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Should be an interesting game. The Flores chaos scheme is usually a little less successful on experienced QBs and Rodgers can get the ball out quickly. Hopefully they'll still be able to get plenty of pressure on him. His stats are way worse under pressure. The Steelers currently have one of the lower ranked defenses in the league and with Jordan Addison coming back it could be a good game for the offense. With Hockenson not having to be as involved in blocking and Addison back it will be the first game where the Vikings really have their three biggest offensive weapons all working together on the field at the same time this season.

Ryan Kelly was a full participant at practice but is still questionable. He'll probably play. Donovan Jackson is going to miss 3 or 4 weeks but he's not on IR. Metellus, Gink and Hargrave are all questionable.

PFF's Preview:

We must have been typing at the same time.
This is an early season must win game. If they want to keep pace they need this winnable game. The Steelers are 2-1 beating the Jets and Patriots. They lost to the Seahawks. One thing stands out is their pass defense is really bad. Fields lit them up and Maye played good but didn't put many points up. Darnold had a good game in the win. We should be able to pass on this team. They will leave huge holes in the secondary. Overall I don't think they are a very good defense at this point. On offense they seem to have OL problems and throw quick passes to avoid the sacks and hits on old man Rodgers. Their ground game also isn't that great. For us getting Addison back is great news. Nailor can now go to the slot and run deeper routes from there which he seems to be best at. I think we can score and move the ball against this crappy Steeler pass defense. I think we win this 27-17.

This is a tough game to predict because it is overseas and I'm not sold on Wentz as of yet. On a pound-per-pound basis the Vikings are the better team on both sides of the ball, but that won't mean much if the team doesn't execute.

As far as Aaron Rodgers goes, he's kind of playing like Cousins used to play where he wants to get the ball out quickly and if there is no quick release option he can be pressured and will make mistakes. So this is a game where the defense should have opportunities if they can pressure the shorter routes and force Rodgers to hold the ball longer. The Steelers are a really poor rushing offense, so as long as the Vikings make sure it stays that way I think they can tilt the field when the Steelers have the ball and hopefully goad Rodgers into making some mistakes or get him on the ground.

The Vikings offense who knows? On paper it looks lethal, but I still don't trust them on that side of the ball. Wentz I think is their best option currently at QB and I think he's capable of moving the chains and putting points on the board, but I think I need to see him continue playing at that level for a few games before I'd be willing to say he's the guy they should go with. Of course, if it isn't Wentz it would be McCarthy and I trust him even less than I trust Wentz. If they have to go to Brosmer, which could easily happen if Wentz gets hurt, all bets are off. I like what I've seen from Brosmer but I haven't seen nearly enough to think he's ready yet. But who knows? Hopefully we won't have to find out yet.

If the QB play is solid then I think the Vikings could romp with Addison returning and a mostly healthy offensive line. The Vikings should be able to run it and throw it against a Steelers defense that has looked pretty porous against both the run and pass.

I was going to pick this game in the Pick 4 but decided against it because I'm not confident that the QB position is settled. If Wentz performs, I think the Vikings win going away. If not, it will be a field goal fest most likely and anyone's game. I still like the Vikings in that situation.

I do think Wentz will perform well, though, so I'll go with

Vikings 35
Steelers 7

VikingLord wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 12:50 pm This is a tough game to predict because it is overseas and I'm not sold on Wentz as of yet. On a pound-per-pound basis the Vikings are the better team on both sides of the ball, but that won't mean much if the team doesn't execute.

As far as Aaron Rodgers goes, he's kind of playing like Cousins used to play where he wants to get the ball out quickly and if there is no quick release option he can be pressured and will make mistakes. So this is a game where the defense should have opportunities if they can pressure the shorter routes and force Rodgers to hold the ball longer. The Steelers are a really poor rushing offense, so as long as the Vikings make sure it stays that way I think they can tilt the field when the Steelers have the ball and hopefully goad Rodgers into making some mistakes or get him on the ground.

The Vikings offense who knows? On paper it looks lethal, but I still don't trust them on that side of the ball. Wentz I think is their best option currently at QB and I think he's capable of moving the chains and putting points on the board, but I think I need to see him continue playing at that level for a few games before I'd be willing to say he's the guy they should go with. Of course, if it isn't Wentz it would be McCarthy and I trust him even less than I trust Wentz. If they have to go to Brosmer, which could easily happen if Wentz gets hurt, all bets are off. I like what I've seen from Brosmer but I haven't seen nearly enough to think he's ready yet. But who knows? Hopefully we won't have to find out yet.

If the QB play is solid then I think the Vikings could romp with Addison returning and a mostly healthy offensive line. The Vikings should be able to run it and throw it against a Steelers defense that has looked pretty porous against both the run and pass.

I was going to pick this game in the Pick 4 but decided against it because I'm not confident that the QB position is settled. If Wentz performs, I think the Vikings win going away. If not, it will be a field goal fest most likely and anyone's game. I still like the Vikings in that situation.

I do think Wentz will perform well, though, so I'll go with

Vikings 35
Steelers 7

I like your optimism on the score but this is not the crappy Bengals, it will be a close game

VikingsFan12345 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 6:25 pm

VikingLord wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 12:50 pm This is a tough game to predict because it is overseas and I'm not sold on Wentz as of yet. On a pound-per-pound basis the Vikings are the better team on both sides of the ball, but that won't mean much if the team doesn't execute.

As far as Aaron Rodgers goes, he's kind of playing like Cousins used to play where he wants to get the ball out quickly and if there is no quick release option he can be pressured and will make mistakes. So this is a game where the defense should have opportunities if they can pressure the shorter routes and force Rodgers to hold the ball longer. The Steelers are a really poor rushing offense, so as long as the Vikings make sure it stays that way I think they can tilt the field when the Steelers have the ball and hopefully goad Rodgers into making some mistakes or get him on the ground.

The Vikings offense who knows? On paper it looks lethal, but I still don't trust them on that side of the ball. Wentz I think is their best option currently at QB and I think he's capable of moving the chains and putting points on the board, but I think I need to see him continue playing at that level for a few games before I'd be willing to say he's the guy they should go with. Of course, if it isn't Wentz it would be McCarthy and I trust him even less than I trust Wentz. If they have to go to Brosmer, which could easily happen if Wentz gets hurt, all bets are off. I like what I've seen from Brosmer but I haven't seen nearly enough to think he's ready yet. But who knows? Hopefully we won't have to find out yet.

If the QB play is solid then I think the Vikings could romp with Addison returning and a mostly healthy offensive line. The Vikings should be able to run it and throw it against a Steelers defense that has looked pretty porous against both the run and pass.

I was going to pick this game in the Pick 4 but decided against it because I'm not confident that the QB position is settled. If Wentz performs, I think the Vikings win going away. If not, it will be a field goal fest most likely and anyone's game. I still like the Vikings in that situation.

I do think Wentz will perform well, though, so I'll go with

Vikings 35
Steelers 7

I like your optimism on the score but this is not the crappy Bengals, it will be a close game

The Steelers aren't better than the Bengals, at least statistically.

Here are the offensive rankings of the two teams (with the Vikings rankings thrown in for comparison, and keep in mind that 2 of the 3 games for the Vikings were among the worst all time for their offensive production):

Bengals:
- Rushing: 49.0 YPG (32nd)
- Passing: 171.7 YPG (27th)
- Total Yards: 220.7 YPG (32nd)
- Scoring: 19.3 PPG (23rd)

Steelers:
- Rushing: 63.0 YPG (31st)
- Passing: 184.0 YPG (24th)
- Total Yards: 247.0 YPG (30th)
- Scoring: 24.0 PPG (12th)

Vikings:
- Rushing: 122.3 YPG (13th)
- Passing: 145.7 YPG (30th)
- Total Yards: 268.0 YPG (28th)
- Scoring: 27.0 PPG (6th)

The Steelers are only marginally better than the Bengals offensively. Their scoring ranking is elevated for much the same reason the Vikings scoring average is elevated - their defense has created a lot of turnovers and they've either directly or indirectly scored points off those takeaways. But in terms of raw offensive performance, the Steelers look very similar to the Bengals, and the Steelers haven't had to deal with a QB change.

Defensively, these are the stats and rankings:

Bengals:
- Rushing: 119.0 YPG (21st)
- Passing: 240.7 YPG (25th)
- Total Yards: 359.7 YPG (25th)
- Scoring: 30.3 PPG (26th)

Steelers:
- Rushing: 139.3 YPG (27th)
- Passing: 246.7 YPG (26th)
- Total Yards: 386.0 YPG (28th)
- Scoring: 25.7 PPG (22nd)

Vikings:
- Rushing: 130.0 YPG (22nd)
- Passing: 141.3 YPG (3rd)
- Total Yards: 271.3 YPG (6th)
- Scoring: 18.7 PPG (11th)

If anything, the Steelers are objectively worse defensively. Their +5 turnover differential (tied for 1st overall) has made them look much better than they are in terms of record and, I assume, impacted your estimation of how good they are as compared to the Bengals.

I continue to believe this game will come down to how well the offense executes with Carson Wentz. If that side of the ball produces and avoids penalties and turnovers, if they were able to throttle the Bengals I don't see why things should turn out any differently against a pretty mediocre Steelers team. But we'll see.

Heaven Knows, Mr. Addison.

VikingLord wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 12:50 pm This is a tough game to predict because it is overseas and I'm not sold on Wentz as of yet. On a pound-per-pound basis the Vikings are the better team on both sides of the ball, but that won't mean much if the team doesn't execute.

As far as Aaron Rodgers goes, he's kind of playing like Cousins used to play where he wants to get the ball out quickly and if there is no quick release option he can be pressured and will make mistakes. So this is a game where the defense should have opportunities if they can pressure the shorter routes and force Rodgers to hold the ball longer. The Steelers are a really poor rushing offense, so as long as the Vikings make sure it stays that way I think they can tilt the field when the Steelers have the ball and hopefully goad Rodgers into making some mistakes or get him on the ground.

The Vikings offense who knows? On paper it looks lethal, but I still don't trust them on that side of the ball. Wentz I think is their best option currently at QB and I think he's capable of moving the chains and putting points on the board, but I think I need to see him continue playing at that level for a few games before I'd be willing to say he's the guy they should go with. Of course, if it isn't Wentz it would be McCarthy and I trust him even less than I trust Wentz. If they have to go to Brosmer, which could easily happen if Wentz gets hurt, all bets are off. I like what I've seen from Brosmer but I haven't seen nearly enough to think he's ready yet. But who knows? Hopefully we won't have to find out yet.

If the QB play is solid then I think the Vikings could romp with Addison returning and a mostly healthy offensive line. The Vikings should be able to run it and throw it against a Steelers defense that has looked pretty porous against both the run and pass.

I was going to pick this game in the Pick 4 but decided against it because I'm not confident that the QB position is settled. If Wentz performs, I think the Vikings win going away. If not, it will be a field goal fest most likely and anyone's game. I still like the Vikings in that situation.

I do think Wentz will perform well, though, so I'll go with

Vikings 35
Steelers 7

I told you it is going to be a close game and Wentz was horrible today

VikingsFan12345 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 11:48 am

VikingLord wrote: ↑Thu Sep 25, 2025 12:50 pm This is a tough game to predict because it is overseas and I'm not sold on Wentz as of yet. On a pound-per-pound basis the Vikings are the better team on both sides of the ball, but that won't mean much if the team doesn't execute.

As far as Aaron Rodgers goes, he's kind of playing like Cousins used to play where he wants to get the ball out quickly and if there is no quick release option he can be pressured and will make mistakes. So this is a game where the defense should have opportunities if they can pressure the shorter routes and force Rodgers to hold the ball longer. The Steelers are a really poor rushing offense, so as long as the Vikings make sure it stays that way I think they can tilt the field when the Steelers have the ball and hopefully goad Rodgers into making some mistakes or get him on the ground.

The Vikings offense who knows? On paper it looks lethal, but I still don't trust them on that side of the ball. Wentz I think is their best option currently at QB and I think he's capable of moving the chains and putting points on the board, but I think I need to see him continue playing at that level for a few games before I'd be willing to say he's the guy they should go with. Of course, if it isn't Wentz it would be McCarthy and I trust him even less than I trust Wentz. If they have to go to Brosmer, which could easily happen if Wentz gets hurt, all bets are off. I like what I've seen from Brosmer but I haven't seen nearly enough to think he's ready yet. But who knows? Hopefully we won't have to find out yet.

If the QB play is solid then I think the Vikings could romp with Addison returning and a mostly healthy offensive line. The Vikings should be able to run it and throw it against a Steelers defense that has looked pretty porous against both the run and pass.

I was going to pick this game in the Pick 4 but decided against it because I'm not confident that the QB position is settled. If Wentz performs, I think the Vikings win going away. If not, it will be a field goal fest most likely and anyone's game. I still like the Vikings in that situation.

I do think Wentz will perform well, though, so I'll go with

Vikings 35
Steelers 7

I told you it is going to be a close game and Wentz was horrible today

Yup, all hail the mighty Steelers.

Despite everything, despite the crappy QB play and the lopsided officiating, if Jordan Addison scores when he had a 15 yard head start, the Vikings have a very good chance to win that game. What the heck.

Wentz is clearly not the answer at QB, which means we are likely going back to "Buckshot" McCarthy next week. To be fair to Wentz he didn't get great protection, but he was indecisive and inaccurate most of the game.

The Vikings offensive line has suffered so many injuries. I've never seen anything like it. I think at the end it was just Darrisaw and Fries that were still in, and the Vikings had their 3rd guy going at center. Going to be hard to win if they end up with practice squad guys out there no matter who is at QB.

But I have to save my harshest criticism for the defense who consistently again could not stop a poor running game and despite knowing the Steelers were going to run on many of their later plays. Yes, I know the offense was garbage today and left the defense hanging yet again, but even earlier in the game the punchless Steelers ran with relative ease against them. A defense that can't offer resistance against the run is in for a long year and this defense clearly can't stop the run. There are good individual players on the defense but there are a lot of guys who are just not getting the job done consistently. They don't give up a lot of points necessarily, but these are not good offenses they are playing. Just wait until they face better offensive teams, and that illusion will be shattered as well.

The 2025 Vikings are just not a good football team. They have high-priced name talent but the production and consistency isn't there. A lot of that has to do with the QB and injury situation on the offensive side, but on the defensive side they are just a bunch of freelancers who get pushed around way too easily. They've got a couple of guys who are good but that isn't going to get it done.

VikingLord wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:13 pm Despite everything, despite the crappy QB play and the lopsided officiating, if Jordan Addison scores when he had a 15 yard head start, the Vikings have a very good chance to win that game. What the heck.

Wentz is clearly not the answer at QB, which means we are likely going back to "Buckshot" McCarthy next week. To be fair to Wentz he didn't get great protection, but he was indecisive and inaccurate most of the game.

Yeah, there's a reason he wasn't on a nfl roster mid-august. It's not the same scenario as Darnold coming in last year, at all.

VikingLord wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:13 pm The Vikings offensive line has suffered so many injuries. I've never seen anything like it. I think at the end it was just Darrisaw and Fries that were still in, and the Vikings had their 3rd guy going at center. Going to be hard to win if they end up with practice squad guys out there no matter who is at QB.

Correct, just those two and Brandel at C. Very few teams can play through the injuries we've had at o line. C is an immediate issue, assuming Kelly had another concussion. If so, I doubt we see him much more, if at all. It's pretty hard to make any real evaluation when you're playing 2nd and 3rd stringers at the majority of your offensive line spots. Hopefully O'Neill isn't anything long term.

VikingLord wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:13 pm But I have to save my harshest criticism for the defense who consistently again could not stop a poor running game and despite knowing the Steelers were going to run on many of their later plays. Yes, I know the offense was garbage today and left the defense hanging yet again, but even earlier in the game the punchless Steelers ran with relative ease against them. A defense that can't offer resistance against the run is in for a long year and this defense clearly can't stop the run. There are good individual players on the defense but there are a lot of guys who are just not getting the job done consistently. They don't give up a lot of points necessarily, but these are not good offenses they are playing. Just wait until they face better offensive teams, and that illusion will be shattered as well.

I agree, very disappointed in the run defense especially. You had mentioned this before (atl game specifically), which I dismissed more as Bijan Robinson making many teams look bad. Appears to be a legit concern at this time.

VikingLord wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:13 pm
The 2025 Vikings are just not a good football team. They have high-priced name talent but the production and consistency isn't there. A lot of that has to do with the QB and injury situation on the offensive side, but on the defensive side they are just a bunch of freelancers who get pushed around way too easily. They've got a couple of guys who are good but that isn't going to get it done.

Definitely with the roster as it sits right now. It was a top heavy, win now, roster. Injuries decimated a lot of it and the lack of depth has already shown up. I know teams don't have amazing depth at every position at every level. I get that. I do think poor drafting rears it's head here though.

Kind of at a loss with the season right now. I'd like to find out what exactly JJM is, I don't think anyone is getting a fair shake with the line we had at the end of the game though. It was just horrible.

makila wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:39 pm Kind of at a loss with the season right now. I'd like to find out what exactly JJM is, I don't think anyone is getting a fair shake with the line we had at the end of the game though. It was just horrible.

I was hoping KOC would put Brosmer out there after the first two drives of the 2nd half were sack-fest 3-and-outs because I'd like to know if the Vikings at least have a prospect in Brosmer. As it stands, I expect McCarthy will now start the game against a team that can get pressure with the down linemen next week. I'm still hopeful McCarthy can get his accuracy and timing issues figured out, but with the poor offensive line play he'll likely have in front of him he will probably continue to struggle and make mistakes.

The season could be in real jeopardy at this point. For as much as the Vikings overperformed last year at QB and escaped the injury bug overall karma seems to have reversed hard this year.

When you're playing 3 backup positions with a 3rd string center there is no wonder your QB doesn’t have enough time and is making bad throws while constantly being under pressure. I thought Wentz also held the ball too long in several cases but it doesn't matter if it's JJM or Wentz back there, bad protection is going to severely hamper the QB play.

At least the offense has an excuse. Missing 3 offensive linemen, their FB, and QB. The defense was just soft. They got bullied at the LOS all day and seemed like they just overall got outworked. It was hard to watch.

If Vikings plays like this next week, they will lose to the Browns, I have heard that Browns does not have a good offense but has a very good defense

VikingLord wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:13 pm

But I have to save my harshest criticism for the defense who consistently again could not stop a poor running game and despite knowing the Steelers were going to run on many of their later plays. Yes, I know the offense was garbage today and left the defense hanging yet again, but even earlier in the game the punchless Steelers ran with relative ease against them. A defense that can't offer resistance against the run is in for a long year and this defense clearly can't stop the run. There are good individual players on the defense but there are a lot of guys who are just not getting the job done consistently. They don't give up a lot of points necessarily, but these are not good offenses they are playing. Just wait until they face better offensive teams, and that illusion will be shattered as well.

I will never understand why fans are begging for O'Connell to be fired and make Flores the head coach, Flores is not that good

makila wrote: ↑Sun Sep 28, 2025 12:39 pm Definitely with the roster as it sits right now. It was a top heavy, win now, roster. Injuries decimated a lot of it and the lack of depth has already shown up. I know teams don't have amazing depth at every position at every level. I get that. I do think poor drafting rears it's head here though.

Kind of at a loss with the season right now. I'd like to find out what exactly JJM is, I don't think anyone is getting a fair shake with the line we had at the end of the game though. It was just horrible.

The signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were supposed to solidify the interior of the DL. So far neither guy has shown up at all. The guys who are showing up are guys like Redmond, Rodriguez, and Rodgers. I'm watching other games throughout the day and on other defenses DBs are jumping routes and making defensive plays on the ball, especially when they are blitzing. Our defensive secondary? Nowhere to be found as Metcalf catches a ball full run and cruises to the endzone. Not sure who was supposed to pick him up but that can't happen. It isn't the first time I've seen that either. On the Vikings defense it's great if a DB is within five yards of a receiver when he catches the ball, pressure throw or not. It's like Flores has his guys playing some hybrid zone off coverage even when he sends extra rushers. And they certainly don't adjust for QBs who like to throw short routes. They were picked apart again yesterday by a quick throw QB.

Dallas Turner, the guy they paid so dearly to move up to draft, shows up mostly because he committed a stupid foul. Otherwise he's the Invisible Man. No pressure on the QB, no stops in the run game, nothing. Complete waste of significant draft capital.

I'm not sure about JJM, but the early returns aren't good. Accuracy and timing are any QBs best friends and McCarthy appears not to socialize with either. He's young and probably is going to be eaten alive by the Browns pass rush next Sunday but he'll get another chance to show he can be the starting QB.

I'm just really pessimistic about the team's chances this year after what we've seen the first four weeks. After the Browns game and the bye the Vikings face a Murder's Row of opponents. All of the teams they will face possess much better offenses than anything they have seen thus far, and if they can't stop the running games of teams like Pittsburgh what will the totals be against teams like the Eagles, Lions and Ravens?

The Wilfs have got to be kicking themselves right now after all the money they invested into this free agent-heavy roster. If this team continues to underperform like this one would have to expect some changes in the front office over the offseason.