Daily Norseman
What I’m Seeing, Feeling, and Fearing So Far…
First, a personal note. We sadly had to put down our beloved 16-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel this week. My little buddy was not only the kindest and most loyal dog a guy could ask for, but also my constant companion watching Vikings games. He was there for the highs, the lows, the really lows, and the “this sh*t can only happen to the Minnesota Vikings” moments. Taking him for walks to gleefully chase squirrels and rabbits was the go-to distraction following each Vikings letdown. Win or lose, he was always the same cheerful presence, reminding me that, in the scheme of things, it’s just a game. This is the correct mindset.
From Favre’s first regular season game in 2009 (the famous Adrian Peterson stiff-arm against the Browns!) to the Darnold/o-line playoff implosion against the Rams in January. It was quite the run. He never saw the Vikings win that elusive Super Bowl. When that does happen (and it will, dammit!), I’ll look over to the empty spot on the couch and say, “We did it, little buddy. We finally did it.”
On with the show…
Listen, the DN staff are the best around. To say the coverage here is “comprehensive” would be an understatement. I won’t offer any insights that haven’t already been made (and far better). But as we’re now well into training camp, these storylines have grabbed my attention as Mr. Average Joe fan:
J.J. McCarthy: Uneven but Unconcerned. Listen, this was not unexpected. McCarthy is not only carrying the weight of being a 22-year-old, first-time starter, but is also working his way through the Flores-led Vikings defense (without the best WR in football on the field). I’m not usually into hyperbole, but, health permitting, this could be the best Vikings defense I’ve experienced in all my decades as a fan. Peak Zimmer was good, but this could be of a different order. The formula is coming together: third year under Flores and an influx of high-profile and under-the-radar, schematically centered talent. It’s all there. Given these dynamics, McCarthy’s hiccups are not surprising.
Kevin Seifert of ESPN (and others) have noted that McCarthy’s understanding of the playbook and its nuances, decision-making, confidence in the huddle, and WR chemistry are all there. Indeed, far more than is to be expected from someone in his position. It’s more about translating that into game-like conditions, with Flores assuming the role of a Category 5 hurricane. Indeed, reading the encouraging recaps from practice #9, it appears improvements are already on the horizon. Nothing to date has shaken my optimism that KOC and company will have McCarthy poised to excel come September 8th. They better, because….
QB2 Quandary. Sam Howell is not inspiring confidence out there. I loved the trade during the draft. Granted, some of that had to do with it seemingly closing the door on the Cousins reunion talk (more on that momentarily). However, I did like the potential of Howell and...
