quote:

ORIGINAL: JT2

On to players, instead of the officials and league bias. Rudolph leads all TE's in offensive snaps. Even if you believe the narrative that he is a good blocker, it's hard to justify his usage, especially considering his anemic contribution in the passing game. Especially strange, considering that we have a difficult time finding 3 WR's. (I do really like Johnson, though).

We're just so slow in letting go.

Smith isn't a child. It would probably take him two weeks of game action to block as well as Rudolph. And, he actually could stress a defense.

For the most part, we're putting two pass catchers out there. Granted, they are very good, but we are going to need more than that to beat good teams.

quote:

ORIGINAL: David F.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JT2

On to players, instead of the officials and league bias. Rudolph leads all TE's in offensive snaps. Even if you believe the narrative that he is a good blocker, it's hard to justify his usage, especially considering his anemic contribution in the passing game. Especially strange, considering that we have a difficult time finding 3 WR's. (I do really like Johnson, though).

We're just so slow in letting go.

Smith isn't a child. It would probably take him two weeks of game action to block as well as Rudolph. And, he actually could stress a defense.

For the most part, we're putting two pass catchers out there. Granted, they are very good, but we are going to need more than that to beat good teams.

I don't really know what to say regarding Rudolph that hasn't been said already. PFF rates his run and pass blocking for this season as the worst of his career. He doesn't even crack the top 50 for TEs in either stat. At the last home game I specifically watched just him and Irv trying to get an idea of how they're actually doing. Rudolph is in the mix on running plays in that he's in the correct area I just don't see him actually make contact with defenders very much.

Like I said, there's really nothing more I can say. He's a fan favorite and the general consensus among his fans is that he's a great blocker and his receiving is poor only because he'd being asked to block. PFF doesn't see it that way and neither do I. Whatever.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bill Jandro

I think Rudolph has been blocking better this year than any other point in his career. I recall Zim praising him recently.

Rudolph is in there blocking every play and our running game has looked very good so I can only surmise Rudolph is contributing to it.

I haven't focused in on his blocking nor have any PFF stats to back any of my nonsense up. But he must be doing his job don't ya think?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

As for the Lions getting screwed by the Refs last week (and it was so bad that even media outlets were willing to pile on about it) - my fear is that, even on a subconscious level, the refs are going to make a point of giving the Lions a few gift calls this week to make up for it.

And, of course, we're the ones who are playing them this week.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

As for the Lions getting screwed by the Refs last week (and it was so bad that even media outlets were willing to pile on about it) - my fear is that, even on a subconscious level, the refs are going to make a point of giving the Lions a few gift calls this week to make up for it.

And, of course, we're the ones who are playing them this week.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Richard Neussendorfer

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

As for the Lions getting screwed by the Refs last week (and it was so bad that even media outlets were willing to pile on about it) - my fear is that, even on a subconscious level, the refs are going to make a point of giving the Lions a few gift calls this week to make up for it.

And, of course, we're the ones who are playing them this week.

I think we have a much better team overall in terms of talent. If we go out and play ball we should take care of business even though the Lions are getting better.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

Bias is as much a human condition as fallibility.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

As for the Lions getting screwed by the Refs last week (and it was so bad that even media outlets were willing to pile on about it) - my fear is that, even on a subconscious level, the refs are going to make a point of giving the Lions a few gift calls this week to make up for it.

And, of course, we're the ones who are playing them this week.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricky J

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
#Vikings veteran return man Marcus Sherels is a healthy scratch today against the #Lions. They needed a roster spot elsewhere, so former first-round pick Mike Hughes likely takes over on punt returns.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricky J

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
#Vikings veteran return man Marcus Sherels is a healthy scratch today against the #Lions. They needed a roster spot elsewhere, so former first-round pick Mike Hughes likely takes over on punt returns.

Abdullah?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricky J

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricky J

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
#Vikings veteran return man Marcus Sherels is a healthy scratch today against the #Lions. They needed a roster spot elsewhere, so former first-round pick Mike Hughes likely takes over on punt returns.

Abdullah?

Not on the list.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricky J

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricky J

Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
#Vikings veteran return man Marcus Sherels is a healthy scratch today against the #Lions. They needed a roster spot elsewhere, so former first-round pick Mike Hughes likely takes over on punt returns.

Abdullah?

Not on the list.

As an option to return punts.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bill Johanesen

Win or lose, the defense is really overrated regardless of their stats. Det. scored 14 points in the first quarter.

This defense feasts when facing a crappy offense AND playing in the comfy confines in Minny.

Crappy offense OR playing on the road, a mixed bag. GOOD offenses AND playing on the road, they get their asses handed to them.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Viking Rich

Michael Strahan just called The Vikings the "Most Balanced Team in the NFL"

Meaning they can kill you with both the pass and run

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pager

I only play Thielan on Thursday if he's 100% healthy. No reason to play him against Washington.