferson...or both?

Both. Jefferson replaced Cook. Sherels replaced Jefferson.

[dead_poet]

So he was in to replace Cook or Jefferson...or both? I heard he was in to replace Cook, but on here people suggested it was to replace Jefferson. Either way, he's not as terrible as people thought. Maybe, just maybe, in some cases the coaching staff does know more than the fans.

Let's not get carried away. It was only one game. Yes, he didn't do as awful as normal but I have far too many bad memories of Sherels last season. He's pretty awful in coverage. Maybe he's improving. Maybe. Probably just wishful thinking.