Vikings Message Board.Com

AD is a one man wrecking crew. We all know this, as does the entire NFL. What we are hoping this year, with Jennings and whoever we draft, Musgrave can open things up. And with the money Load got, he better start pass protecting better. We are still so weak at guard though.

I think (well more like hope) that they work on play action every chance they get. You would think with AD it would work, but Ponder just cant sell it.

PurpleKoolaid wrote:AD is a one man wrecking crew. We all know this, as does the entire NFL. What we are hoping this year, with Jennings and whoever we draft, Musgrave can open things up. And with the money Load got, he better start pass protecting better. We are still so weak at guard though.

I think (well more like hope) that they work on play action every chance they get. You would think with AD it would work, but Ponder just cant sell it.

I wonder if failing to sell it is really the problem or if there's a "tell" somewhere in their formation, the way someone is lining up, etc.

Even Webb had the Pack biting on some of his play action. Ponder just does a terrible job with it...

The Breeze wrote: All of this is dependent on whether or not Ponder gets the time he needs to throw the ball, and then consistently makes accurate throws.

I don't think having the time to throw is an issue, we have a solid group up front. I think more to the point, it comes down to how many opportunities he's given to throw. Practice makes perfect, as the old saying goes, you can't replicate in game experiences.

ViciousBritishVike wrote:I don't think having the time to throw is an issue, we have a solid group up front. I think more to the point, it comes down to how many opportunities he's given to throw. Practice makes perfect, as the old saying goes, you can't replicate in game experiences.

I don't think they're quite solid up front yet, although definitely have a point about opportunities to throw. They really struggled with blitzing defenses at times last season (although that's not all on the o-linemen) and Loadholt will probably always have a hard time with speed rushers. Still, if Fusco can make progress at guard, that should help. I'm hoping they can still add a few good linemen this offseason and perhaps even create some serious competition at guard.

Jim

Demi wrote:Even Webb had the Pack biting on some of his play action. Ponder just does a terrible job with it...

It's because when Webb first got the nod, teams thought he'd run the ball a lot more often. Teams expect Ponder to pass because he's viewed as a traditional quarterback. As far as Webb of last year, that also could be explained as "he had an extra year in the pro game" and still not a huge amount of tape of him.

Mothman wrote: I don't think they're quite solid up front yet, although definitely have a point about opportunities to throw. They really struggled with blitzing defenses at times last season (although that's not all on the o-linemen) and Loadholt will probably always have a hard time with speed rushers. Still, if Fusco can make progress at guard, that should help. I'm hoping they can still add a few good linemen this offseason and perhaps even create some serious competition at guard.

Jim

I'm not sold on the line either. But they are definitely better than seasons past.

We have definite blitz issues and hopefully having a guy like Jennings will help Ponder feel more decisive on those plays. That's the biggest issue in the passing game IMO....getting the WRs and QB in the same zip code on blitz plays.

The Breeze wrote:i agree about Harvin... and I expect them to use Wright in a similar fashion. what stood out to me about it was that they seemed to completely rely on it to the point where defenses had 8-9 guys in the box often. the chances were it was either a running play or a short pass to Harvin. both of whom had the ability to make you pay for stacking the box.....or get stuffed. seemed to be feast or famine to me.

Wright may be used from time to time like that but Harvin sort of mastered the quick catch and run routine. Wright is a different kind of receiver, though being about Harvin's size. I think the Vikings figured out Wright's game as he played last season, which is that he's more of a mid-range to downfield receiver. It was true when he was a Razorback and I thought we saw evidence of that last year. Seriously, the Vikings could do a lot worse than have a slot receiver who can hit a seam with 4.4/40 speed and go deep, not to mention Wright can play wide out as well.

losperros wrote: Wright may be used from time to time like that but Harvin sort of mastered the quick catch and run routine. Wright is a different kind of receiver, though being about Harvin's size. I think the Vikings figured out Wright's game as he played last season, which is that he's more of a mid-range to downfield receiver. It was true when he was a Razorback and I thought we saw evidence of that last year. Seriously, the Vikings could do a lot worse than have a slot receiver who can hit a seam with 4.4/40 speed and go deep, not to mention Wright can play wide out as well.

I never some him play college ball....but he certainly has the speed to be a formidable weapon. I'll be happy if they just find ways to get him the ball so he can use the speed. It sounds like he offers a different kind a versatility and more route options than Percy.

I see lots of YAC with him....which is where my similar to Harvin comment came from. If he catches it 2yds down field or 20....as long as he catches it.

The Breeze wrote:
I never some him play college ball....but he certainly has the speed to be a formidable weapon. I'll be happy if they just find ways to get him the ball so he can use the speed. It sounds like he offers a different kind a versatility and more route options than Percy.

I see lots of YAC with him....which is where my similar to Harvin comment came from. If he catches it 2yds down field or 20....as long as he catches it.

He was a very good college player. If you want you might like one of his college highlight films http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbu883Mm2_c

The Breeze wrote:
I'm not sold on the line either. But they are definitely better than seasons past.

We have definite blitz issues and hopefully having a guy like Jennings will help Ponder feel more decisive on those plays. That's the biggest issue in the passing game IMO....getting the WRs and QB in the same zip code on blitz plays.

Yep, im hoping Jennings and Ponder are jined at the hip this offseason to the preseason.