) we used to do a weekly thing we called “Wows and Pows.” Basically, we’d talk about what went well, and what could use improvement. I thought maybe we could take the week without a game to hand out Wows and Pows for the Vikings during their first six games. Allow me to set a few parameters. Obviously I have no rule-enforcing authority, so I simply ask as a friendly request.
1. Post BOTH Wows and Pows. Don’t just be a negative nelly, and don’t be a kool-aid guzzler.
2. Nothing concerning the Vikings is off limits. Quality of play, coaching, play calling, selection of beer at US Bank Stadium, cheerleader outfits … it’s all on the table.
3. Opinions are fine, even if you don’t back them with facts. For definition purposes, an opinion can’t be proven conclusively (for example, “Kirk Cousins is a terrible quarterback” can’t be proven). Facts can be proven (e.g. Dalvin Cook has fewer rushing TDs than last year at this time) and are useful for supporting opinions.
4. If you cite facts, please tell us where you got them.
OK. I’ll start. Mine will be in the form of surprises.
WOWs
— The emergence of KJ Osborn. Honestly, who saw this coming? What he’s done, after taking ZERO offensive snaps in 2020, is truly impressive. One of the more unheralded benefits of having him on the field in 3-receiver sets is that the Vikings are more likely to stretch the field. With Osborn on the field, the Vikings throw the ball deep twice as often — a rate of 8.2 percent instead of 3.4 percent — per TruMedia. Also, Kirk Cousins’ depth of target is 1.5 yards farther downfield on average with Osborn on the field, despite similar time to throw, and his yards per attempt also increases dramatically from 6.38 to 7.75. He even helps the running game. According to TruMedia, the Vikings’ expected points per rush on standard rushing downs is much higher with Osborn on the field than off it, and the Vikings rush with higher yards per carry. On top of that, Dalvin Cook’s yards after contact increases, likely because he has a higher probability of taking on defensive backs in nickel defense than he does against base defenses when the Vikings run in heavy personnel. Also, Osborn is stocky (5-11, 203) and strong, and he does a great job, according to Vikings coaches, of cracking back against defensive ends on running plays. I’ll be watching for that when the Vikings play Dallas.
Essentially, KJ Osborn’s ability to be a reliable (even spectacular at times) WR3 makes the Vikings’ offense better.
— The addition of Christian Darrisaw. The rookie has taken 116 snaps and allowed ONE pressure. That’s impressive. But more than that, his addition has made the interior better. Alex Boone explained it really well on The Purple Daily podcast this past Tuesday. Normally against a 4-man front, the center helps out one or both of the guards against 3-techs and nose tackles. But when you have a liability at tackle, the guard on that side has to slide over to help the tackle. That leaves the center on an island — not a good thing when you have a small, athletic center like Garrett Bradbury. We’ve all seen him get pounded by DTs in pass pro. But when you have two tackles who can handle their business, the guards can stay home and the center can be the helper.
Adding Darrisaw has freed up our guards to handle the tackles, rather than sliding to help the overmatched Rashod Hill. That makes Bradbury more effective. We saw it against a really good front in Carolina.
— Kirk Cousins has suddenly become clutch. In his first three seasons, Cousins ranked 45th out of 49 quarterbacks in passer rating during the last 4 minutes of a game with his team tied or trailing by no more than two scores. He had more interceptions than TDs. Suddenly this year, out of nowhere, he ranks first (source PFF, per The Athletic). I don’t know why this turnaround has happened, and I don’t know if it will continue. But I sure like it for now.
— Opponents are converting just 29.5% of third downs against our defense, our best mark since 2017, and easily the best in the league. I have to believe some of that has to do with …
— Our pass rush has returned. After recording just 23 sacks in 2020, the Vikings are tied with Chicago for the NFL lead with 21 this year. At this rate, we’ll finish the season with 59! Welcome back Danielle and Everson.
— Bashaud Breeland. Special mention here. The guy was ranked dead last by PFF among all NFL corners after three weeks. In the past three weeks, he’s allowed just 5 completions and a 33% completion rate. Keep it up BB … and try not to mention your Johnson in your tweets.
POWs
— Defense at the end of halfs and/or games. It’s been an issue in every game except the Seattle game.
— Maddeningly inconsistent offense. We went four games without an offensive TD in the second half.
— Rush defense. Obviously it hasn’t been great, although we gave up only 70 yards against Carolina on running plays (the other 48 were on Darnold scrambles). The thing that gives me hope is that Michael Pierce and Anthony Barr (much better against the run than Nick Vigil) have yet to play together. That’ll change against Dallas.
— Next to nothing in the return game. With the exception of a nice return by Ameer Abdullah against Carolina, we’ve had nothing in the return game. Maybe that’ll change with the activation of Kene Nwangwu. And don’t even get me started on punt returns. Maybe we oughta give Marcus Sherels a call.
There’s a lot more I could highlight, but I’m interested in your thoughts. What are your WOWs and POWs for the first six weeks?
