Daily Norseman
Between the games against Cincinatti and Pittsburgh, Carson Wentz was sacked nine times. This edition was difficult and took longer to write than I truly wanted it to. There have definitely been some protection issues stemming from an incohesive and injured offensive line for the Minnesota Vikings. I will get to a point where I am compiling data to look at trends throughout the season and pinpoint the most impactful reasons for our pass protection woes. There was a request for pie charts for each play, but unfortunately, I am not there yet. However, I did include visuals for the breakdown of the sacks that occurred versus the Steelers. Let’s get into it!
Q1 9:45. Wentz gets sacked on 3rd and 7.
Cincinatti lines up in a nickel double mug set. The ball is snapped and the Bengals drop two defenders into coverage and rush four. Wentz takes a quick two step drop and then loads like he is going to throw. He has Hockenson open about five yards down the field.
He has a chance for a completion and a possible first down if Hock is able to get some YAC but decides to pull it down and scramble left. Donovan Jacks was helping Darrisaw with a double team for too long and allowed a free tackle to pursue the quarterback. Wentz tries to scramble out to the left side but goes out too far and causes Darrisaw to lose leverage. He tries to go back inside and is swarmed by three Bengals.
Whose fault? Donovan Jackson 20%. Carson Wentz 75%. Game situation 5%.
Cincinatti lines up in a 4-3 defense. The Vikings come with an extra blocker in Josh Oliver. The ball is snapped, and the right end drops into coverage with a middle linebacker bringing pressure. It’s a six to four advantage. Wentz has all day to throw. The offensive line was holding their ground and created a great pocket. Wentz was looking for Hockenson on a deep crossing route, but it was not open.
Jalen Nailor blew by his defender on the left side, but Wentz didn’t see it, probably because he was locked on #87. Mason was open for an easy dump off and had no defenders within 10 yards of him. Instead of taking the dump off opportunity, Wentz tucks the ball and runs directly into a defensive lineman. In this scenario, the quarterback needs to know where his safety valve is.
Whose fault? Carson Wentz 100%.
It is a five on four advantage for Minnesota. Cincinatti runs a stunt on the inside and seem to be purposely singling out Michael Jurgens. Number 58 gets him to commit to a double team block with right guard Will Fries and then number 90 for Cincinatti comes from the left side and pushes...
