Anthony Barr....where have you been all year?

[Purplepain2018]

If I have said it once...I have said it a thousand times...when Anthony Barr plays like he did the other night against the Seahawks this Vikings defense takes on another dimension. He was disruptive in the passing and running games as he sacked Russell Wilson once and had a couple of TFLs. The trouble is getting Barr to play at that consistent level week in and week out. He could even rush the passer off the edge with his size and speed he could be a nightmare. I just cannot understand why some games he flashes like Monday night and there will be multiple games where he is on the field, but he is just loafing out there. The strange thing is that he is in a contract year and you would think that you would want to show up on tape if not for the Vikings brass, but then for other teams across the league to notice. I still believe that he is gone after the year is over.

[soflavike]

He had a great game against Miami.... two sacks, too. Maybe he's smelling the coffee and getting off his butt.

[PacificNorseWest]

He's definitely been standing out the last few games. Probably came to a realization or was half assing it all along on purpose to save himself. I don't know and there's no way to know, but I hope he keeps it up because when he's playing like this, it makes the defense that much better and it's noticeable.

[S197]

He has a reputation for coasting.

[J. Kapp 11]

This is so interesting.

Mike Zimmer has used Barr to rush the passer so little ... it's almost like Barr isn't the pass rusher people thought he was coming out of UCLA. He's always dropping into coverage, even when he and Kendricks threaten to mug that A-gap. But against Miami, Barr rushed the passer A LOT, and from the edge. He not only got home twice with sacks, but he got pressure nearly every time.

Is it possible Mike Zimmer, the defensive genius, has been using Barr incorrectly?

And while it's no excuse, is it possible that Barr simply loses interest because he's been used so seldom as a pass rusher?

Not assigning blame. Just throwing out questions.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Finding a new team. With the Vikes luck, The bears, packers, or Lions will get him and he will be Mack 2.0

[PurpleMustReign]

This is so interesting.

Mike Zimmer has used Barr to rush the passer so little ... it's almost like Barr isn't the pass rusher people thought he was coming out of UCLA. He's always dropping into coverage, even when he and Kendricks threaten to mug that A-gap. But against Miami, Barr rushed the passer A LOT, and from the edge. He not only got home twice with sacks, but he got pressure nearly every time.

Is it possible Mike Zimmer, the defensive genius, has been using Barr incorrectly?

And while it's no excuse, is it possible that Barr simply loses interest because he's been used so seldom as a pass rusher?

Not assigning blame. Just throwing out questions.

We'll he certainly shouldn't be used to cover wide receivers.
I've thought he should be rushing the passer more for the last two seasons. He's quick and strong, and can run down any QB. IF... this is a big if... He can keep creating pressure like he did against Miami, I would be good with them re-signing him for a prove it season. I don't want him on another team because the tools are them for him to be a stud.

[StumpHunter]

This is so interesting.

Mike Zimmer has used Barr to rush the passer so little ... it's almost like Barr isn't the pass rusher people thought he was coming out of UCLA. He's always dropping into coverage, even when he and Kendricks threaten to mug that A-gap. But against Miami, Barr rushed the passer A LOT, and from the edge. He not only got home twice with sacks, but he got pressure nearly every time.

Is it possible Mike Zimmer, the defensive genius, has been using Barr incorrectly?

And while it's no excuse, is it possible that Barr simply loses interest because he's been used so seldom as a pass rusher?

Not assigning blame. Just throwing out questions.

Barr doesn't rush the QB probably because he doesn't have to and he is more needed in coverage. Our front four consistently get pressure, and it is tough to be an upgrade over Griffen or Hunter rushing the QB.

I also think they tend to blitz Kendrick or Smith more because offenses key off of Barr and always tend to know where he is. So Zim tends to have Barr show that he is blitzing, then drop back right before the snap. Zim's defense is all about subterfuge and confusing the QB and Barr is a big part of that.

I have often wondered if Barr would make a good 3-4 LBing edge rusher and it will be interesting to see if that is what he becomes once he leaves in FAs.

[halfgiz]

I think Barr is gone after this season. Seems like he is looking for money.
Hopefully Zimmer can draft or sign a good replacement.

[PacificNorseWest]

I also think Barr is gone after this season and I've said as much before, but I'm conflicted as well because it's apparent that the defense gets to that elite level when he is playing at the top of his game. Hopefully he keeps this up for a deep run this season so they can get all they can out of him before letting him walk.