Texans at Vikings

[CharVike]

Home dogs again. Diggs and Hunter are on the Texans. I guess Stroud is a top QB but they are banged up at RB and are down to Akers who I think was No 3 on depth chart. Both teams are 2-0. The Texans like to bring heavy pressure and have some cover guys. They sacked Caleb 7 times last week. For us it's home and I guess Sammy is playing better than most expected. I was surprised by the speed he has and he can throw rocket balls. Maybe lady luck will smile on us and he will keep it up and not fall off the cliff. Nailor is playing some nice ball. The guy can move and looks to have good hands and movement. Pat Jones has 4 sacks. One of them against the 49ers was an unblocked straight run to the QB from the edge. Williams dove inside at the snap so something was out of sync. The Texans get many props but are they really that good? I think we beat them 26-23.

[VikingLord]

It's interesting - the Texans are 2nd in the league with 9 total sacks, but 7 of those sacks came against Caleb Williams and the Bears last week, so it is hard to tell if the Texans are that good at getting to the passer, or were just able to take advantage of a weak offensive line and rookie QB. I guess we'll find out on Sunday. One thing I do know - the Vikings offense has faced two very good front 7's the first two week of this season and did well against both. Even if the Texan front 7 is as good as what the Giants and 49ers have, I feel pretty confident that the Vikings can handle them and limit their ability to get to Darnold or shut down the run.

As far as the Stroud hype goes, he is 7th overall in passing yards (Darnold is 9th), has a completion % of 69.1 (Darnold's is 72.0), yards per completion of 7.3 (Darnold is 9.5), and has 3 TD passes (Darnold has 4). Stroud hasn't thrown a pick yet, and his QBR and overall ratings are lower than Darnold's. He's got more passing yards only because he's chucked it 68 times as compared to Darnold's 50 attempts. So yeah, there is that, but Stroud gets the hype as the better QB apparently (not from you, but from the national media).

I think one of the key things in this game other than the fact the Vikings are home underdogs (easiest pick I ever made in Pick 4 so far is this game IMHO), is the Vikings defense. The more I watch the plays these guys make the more I'm convinced this is going to be a really good defense this year. They don't just have guys who can get after the passer on the defensive line - they have a lot of depth too and can rotate guys in and keep everyone fresh without losing a beat. The linebackers as a group might be as good a trio as the Vikings have ever fielded, and they've fielded some pretty strong LB groups over the years. They are instinctive, fast, and well-prepared for what the opposing offense likes to do. It shows up repeatedly throughout games, too, especially in key situations. And then the group I thought would be the weakest position group, the secondary, has played pretty well. They aren't necessarily lock down guys, but they're smart and well-prepared vets who take the right angles to the ball and play within the confines of what Flores wants them to do. They really complement the play of the front 7. I think if the Vikings end up going anywhere this year as a team it will be in major part because of this defense.

I really think it is an outright insult for the Vikings to be home underdogs against the Texans after how both teams have played the first two weeks, especially after what the Vikings showed against the 49ers last week. I don't think the Vikings will walk away with this game, but I also don't think this will be a nail biter. I'm going to go:

Vikings - 28
Texans - 17

[Cliff]

It's interesting - the Texans are 2nd in the league with 9 total sacks, but 7 of those sacks came against Caleb Williams and the Bears last week, so it is hard to tell if the Texans are that good at getting to the passer, or were just able to take advantage of a weak offensive line and rookie QB. I guess we'll find out on Sunday. One thing I do know - the Vikings offense has faced two very good front 7's the first two week of this season and did well against both. Even if the Texan front 7 is as good as what the Giants and 49ers have, I feel pretty confident that the Vikings can handle them and limit their ability to get to Darnold or shut down the run.

As far as the Stroud hype goes, he is 7th overall in passing yards (Darnold is 9th), has a completion % of 69.1 (Darnold's is 72.0), yards per completion of 7.3 (Darnold is 9.5), and has 3 TD passes (Darnold has 4). Stroud hasn't thrown a pick yet, and his QBR and overall ratings are lower than Darnold's. He's got more passing yards only because he's chucked it 68 times as compared to Darnold's 50 attempts. So yeah, there is that, but Stroud gets the hype as the better QB apparently (not from you, but from the national media).

I think one of the key things in this game other than the fact the Vikings are home underdogs (easiest pick I ever made in Pick 4 so far is this game IMHO), is the Vikings defense. The more I watch the plays these guys make the more I'm convinced this is going to be a really good defense this year. They don't just have guys who can get after the passer on the defensive line - they have a lot of depth too and can rotate guys in and keep everyone fresh without losing a beat. The linebackers as a group might be as good a trio as the Vikings have ever fielded, and they've fielded some pretty strong LB groups over the years. They are instinctive, fast, and well-prepared for what the opposing offense likes to do. It shows up repeatedly throughout games, too, especially in key situations. And then the group I thought would be the weakest position group, the secondary, has played pretty well. They aren't necessarily lock down guys, but they're smart and well-prepared vets who take the right angles to the ball and play within the confines of what Flores wants them to do. They really complement the play of the front 7. I think if the Vikings end up going anywhere this year as a team it will be in major part because of this defense.

I really think it is an outright insult for the Vikings to be home underdogs against the Texans after how both teams have played the first two weeks, especially after what the Vikings showed against the 49ers last week. I don't think the Vikings will walk away with this game, but I also don't think this will be a nail biter. I'm going to go:

Vikings - 28
Texans - 17

I think people are just hesitant because they don't want to be "wrong". Darnold has definitely had more bad games than good in his career and I think people expect a major downturn at some point.

I can't help but think the other shoe is going to drop soon. If the past is any indicator after raising our hopes for a good season they'll get blown out by like 20 points. Darnold has a major regression, none of the blitzes rattle the QB, 3 turnovers, etc. I can see it in my mind's eye.

If they are able to pull out a win against the Texans I will definitely be more excited about the season.

[CharVike]

It's interesting - the Texans are 2nd in the league with 9 total sacks, but 7 of those sacks came against Caleb Williams and the Bears last week, so it is hard to tell if the Texans are that good at getting to the passer, or were just able to take advantage of a weak offensive line and rookie QB. I guess we'll find out on Sunday. One thing I do know - the Vikings offense has faced two very good front 7's the first two week of this season and did well against both. Even if the Texan front 7 is as good as what the Giants and 49ers have, I feel pretty confident that the Vikings can handle them and limit their ability to get to Darnold or shut down the run.

As far as the Stroud hype goes, he is 7th overall in passing yards (Darnold is 9th), has a completion % of 69.1 (Darnold's is 72.0), yards per completion of 7.3 (Darnold is 9.5), and has 3 TD passes (Darnold has 4). Stroud hasn't thrown a pick yet, and his QBR and overall ratings are lower than Darnold's. He's got more passing yards only because he's chucked it 68 times as compared to Darnold's 50 attempts. So yeah, there is that, but Stroud gets the hype as the better QB apparently (not from you, but from the national media).

I think one of the key things in this game other than the fact the Vikings are home underdogs (easiest pick I ever made in Pick 4 so far is this game IMHO), is the Vikings defense. The more I watch the plays these guys make the more I'm convinced this is going to be a really good defense this year. They don't just have guys who can get after the passer on the defensive line - they have a lot of depth too and can rotate guys in and keep everyone fresh without losing a beat. The linebackers as a group might be as good a trio as the Vikings have ever fielded, and they've fielded some pretty strong LB groups over the years. They are instinctive, fast, and well-prepared for what the opposing offense likes to do. It shows up repeatedly throughout games, too, especially in key situations. And then the group I thought would be the weakest position group, the secondary, has played pretty well. They aren't necessarily lock down guys, but they're smart and well-prepared vets who take the right angles to the ball and play within the confines of what Flores wants them to do. They really complement the play of the front 7. I think if the Vikings end up going anywhere this year as a team it will be in major part because of this defense.

I really think it is an outright insult for the Vikings to be home underdogs against the Texans after how both teams have played the first two weeks, especially after what the Vikings showed against the 49ers last week. I don't think the Vikings will walk away with this game, but I also don't think this will be a nail biter. I'm going to go:

Vikings - 28
Texans - 17

Our OL has done a very good job so far. That 97 yard TD pass was setup by great blocking up front. Sammy was able to step up in the pocket and let it fly which takes time. Playing with a lead and not having a defense fold also contributed to the success. A team can't ignore the run and tee off on the pass. We can't turn it over unless we can match it up on D which has been hard to do against Houston so far.

[TheCoolerOne]

It's interesting - the Texans are 2nd in the league with 9 total sacks, but 7 of those sacks came against Caleb Williams and the Bears last week, so it is hard to tell if the Texans are that good at getting to the passer, or were just able to take advantage of a weak offensive line and rookie QB. I guess we'll find out on Sunday. One thing I do know - the Vikings offense has faced two very good front 7's the first two week of this season and did well against both. Even if the Texan front 7 is as good as what the Giants and 49ers have, I feel pretty confident that the Vikings can handle them and limit their ability to get to Darnold or shut down the run.

As far as the Stroud hype goes, he is 7th overall in passing yards (Darnold is 9th), has a completion % of 69.1 (Darnold's is 72.0), yards per completion of 7.3 (Darnold is 9.5), and has 3 TD passes (Darnold has 4). Stroud hasn't thrown a pick yet, and his QBR and overall ratings are lower than Darnold's. He's got more passing yards only because he's chucked it 68 times as compared to Darnold's 50 attempts. So yeah, there is that, but Stroud gets the hype as the better QB apparently (not from you, but from the national media).

I think one of the key things in this game other than the fact the Vikings are home underdogs (easiest pick I ever made in Pick 4 so far is this game IMHO), is the Vikings defense. The more I watch the plays these guys make the more I'm convinced this is going to be a really good defense this year. They don't just have guys who can get after the passer on the defensive line - they have a lot of depth too and can rotate guys in and keep everyone fresh without losing a beat. The linebackers as a group might be as good a trio as the Vikings have ever fielded, and they've fielded some pretty strong LB groups over the years. They are instinctive, fast, and well-prepared for what the opposing offense likes to do. It shows up repeatedly throughout games, too, especially in key situations. And then the group I thought would be the weakest position group, the secondary, has played pretty well. They aren't necessarily lock down guys, but they're smart and well-prepared vets who take the right angles to the ball and play within the confines of what Flores wants them to do. They really complement the play of the front 7. I think if the Vikings end up going anywhere this year as a team it will be in major part because of this defense.

I really think it is an outright insult for the Vikings to be home underdogs against the Texans after how both teams have played the first two weeks, especially after what the Vikings showed against the 49ers last week. I don't think the Vikings will walk away with this game, but I also don't think this will be a nail biter. I'm going to go:

Vikings - 28
Texans - 17

I think people are just hesitant because they don't want to be "wrong". Darnold has definitely had more bad games than good in his career and I think people expect a major downturn at some point.

I can't help but think the other shoe is going to drop soon. If the past is any indicator after raising our hopes for a good season they'll get blown out by like 20 points. Darnold has a major regression, none of the blitzes rattle the QB, 3 turnovers, etc. I can see it in my mind's eye.

If they are able to pull out a win against the Texans I will definitely be more excited about the season.

The Minnesota Football Party podcast pointed out that it's actually been a relief with Darnold to see that the other shoe is still very much there. It's not as though he's playing completely mistake free 23/24 350 4TD football. He's still doing all of the crappy things he's known for (inexplicable toss attempt on that screen, trying to fit the ball in past Fred Warner) but they've managed to kind of withstand it, and/or keep it to a minimum. Cousins doesn't try to make that screen pass work, but he also never tries the 97-yard hook-up with Jefferson.

[VikingLord]

Cousins doesn't try to make that screen pass work, but he also never tries the 97-yard hook-up with Jefferson.

I do find myself wondering at times what Cousins would have done if he were in a similar play when I'm watching Darnold. To be completely fair to Kirk, I think Darnold is getting better overall protection in the passing game than Cousins got, or, at the very least, Darnold is better able to escape it because it often seemed like Cousins was under more duress. Darnold has had some pressure, but he hasn't had a play yet where I felt like he didn't handle it about as well as he could have handled it. Maybe against San Fran the sack where he ran into Bosa wasn't a great decision because I felt like he had room to run on that play, but for the most part Darnold seems to be able to evade pressure and find ways to get positive yardage. Cousins seemed less able to do that, and it does make a difference. Or, perhaps, the OL play in front of Darnold really is better than what Cousins got last year. Hard to say at this point in the season.

One other thing I think Darnold has done very well is hit the deep ball. When he's let it fly it is generally been on target and allows the receiver to catch it in stride. It is thrown where defenders cannot pick it. Darnold's mechanics on deeper throws is pretty solid. When he's thrown it deep he's had good protection, but Cousins' deep ball wasn't always on time or on the money. I remember plenty of times when the ball was late, underthrown, overthrown, or didn't give the receiver a chance to catch it in stride and get YAC. Of course, Cousins threw some great deep passes too, but he had some clunkers mixed in. So far at least, Darnold's deep balls have been pretty accurate and timely. I do see why he was taken 3rd overall in his draft class. The passing talent and physical ability is clearly there, and it will be very interesting to see what he is capable of doing once all his primary receivers are healthy.

[CharVike]

Cousins doesn't try to make that screen pass work, but he also never tries the 97-yard hook-up with Jefferson.

I do find myself wondering at times what Cousins would have done if he were in a similar play when I'm watching Darnold. To be completely fair to Kirk, I think Darnold is getting better overall protection in the passing game than Cousins got, or, at the very least, Darnold is better able to escape it because it often seemed like Cousins was under more duress. Darnold has had some pressure, but he hasn't had a play yet where I felt like he didn't handle it about as well as he could have handled it. Maybe against San Fran the sack where he ran into Bosa wasn't a great decision because I felt like he had room to run on that play, but for the most part Darnold seems to be able to evade pressure and find ways to get positive yardage. Cousins seemed less able to do that, and it does make a difference. Or, perhaps, the OL play in front of Darnold really is better than what Cousins got last year. Hard to say at this point in the season.

One other thing I think Darnold has done very well is hit the deep ball. When he's let it fly it is generally been on target and allows the receiver to catch it in stride. It is thrown where defenders cannot pick it. Darnold's mechanics on deeper throws is pretty solid. When he's thrown it deep he's had good protection, but Cousins' deep ball wasn't always on time or on the money. I remember plenty of times when the ball was late, underthrown, overthrown, or didn't give the receiver a chance to catch it in stride and get YAC. Of course, Cousins threw some great deep passes too, but he had some clunkers mixed in. So far at least, Darnold's deep balls have been pretty accurate and timely. I do see why he was taken 3rd overall in his draft class. The passing talent and physical ability is clearly there, and it will be very interesting to see what he is capable of doing once all his primary receivers are healthy.

Darnold has a better arm than most QB in the NFL. He also has better speed. If Darnold is better than Cousins will be answered this off season based on what he is offered. Tag and trade will be perfect for us if he's worth a tag. Our ground game right now is better than it's been in years. That helps also. But the Giants just gave up over 200 in a game. That team blows. Dobbs looked like the best QB in the NFL for 2 games and then unplayable. This needs time before he's compared to any player.

[VikingLord]

Dobbs looked like the best QB in the NFL for 2 games and then unplayable. This needs time before he's compared to any player.

That's a valid point, but I think there are some key differences between Dobbs and Darnold. Dobbs came in not by choice, but literally because he was pretty much the only option the Vikings had at the time. Defenses had little tape on Dobbs. Dobbs also put a lot of questionable play on that tape once he got in. He had several really ugly plays, didn't even see some wide open receivers, and pretty much did a ton of damage with his legs. Once defensive coordinators had some tape on him his tendencies and weaknesses were pretty obvious and I felt he was pretty easy to contain.

I don't think Darnold falls into the same category as Dobbs. Whatever we're seeing from Darnold right now, defensive coordinators have had plenty of tape on him and he's still able to perform as well as he has. Darnold can run, but it's not his go-to response to pressure like Dobbs was. Darnold also is a better pure passer than Dobbs. He's more accurate and sees the field better. So there are key differences there, but I do understand your point and I think many people are waiting for Darnold to come back to earth.

I just think he's finally in a really good situation with a coach who understands how to maximize his talent, which I don't think he's had before. I'm still seeing a lot of national media outright state that Stroud is a better QB. What they're basing that on is beyond me because statistically Stroud hasn't been notably better, but to each their own. Maybe this is the game where Darnold reminds those folks that he's more than meets the eye (sorry, couldn't help the Transformers reference as I just saw Transformers One with my son).

[CharVike]

Dobbs looked like the best QB in the NFL for 2 games and then unplayable. This needs time before he's compared to any player.

That's a valid point, but I think there are some key differences between Dobbs and Darnold. Dobbs came in not by choice, but literally because he was pretty much the only option the Vikings had at the time. Defenses had little tape on Dobbs. Dobbs also put a lot of questionable play on that tape once he got in. He had several really ugly plays, didn't even see some wide open receivers, and pretty much did a ton of damage with his legs. Once defensive coordinators had some tape on him his tendencies and weaknesses were pretty obvious and I felt he was pretty easy to contain.

I don't think Darnold falls into the same category as Dobbs. Whatever we're seeing from Darnold right now, defensive coordinators have had plenty of tape on him and he's still able to perform as well as he has. Darnold can run, but it's not his go-to response to pressure like Dobbs was. Darnold also is a better pure passer than Dobbs. He's more accurate and sees the field better. So there are key differences there, but I do understand your point and I think many people are waiting for Darnold to come back to earth.

I just think he's finally in a really good situation with a coach who understands how to maximize his talent, which I don't think he's had before. I'm still seeing a lot of national media outright state that Stroud is a better QB. What they're basing that on is beyond me because statistically Stroud hasn't been notably better, but to each their own. Maybe this is the game where Darnold reminds those folks that he's more than meets the eye (sorry, couldn't help the Transformers reference as I just saw Transformers One with my son).

I hope Darnold continues to play well enough that it's not an embarrassment like Dobbs. Darnold has made some great throws like the deep loop to the sideline who I think was to Nailor. That's a difficult throw and not many can make that. The thing I really like the most about KOC our passing game isn't a dink and dunk type. He looks for bigger gains and a guy like Darnold and JJM both have a chance to thrive in that because they both have strong arms. Darnold can zip the ball into the intermediate middle. You can't cheat the middle with him because he can reach the sidelines with ease. I also like how excited he and his teammates get. That says a lot about the group. They are having fun. He will have a bad game and plays. The key will be his bounce back from those tough times.

[psjordan]

I'm still seeing a lot of national media outright state that Stroud is a better QB. What they're basing that on is beyond me

I think Stroud is currently best in NFL when flushed from the pocket (statistically and eye test). That scares me in this game. I think we'll get pressure on him, but at that point all bets are off. I think our secondary can handle initial coverages pretty well, but when it breaks down and it's receivers breaking to help a scrambling QB, well, I see us getting hammered in those situations TBH.

I had more confidence in us against SF than I do in this game. Thank goodness the game is at home, which I think will help immensely.

I have it a really, really close game.

[cmoss84]

Mixon out.
Stroud puts up 400 yds throwing.
Diggs TD.


...but we win.
27-24

[cmoss84]

Pierce also out...Cam Akers will be their guy.

[CharVike]

Very good W. D played lights out and the O was balanced again. Didn't think I'd see a beat down like that.

[40for60]

Probably the most impressive two games in the KOC era. I am really impressed with this team. Barring injuries, they will be competitive the whole season, but they are raising expectations each game.

The national media still doesn’t seem real impressed. Maybe I missed it, but hardly a mention of the Vikings on SNF pregame show. A bunch on the Steelers, but who have they played?

Anyway, so impressed with the defense, Darnold, and KOC. Extend KOC right now!

[40for60]

And do whatever you can to keep Flores!