WolvesFan21 wrote:Yep, Bradbury was largely below expectations even for a Rookie but he still can get stronger and improve, Elflien was very poor he needs to be a backup or gone. Kline and Reiff are OK and Oniell is the only good one.
The pressure up the middle was the main problem for sure overall. Between Bradbury and Elflien being outmatched severely in some games.
I was noticing the PFF rankings for the lineman they showed when they did introductions of the offense. If you believe in those the oline was actually pretty solid outside of Bradbury. For example Elf was ranked like 18th or something like that and everyone e else was about there. Like I said to my friend during the game how many points of grade separates rank #15 from #27 or whatever.
Maybe it could have been worse...the previous game there was a play where Nick Easton came in as an extra lineman and completely whiffed and therefore gave up a tackle for a loss. Lol
I'm not suggesting this line is good enough. It clearly isn't. It's the weakness of the team but it also probably isn't TERRIBLE. The problem is that it's not good enough and what are we doing with a guy like Reiff? Next year are we going to have a solid backup tackle like We had with Hill this year? Bradberry becoming average would really help this unit a lot.
It's true they had some good play as well since the Vikings offense still managed to finish 6th in points per drive. I did see they rushed the 4th most times but finished 6th in yards. So even the run blocking was not good enough (Cook is a dynamic back). I would think with 4th most rushing you would produce top 4 in yardage too. That would make sense but they were under performing.
I also think the offense was largely designed around being poor on the line. Lots of boots and playactions. They can't drop back and just pass and hold up.
I would say again. Adding more talent to the line if a priority. I only see Bradbury likely given the job along with Oniel basically. Bradbury based on his youth and upside. Oniell because he's solid. Any other spot is could be up for an upgrade.
WolvesFan21 wrote:Yep, Bradbury was largely below expectations even for a Rookie but he still can get stronger and improve, Elflien was very poor he needs to be a backup or gone. Kline and Reiff are OK and Oniell is the only good one.
The pressure up the middle was the main problem for sure overall. Between Bradbury and Elflien being outmatched severely in some games.
I was noticing the PFF rankings for the lineman they showed when they did introductions of the offense. If you believe in those the oline was actually pretty solid outside of Bradbury. For example Elf was ranked like 18th or something like that and everyone e else was about there. Like I said to my friend during the game how many points of grade separates rank #15 from #27 or whatever.
Maybe it could have been worse...the previous game there was a play where Nick Easton came in as an extra lineman and completely whiffed and therefore gave up a tackle for a loss. Lol
I'm not suggesting this line is good enough. It clearly isn't. It's the weakness of the team but it also probably isn't TERRIBLE. The problem is that it's not good enough and what are we doing with a guy like Reiff? Next year are we going to have a solid backup tackle like We had with Hill this year? Bradberry becoming average would really help this unit a lot.
It's true they had some good play as well since the Vikings offense still managed to finish 6th in points per drive. I did see they rushed the 4th most times but finished 6th in yards. So even the run blocking was not good enough (Cook is a dynamic back). I would think with 4th most rushing you would produce top 4 in yardage too. That would make sense but they were under performing.
I also think the offense was largely designed around being poor on the line. Lots of boots and playactions. They can't drop back and just pass and hold up.
I would say again. Adding more talent to the line if a priority. I only see Bradbury likely given the job along with Oniel basically. Bradbury based on his youth and upside. Oniell because he's solid. Any other spot is could be up for an upgrade.
I'd add they likely aren't replacing Kline because he cost too much money to move on from and he is solid.
"They can't drop back and just pass and hold up." Yep it's a big problem among others and I think that's affected their play calling in a wide variety of situations.
If Elflein is an average LG according to PFF then the league must not have many good ones because he was trash for most of this year. He consistently got his ass handed to him and he's just not strong enough to make it in this league as more than a utility backup. I'm frankly shocked he could have rated decent in any stat.
khans2k5 wrote:Also Stefanski is gone to the Browns. They should have waited for Saleh from the 49ers.
It's funny. I mean it really kinda is even if it ends up being the right hire. The Vikings had 7 first downs against San Fran and I heard the record low is 6 In a playoff game. I'm a Stefanski fan and I don't know how good of a coach he really is but obviously he is well thought of by the organization and around the league. I don't think he was hired because of his brilliant offensive mind. I'd guess it was his ability to work well with others etc. can he be THE guy for an organization like the Browns? Idk I wish him well...but I also wonder...
George Edwards is moving on also. It makes sense I would think he would want a chance to be an actual DC. It sounds like others coaches could be moving on too some following Stefanski. Nobody wants to work for Zimmmer...Of course 2 our of his 3 last OC have gotten HC jobs. Kind of an interesting coaching tree...lol
Sounds like Kubiak is going to be the OC. That makes sense to me. Idk if that's a great thing or not but if Kubiak is sticking around then yeah why not. It also should help with having some consistency which might be a reason to hope this offense is better next year some familiarity etc. We will see.
monsterpile wrote: a reason to hope this offense is better next year some familiarity etc.
Hope, that's all a Vikings Fan ever has! LOL
Yeah well...Vikings have the most playoff loses in history. They are good enough to care about. Imagine being a Browns fan...
As Timberwolves fans I don't think it requires imagination! As for the Vikings, they have the second best regular season record over the past five years and fifth best all time, after a while that just makes their playoff record feel that much worse!
monsterpile wrote: a reason to hope this offense is better next year some familiarity etc.
Hope, that's all a Vikings Fan ever has! LOL
Yeah well...Vikings have the most playoff loses in history. They are good enough to care about. Imagine being a Browns fan...
As Timberwolves fans I don't think it requires imagination! As for the Vikings, they have the second best regular season record over the past five years and fifth best all time, after a while that just makes their playoff record feel that much worse!
Yeah you are right we didn't really have to imagine. Lol
