Daily Norseman
Perspective and context are everything. The following players have missed the majority of the Vikings’ first five games: J.J. McCarthy, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, Jordan Addison, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman. Others, such as Christian Darrisaw, Ryan Kelly, Harrison Smith, Donovan Jackson, and Brian O’Neill, have missed significant time.
If someone told me that in July, I’d reasonably expect we’d be sitting at 1-4 right now, with 0-5 hanging around at the fringes of my thoughts. A record of 2-3 would’ve been seen as the dream scenario. The fact that we’re sitting at 3-2 is simply amazing. There are challenges ahead, for sure, but to be in this position after everything this team has endured is a testament to KOC and his entire staff.
As we catch our breath during a much-needed bye week, here are some of the narratives and trends at the forefront for me, Mr. Average Joe Vikings fan.
What I Like: KOC’s game plan against the Browns (and what it means moving forward). Listen, there’s no bigger KOC fan than myself, but, as I noted in my prior article, the facts were the facts: He was in a slump. The numbers over the previous six games that mattered were brutal (17.7 points/284.5 total yards per game). Now, no one is going to run to the record books after 349 total yards of offense. Still, given the brutally effective defense he was up against and the circumstances surrounding the decimated offensive line, it was sheer brilliance. KOC was at his creative best, utilizing the quick, short passing game, putting new wrinkles on established looks, and showcasing entirely new plays not yet put on film. Needless to say, it worked. Before last week, the Browns’ longest touchdown drive allowed was 72 yards. Half of their 10 touchdown drives allowed were under 40 yards. The Vikings went out and had touchdown drives of 82, 71, and 80 yards (h/t DN contributor Krauser).
It portends good things moving forward, regardless of whether McCarthy or Wentz is the starter in Week 7. There will be hiccups (this is the NFL), but, given the history, we should all have confidence that KOC has indeed gotten his mojo back and that the struggles dating back to Week 18 of last year are officially in the rearview mirror.
What I Dislike: The offense’s putrid third-down productivity. To date, only the Tennessee Titans – with a rookie QB and an offensive roster that will remind no one of the 1999 Rams – have a worse third-down conversion rate than the Vikings. Not good, folks. Not good at all. That may fly against the Burrow-less Bengals and Dillon Gabriel, but it ain’t gonna get it done against the Eagles and Lions in the upcoming weeks. The key to beating those teams is to keep Jalen Hurts and Jared Goff off the field. The Broncos were able to go on the road last week and win in Philly, in large part because they held the ball...
