We are now three weeks through the season (minus two games). The Vikings have proven to be the Jekyl and Hyde of the NFL so far...so where does this team stand? Here is my assessment so far: <u>1. Coaching</u> - I stand by my assessment that Tice is not the coach for this team. He does not know how to adjust, and he definitely does not know how to put a team away. The Vikings have the ability to put up points fast. When they get a lead early he moves to a very conservative game which makes them predictable gives other teams the ability to 'chip' away slowly. There is a time for conservative play, and there is a time to run up the score to give the team a rest. <u>2. Quarterback</u> - Regardless of what others may say, losing Moss is not the reason Culpepper struggled. Culpepper is his own worst enemy. If he can 'play within himself' more, he will be fine. He is outright one of the best QBs in the game with a canon for an arm, great accuracy, and generally great decision making. If the team struggles, however, look for Culpepper to about as bad as his first two games. He has a tendency to put too much responsibility on his own shoulders, overthinks, and forces his throws. <u>3. Wide Receivers</u> - The WR group is quite good. Williamson is coming around nicely, but time will tell how he adjusts to defenses playing against the deep pass. Burleson has struggled so far, but still has the raw talent to be a gamebreaker. Travis Taylor is going to make Baltimore sorry that they let him go, and Marcus Robinson has been adding some good plays. Koren Robinson just makes this group deeper. <u>4. Offensive Line</u> - This is the weakest part of the team. Absolutely horrendous. I am scared to see what happens against Atlanta. If one of the linemen gets injured this single position could be the cause of a losing season. <u>5. Running Backs</u> - I have to feel for Bennett. The man has not had an opportunity to carry the ball throughout a whole game and he has been benched in favor of Mewelde Moore. Moore looked good this game and might be a solid back, but this is another area where the coaching has show its ineptitude. Since Tice has been head coach he has failed to nominate any one running back as the featured back. This makes it difficult for the line to adjust their blocking for the back, and difficult for the back to get into a rythm. I'd still like to see Bennnett get the opportunity to play a full game. <u>6. Pass Defense</u> - The team is still struggling at this spot, mainly due to injuries. The pass defense is good, and Smoot looked like he was worth his contract against the Saints. However, the group is still thin. One injury and we have to deal with Rushen Jones. <u>7. Punting and Kicking</u> - Kluwe is an absolute stud. The guy punted a 59 yard punt and has averaged nearly 50 yards a punt. Vikings fans are extremely excited to finally have a punter who can actually punt the ball far and with some consistency. Edinger has shown he can be a reliable kicker. This has been a sore spot for a while, so its nice to have some consistency at these positions. <u>7. Rushing Defense</u> - Still questionable. Teams have been able to run on the Vikings and they have not gotten much from their front 4 yet, with the exception of Pat Williams. They have not been horrible, and time should help the entire defense gel. Overall the team got a much needed win, but next week will be a big test for them. New Orleans is a suffering group of men, so not too much can be taking from this win.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vikingfan)</div><div class='quotemain'> <u>7. Rushing Defense</u> - Still questionable. Teams have been able to run on the Vikings and they have not gotten much from their front 4 yet, with the exception of Pat Williams. They have not been horrible, and time should help the entire defense gel.</div> Today's game made me realize how much of an idiot Jim Haslett really is. Deuce had 14 carries for 67 yards, that's just unacceptable. If he would of had 25+ carries, he would have easily been over the 100 yd mark and maybe another td. Could of been a change of momentum, but noooooooooooooooooooooo............jimmy likes to do things the hard way.
