bleedspeed177 wrote:I was out enjoying the night. How is the OL looking?
Kearse seems like a real matchup nightmare for teams. He seems like he has the skill to get away playing 5 or 6 positions on defense.
The online looked solid and it seems like Rashod Hill was better. Cousins continued to move around which I like and probably helps the line also. I think Dozier May have played some RT.
I agree with you about Kearse. He probably is the slot CB if any CBs get hurt which is important because until Hughes is available nobody seems to be comforting at this point. Sherels isn't even here and I know people didn't even feel that confident in him.
Side note: I was listening to the Startibune podcast from last week and one guy said McDermott had surgery this offseason on his finger that part of it got ripped of in a game. He still hasn't completely recovered and he can't fully extend that finger like he did before. Not sure if that made any difference in his performance or not but I had not heard anything about that before.
The problems last year was the defense wasn't elite and the Vikes had the 30th ranked running game. Zimmer did admit to creating the problem in the defense by over installing too many complexing schemes. Which ultimately made them worse, especially the first half of the season. He went back to a more simplified scheme or plan.
The key is ultimately on the OLine again, as it is every season in the last decade. If the OLine plays well so will the Vikings as a whole.
Side note: I was listening to the Startibune podcast from last week and one guy said McDermott had surgery this offseason on his finger that part of it got ripped of in a game. He still hasn't completely recovered and he can't fully extend that finger like he did before. Not sure if that made any difference in his performance or not but I had not heard anything about that before.
I heard this was having shoulder surgery today. He was a good guy. Good guest on KFAN.
I didn't think Dozier had a chance to make the team, but sounds like he has played everywhere a little including LT. It sounds like Elfein had a rough game vs Seahawks. Brent Jones has been our highest rated OL. I wonder if they will give him a try at LG.
Side note: I was listening to the Startibune podcast from last week and one guy said McDermott had surgery this offseason on his finger that part of it got ripped of in a game. He still hasn't completely recovered and he can't fully extend that finger like he did before. Not sure if that made any difference in his performance or not but I had not heard anything about that before.
I heard this was having shoulder surgery today. He was a good guy. Good guest on KFAN.
I didn't think Dozier had a chance to make the team, but sounds like he has played everywhere a little including LT. It sounds like Elfein had a rough game vs Seahawks. Brent Jones has been our highest rated OL. I wonder if they will give him a try at LG.
I know Daniel House has raved about how good Elf has looked in practice.
bleedspeed177 wrote:I agree on Watts. I was wrong about him and wrong about Jaleel Johnson. It might be time to move on from him.
My take on Jaleel is he is sorta stuck between being disruptive and being another Shamar a guy that just takes up space and being disciplined. Which guy is he? Neither? I trust the coaching staff to make the right calls on these DL guys.
I agree with trusting the staff. I had high hopes for Jaleel. He has had some moments but just doesn't seem to have that edge to make a difference. His production in college just didn't translate.
bleedspeed177 wrote:I agree with trusting the staff. I had high hopes for Jaleel. He has had some moments but just doesn't seem to have that edge to make a difference. His production in college just didn't translate.
Worth noting on Jaleel...He turned 25 last month it seems like he has been here a lot longer but he is entering his 3rd season. Shamar can play NT but there isn't an experienced player behind Linval to rotate in. Maybe Jaleel has a bit of a breakout year like Alexander did. Mike Tice has a podcast (!!!!) and Andre Patterson was on it talking about his guys. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but I'm looking forward to it and seeing if he talks about Jaleel. We haven't heard much about him the other young guys have been getting more buzz which may not mean that Jaleel has been bad. I'd guess Jaleel hasn't been terrible or he wouldn't be getting the reps he is as a starter...although I supose starting Watts would be the only other option. Yeah ok we need Jaleel to step up this year and at least be solid as a rotation guy which may be easy to ask idk.
