Vikings rush defense struggling

[Mothman]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 93251.html

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer figures that when the New York Jets fire up the game tape of his defense from recent weeks, they see the same weaknesses that he is seeing.

While the Vikings continue to defend the pass well and put pressure on quarterbacks, they have not defended the run well over the past month. Their past four opponents have all topped 100 rushing yards against them, including the Carolina Panthers, who rushed for 178 yards on 33 carries in Sunday’s 31-13 win.

The Jets, meanwhile, rank second in the NFL in rushing after piling up 277 yards on 49 carries in their 16-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. Eight different Jets carried the ball, including three wide receivers and their fullback.

“That will be a good test for us,” Zimmer said. “We haven’t played the run as well as I would like to, and I’m sure that they see that as well.”

[losperros]

Seems like anyone can run against the Vikings D lately.

As for the Jets, I wouldn't be surprised to see Harvin carry the ball out of the backfield a couple times in the next game.

[Cliff]

This is actually why I think the Jets are a bad match up for the Vikings.

Their defense is good enough to stop our offense on all levels. Our defense is only good enough to stop their passing game which isn't their strength anyway. This could actually be an ugly game for the Vikings.

[Mothman]

Seems like anyone can run against the Vikings D lately.

As for the Jets, I wouldn't be surprised to see Harvin carry the ball out of the backfield a couple times in the next game.

We can probably count on that.

This is actually why I think the Jets are a bad match up for the Vikings.

Their defense is good enough to stop our offense on all levels. Our defense is only good enough to stop their passing game which isn't their strength anyway. This could actually be an ugly game for the Vikings.

It's possible. I definitely dislike aspects of the matchup and I think it's imperative that the Vikings take care of the ball. The Vikes have to find a way to contain the Jets running game and they'd better be wary of the blitz on offense. The Vikings o-line has been shaky all year but with a rookie at QB and a highly questionable right tackle, they need to be extra-prepared for Ryan to attack and try to pressure Bridgewater into mistakes and turnovers.

[chicagopurple]

its not the Harvin trick plays based on speed that worry me. Its the physical, pounding run game up the gut. I am not confident that our D Line will be able to stop that. Ivory was very impressive. Most people would say that if we win, its a garbage win against a team that is falling apart. I think if we stop their run game it will be a great sign.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Knowing Zimmer, we will be seeing a lot of stacked boxes and blitzing. I think we will be fine. In Zimmer I trust.

[Mothman]

Knowing Zimmer, we will be seeing a lot of stacked boxes and blitzing. I think we will be fine. In Zimmer I trust.

Zimmer's been coaching the team in all these games where the run defense has struggled. I trust him to have a good strategic approach but he can't fill the gaps and make the tackles himself. The players need to start executing better in that aspect of the game.

[J. Kapp 11]

Zimmer's been coaching the team in all these games where the run defense has struggled. I trust him to have a good strategic approach but he can't fill the gaps and make the tackles himself. The players need to start executing better in that aspect of the game.

I think it's been harder to load the box against other teams because they can throw. The Jets are pretty one-dimensional. Well, that's a huge understatement. They're awful throwing the ball. Honestly, I hope the Jets try to throw. A lot.

That's not to say they can't or won't have success running the ball. Vikings players definitely DO have to do a better job against the run.

[Mothman]

I think it's been harder to load the box against other teams because they can throw. The Jets are pretty one-dimensional. Well, that's a huge understatement. They're awful throwing the ball. Honestly, I hope the Jets try to throw. A lot.

That's not to say they can't or won't have success running the ball. Vikings players definitely DO have to do a better job against the run.

Obviously, I agree but you're right that they can afford to load the box and dare the Jets to pass against them. Of course, if the Jets do it effectively, the Vikes will have to adjust but defending the Jets running game is a bit different than defending the last few they've faced, because the threat of the pass appears reduced.

[Laserman]

the idea here is to try to think like the jets think. I think they can't help but try to throw the ball a bit. They know our run Def is not strong so they probably think they can go to that anytime they need to, but I believe they will try to throw the ball more than usual because they think we will not expect that. I expect them to try to work out Geno at throwing than just to run the ball down our throats all day. They have to coach Geno smith into a passer unless they are done with him altogether.

[J. Kapp 11]

the idea here is to try to think like the jets think. I think they can't help but try to throw the ball a bit. They know our run Def is not strong so they probably think they can go to that anytime they need to, but I believe they will try to throw the ball more than usual because they think we will not expect that. I expect them to try to work out Geno at throwing than just to run the ball down our throats all day. They have to coach Geno smith into a passer unless they are done with him altogether.

In the enemy fan forum thread, one Jets fan wondered whether Rex would have Geno throw 40 times just to piss off everybody who criticized the Jets for only allowing Geno to throw 13 times against Miami.

Ah, the dysfunctional world in which Rex is King.

[PacificNorseWest]

Better tackling would be a start.

[jackal]

I have seen a few real poor attempts from Blanton and a few of the linebackers recently.
Greenway even had a bad wiff against the bears I believe.

[PacificNorseWest]

I have seen a few real poor attempts from Blanton and a few of the linebackers recently.
Greenway even had a bad wiff against the bears I believe.

Yep. I knew it was a real problem a few weeks ago when Harrison Smith lazily attempted a tackle and was shucked aside. If they were just getting beat because they simply weren't good enough then I'd understand, but if they're getting beat and putting forth crap effort....That's unacceptable.

[Laserman]

we've been needing better LB play for awhile now. This problem needs to be addressed this offseason. Our LBs are marginal at best