Vikings/Ravens Postgame Thoughts

[Eli]

Peterson was clearly at a disadvantage on that field. Whether it was from his nagging groin injury or just his style of running, he looked very human in the snow. In the past he's had numerous 100 yard games with essentially the same level of blocking.

As for pass blocking, Cassel wasn't sacked and had just _three_ throwaways? That sounds like a pretty good showing to me.

[Webbfann]

He wasn't sacked because he outran his pursuers in the snow despite the fact we all know he can't run. We're going to need somebody who can play in snow the next couple years.

[dead_poet]

Defensive formations and film observations

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Defe ... vens121113

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco won his first career game against the Vikings as he threw for three touchdowns and three interceptions on 50 throws. Sendejo and rookie cornerback Xavier Rhodes combined for six pass deflections before Rhodes' fourth-quarter exit with an ankle sprain.
The Vikings held the Ravens to six three-and-outs on 15 drives, but allowed 109 of the Ravens' 325 yards on the last two drives. After allowing 29 points, the Vikings now rank 31st in both yards allowed per game (401.2) and points allowed per game (30.4).

Five observations

1) Defensive back Robert Blanton has now had critical penalties in three straight games since taking over the nickel cornerback role with Josh Robinson out. On Sunday, Blanton was flagged for a 37-yard pass interference as he ran into receiver Marlon Brown, who was coming back toward the ball. Blanton didn't play the ball until it was too late and the flag set the Ravens up at the Vikings' 17 for the ensuing score to tight end Dennis Pitta, who made his season debut. Against the Chicago Bears, Blanton had an offside penalty negate a Chad Greenway interception and at Lambeau Field, Blanton had two defensive holding penalties - one of which negated a Packers' three-and-out in overtime. Other than that, Blanton has served the role well in Robinson's absence, perhaps providing an upgrade in coverage as he allowed just four catches on eight targets for 43 yards, per Pro Football Focus.

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes continued to excel as a starter on Sunday, deflecting three passes in 60 snaps [71%] before exiting in the fourth quarter with an ankle sprain. He allowed just two catches on seven passes thrown his way for 20 yards. The Ravens continually took deep shots on Rhodes - and later on his replacement Marcus Sherels - to no avail as receiver Torrey Smith's only catch went for 11 yards on five targets. Cornerback Chris Cook bounced back fairly well from his ejection against the Bears and made a handful of open-field tackles as he allowed minimal yards after the catch. Cook's lone snafu appeared to be a busted coverage on tight end Ed Dickson, who leaked out of the formation for the one-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Cook was one of two defensive backs as defensive coordinator Alan Williams used a 6-3-2 formation on various goal line stands. Previously this season, Williams utilized a 6-2 front, but opted to go with three linebackers instead on Sunday.

Cornerback Marcus Sherels stepped in place of the injured Rhodes and played 20 snaps [24%]. He also nabbed his first career interception off a bobbled pass that hit him in the face mask in the fourth quarter.

Game ball: Andrew Sendejo. Sendejo had two interceptions on Sunday, but the latter was negated by Greenway's pass interference call on the Ravens' final drive. Sendejo showed impressive closing speed in limited action earlier this season, but he has made strides in getting that under control. As a result, he's missing fewer tackles and timing his jumps better on routes.

[dead_poet]

blanton has played pretty well the last two seasons when forced into action.

I agree.

[Mothman]

Defensive formations and film observations

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Defe ... vens121113

That's good stuff! Thanks for the link.