Minnesota Sports Forum

One of the problems with an old school workhorse back like AP is that their success depends a lot on getting the ball 20+ times per game since the theory is he'll eventually wear a defense down and start breaking off long runs. But what if that doesn't happen? Then the offense becomes very predictable and bogged down. I always compare this type of NFL offense to an NBA offense centered on a low-post player. It's just not very dynamic and doesn't work that well anymore.

That being said, I think AP was a huge help to TB this year in that he took a lot of pressure off of him. But as Teddy heads into his 3rd year, I think the Vikes need to expand their playbook and diversify their offense. We saw how having a more versatile threat like McKinnon at RB can look like.

Given AP's age and TB's maturation as a QB, it's time to move on from an AP-centered offense. I don't know if that means trading him or simply going to an RB-by-committee approach. But it's time that he takes a back seat.

Teddy's inability to throw down field accurately is what makes the offense predictable. Nobody can run the ball against a "nine in the box" defense. We need a QB with an arm, or at the very least better throwing mechanics. We have a top defense, and I am hoping we won't waste it waiting for a QB to improve beyond his ceiling.

No one could throw the ball down field with our line. That has to be our top priority. It is amazing that Peterson rushed for 1400 yards with that line. We get a little bit better protection and we're set.

I think you have to look at 3 things. The line, Teddy, and Norv's offense. I think the part that takes the biggest blame is the OL.

Q that formula just about beat one of the hottest teams in the league today. I didnt expect to win and that made the loss hurt more. Seattle has been winning with the same formula for years now.

McKinnon was terrific down the stretch for this team he will get touches. AP was much better on 3rd down as the season went on both as a pass catcher and picking up blitzes. He is still going to get plenty of touches hopefully we have a RT that can block an edge rusher. Teddy made plenty of throws later in the season. I think we will see the offense open up more next season as AP and Teddy get more on the same page and hopefully the oline is better. PFF did say Berger and Harris had terrific years so that's something if you want to believe what they sell. Lol

sjm34 wrote:Teddy's inability to throw down field accurately is what makes the offense predictable. Nobody can run the ball against a "nine in the box" defense. We need a QB with an arm, or at the very least better throwing mechanics. We have a top defense, and I am hoping we won't waste it waiting for a QB to improve beyond his ceiling.

Teddy has issues to be sure, but to suggest that he is the whole reason for having 9 in the box is wrong. Their O-Line can neither run block consistently, not give the QB consistent time, no matter who is under center. You cannot throw downfield without time, and Teddy rarely had any this year. We've yet to see what Teddy can do when having a defender or two in his face is the exception rather than the rule. Peterson compounds these issues because he's neither a good pass blocker nor catcher. He's below average in both, so if he's in the game the defense can always focus on the run first, and if they don't hand off to Peterson he'll be no better than a traffic cone in stopped the defender from getting to Teddy.

Sadly on offense they're the perfect storm of incompatibility. Peterson needs a QB to keep defenses honest, Teddy needs a RB who is a threat in the passing game to do the same, and neither have the O-Line to mask those issues.

I remember hearing that Teddy Bridgewater held on to the ball second longest in the league. That is one of 3 things. Either he can't make a decision, receivers are not getting open, or he is willing to hold on to the ball longer and take the hit. Not sure what it is. I think a great OL can fix almost anything. I will be curious what do to make it better.

I can't think of another superstar player that chokes as big as AP. I can't think of another player who I freak out about getting the ball in a big spot that he's going to fumble. Fumbled this game, and almost fumbled the next touch he got!

He can't catch the ball, he can't block, so he can't be on the field on 3rd down. So if he's in, you know he's pretty much getting the ball, that's not on Teddy.

I'd be more then OK in getting rid of AP and using his cap somewhere else and rolling with Mckinnon

Mckinnon will never be an everydown back. He just isn't big enough to take the consistent pounding.

Petersen has no problem catching the ball from what I have seen, and he is the defenses #1 priority when they game plan against us. Play action alone should give Teddy a huge opportunity, but he continually holds the ball and is one of the worst downfield passer in the league.

If the poor offensive line being unable to block was a major problem, they wouldn't have to use 9 guys in the box. They do it because they know Teddy can't beat them deep. What other QB wouldn't be licking his chops knowing he had Wallace on the outside one on one?

monsterpile wrote:Q that formula just about beat one of the hottest teams in the league today. I didnt expect to win and that made the loss hurt more. Seattle has been winning with the same formula for years now.

McKinnon was terrific down the stretch for this team he will get touches. AP was much better on 3rd down as the season went on both as a pass catcher and picking up blitzes. He is still going to get plenty of touches hopefully we have a RT that can block an edge rusher. Teddy made plenty of throws later in the season. I think we will see the offense open up more next season as AP and Teddy get more on the same page and hopefully the oline is better. PFF did say Berger and Harris had terrific years so that's something if you want to believe what they sell. Lol

I hear you and I probably wouldn't have done anything different this year. However, timing is everything, and do you really think AP is going to be able to keep this up at this age? He began slowing down at the halfway point of this season and he's getting to that age where a decline in performance is inevitable. I just don't think handing him the ball 20+ times a game next season will be a winning formula if we want to get to the next level as a team.