Scouting the opponent: Against the Vikings it’s all on the line

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Bob McGinn

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By BOB McGINN

The Minnesota Vikings’ weakness is their offensive line. Possibly the Green Bay Packers’ best position is their defensive line.

With the early-season lead in the NFC North Division at stake Sunday at Lambeau Field, one potential path to victory for Green Bay would be to overwhelm the Vikings with their defensive front seven so Minnesota’s outstanding skilled athletes can’t get rolling.

“I think that’s where this game gets won,” an executive in personnel said Tuesday night. “If Green Bay’s D-line comes out and they’re dominant, and they don’t give them a chance to get
going, then it’s a different game.

“To me, that would be their (the Packers’) saving grace because there’s nothing impressive about this offensive line. The weak spot on that whole team is the offensive line.”

Nose tackle Kenny Clark has played four games against Minnesota and has been outstanding each time. Mike Daniels has had big games against the Vikings. Muhammad Wilkerson will be playing the Vikings for the first time.

Since Mike Zimmer took over in Minnesota the two teams have split eight games. The Packers’ defensive line has received at least 4 footballs five times in those eight games in my weekly ratings, including a perfect 5 in the Packers’ 30-13 triumph in November 2015.

If the Packers’ defensive line plays poorly, it could be a long day with Kirk Cousins at quarterback.

Green Bay’s front was pathetic the last time the Packers faced Cousins. That was November 2016 in Washington when Cousins completed 21 of 30 passes for 375 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions (145.8 passer rating) in the Redskins’ 42-24 victory.

“Minnesota has enough talent to run up the score with their receivers, the tight end, the quarterback’s accurate and the running backs,” one personnel man said. “If Green Bay is physical up front then they would give these guys and the quarterback all kinds of fits.”

Not unlike Seattle this decade, Minnesota hasn’t been satisfied with its offensive line for several years.

Injuries and retirement left holes in a unit that was no better than average last season in the Vikings’ drive to the NFC Championship Game.

In that 38-7 loss to the Eagles, center Pat Elflein suffered a broken ankle. He had surgery on the ankle and both shoulders in the off-season, and didn’t even begin practicing albeit on a limited basis until last week.

Nick Easton, the starter at left guard in 2017, was placed on injured reserve in August with a bulging disc in his neck.

Joe Berger, who played well as the 16-game starter at right guard last season, retired March 23 after 13 seasons. The Vikings wanted him back.

Last year, Minnesota’s preferred lineup, from left to right, was Riley Reiff, Easton, Elflein, Berger and Mike Remmers.

In the 24-16 victory over San Francisco Sunday, the starters left to right were Reiff, Tom Compton, Brett Jones, Remmers and Rashod Hill.

The only change Sunday could be the return of Elflein at center. He’s scheduled to practice in pads for the first time and could be ready for the Packers.

The Vikings, a one-point favorite after being favored by 9 ½ Dec. 23 at Lambeau Field, were the choice of two scouts to win by the scores of 31-24 and 35-24.

“Minnesota’s pass rush and overall defense will test (Aaron) Rodgers to see if he has any limitations in mobility,” an NFC personnel man said. “Cousins and his wide receivers will challenge Green Bay vertically more than last year.

“If Minnesota jumps out early and makes Green Bay even more one-dimensional it could be a long day.”

An AFC executive, however, picked the Packers, 23-20.

“I’m still not sold on Cousins’ ability to do anything close to what Rodgers does in terms of putting the team on his back,” the executive said. “Rodgers showed exactly how valuable he is Sunday night, and that will continue.

“The Vikes are tough on defense, and 12 and Co. will have to earn those 23 points. (Dalvin) Cook, (Stefon) Diggs and (Adam) Thielen will keep Minnesota in the game.

“Green Bay wins the battle and proves they are still the cream of the NFC North, at least at this early point in the season.”

Under coach Mike McCarthy the Packers are 16-8-1 against the Vikings, including 9-3-1 at Lambeau Field.

OFFENSIVE SCHEME

Coordinator – John DeFilippo (first year).

Key assistant coaches – Kennedy Polamalu, running backs; Kevin Stefanski, quarterbacks.

Notes: Tony Sparano, the team’s third-year offensive line coach and a former head coach of the Dolphins and Raiders, died July 22 from heart disease. A few days later, coach Mike Zimmer reassigned tight ends coach Clancy Barone and assistant offensive line coach Andrew Janocko to co-offensive line coaches. Barone coached O-lines in the NFL at Denver and Atlanta. Replacing Barone as tight ends coach was offensive assistant Todd Downing. The play-calling DeFilippo, 40, was hired after Pat Shurmur went to the New York Giants as head coach. DeFilippo has 11 years of NFL experience, primarily as a quarterbacks coach. He was Carson Wentz’ position coach with the Eagles the past two years. In January, DeFilippo was interviewed for head-coaching vacancies in Arizona and Chicago.

What scouts said: “DeFilippo is a grinder. He was in Philly. He’s got a number of mentors. He’s a West Coast guy but he knows RPOs. He’s got a lot of different facets. He’s pretty balanced.”

WIDE RECEIVERS

Starters – Stefon Diggs (6-0, 191, 4.43 before the 2015 draft); Adam Thielen (6-1 ½, 200, 4.48).

Key backups – Laquon Treadwell (6-2, 215, 4.64); Stacy Coley (6-0, 195, 4.43).

Notes: On July 31, Diggs signed a five-year extension containing $40 million in guarantees. Against the 49ers, Thielen played 68 of a possible 71 snaps compared to 61 for Diggs, 38 for Treadwell and six for Coley.

What scouts said: “Diggs can be an impact receiver. He’s not big but he’s competitive. Got good quickness. He’ll go catch the ball. You do have to be pretty sound in your matchup on him.” … “You’ve always thought of Thielen as just being a steady, dependable guy. His confidence has grown. He’s deceptive in that he’s got better speed than you think. He runs a nice route. He can make people miss after the catch.” … “Treadwell is their No. 3. He’s gotten better. Didn’t have a lot of production in the opener and dropped a pass.” … “Coley hasn’t played much. It’s kind of inexperienced other than the top two. The top two are good.”

TIGHT ENDS

Starter – Kyle Rudolph (6-6, 265, 4.84).

Key backups – David Morgan (6-4, 265, 4.92); Tyler Conklin (6-3, 254, 4.78).

Notes: Rudolph has played every game in the past three seasons after foot, ankle and hernia injuries caused him to miss 15 games in 2013-’14.

What scouts said: “I imagine Rudolph and Cousins will develop a pretty good chemistry. He’s a big body that you can find as your second or third read. When he’s healthy he’s been a productive, dependable receiver.” … “Morgan is the blocker and a spell guy.”

OFFENSIVE LINE

Starters – LT Riley Reiff (6-5 ½, 305, 5.20); LG Tom Compton (6-5, 315, 5.05); C Brett Jones (6-2, 310, no 40) or Pat Elflein (6-2 ½, 303, 5.29); RG Mike Remmers (6-5, 310, 5.23); RT Rashod Hill (6-6 ½, 320, 5.27).

Key backups – G Danny Isidora (6-3 ½, 306, 5.03); T Brian O’Neill (6-7, 297, 4.84).

Notes: The Vikings acquired Jones from the Giants on Aug. 27 in exchange for a seventh-round draft choice. Jones, 27, is a Canadian who played two years in the CFL before starting 13 games last season in New York. Compton, a 15-game starter in six seasons for Washington, Atlanta and Chicago, signed a one-year, $900,000 ($250,000M guaranteed) free-agent deal on March 22. Aviante Collins, the No. 3 tackle, suffered a season-ending biceps injury Thursday in practice.

What scouts said: “Not stellar.” … “Riley Reiff is probably their best O-lineman. Early on in his career he was athletic enough that he actually played some tight end (for Detroit). He still has good enough movement and is a sound technician. Not the stoutest of blockers. More of a finesse guy.” … “Compton is a journeyman. A big body. More strength than anything else. Average athlete. A successful holder. He’s a tough and all that but he’s not athletic.” … “If Elflein plays he’s what you’re looking for. Solid, stable. He can make the checks. Just a reliable center. Not a great athlete but he doesn’t have to be because he knows what he’s doing. Really a good, solid O-lineman.” … “Remmers really is better off inside. He struggled all the time when he was at Carolina playing in space (at right tackle) against speed guys. He plays his butt off. He’s an overachiever. He’s just a limited athlete that got exposed at tackle.” … “Hill was nicked up in the pre-season but he played pretty good in Week 1. He’s really long (35 3/8-inch arms, 10 ½-inch hands).” … “Hill looks the part. Shoot, it will be interesting to see if he can survive on the edge if they put speed against him. He isn’t athletic. He’s just long and can make pass rushers run the hump.” … “Jones is adequate. He’s only been there two weeks. He’s really smart. Had a 41 (Wonderlic) test.”

QUARTERBACKS

Starter – Kirk Cousins (6-2 ½, 208, 4.84).

Backup – Trevor Siemian (6-3, 220, 5.1).

Notes: Cousins arrived March 15 from the Redskins on a three-year, $84 million free agent contract that was fully guaranteed. He entered the season with a 93.7 passer rating and a record of 26-30-1. In the opener, his passer rating was 95.1 and he rushed four times for 26 yards. Siemian and a seventh-round pick were acquired by Minnesota from Denver March 19 in exchange for a fifth-round choice. He went 13-11 as the Broncos’ starter in 2016-’17, fashioning a rating of 79.9.

What scouts said: “Cousins is a smart guy (Wonderlic of 33). He is a leader despite what people say about him. Not that he’s a rah-rah guy but he’s an upbeat, up-tempo type guy. Physically, he does have good accuracy and good arm talent. He can make all the throws. He doesn’t have a howitzer for an arm but he can place the ball in the right spot and make it very catchable for his receivers.” … “At one point Denver was about to pay Siemian all kinds of money to be the future. The next year (2017) he came to camp and just struggled with everything. He’s a smart guy (Wonderlic of 30). When guys started putting hits on him he started looking at the rush. He took a terrible beating and so he started struggling everywhere else after that. He’s a good backup.”

RUNNING BACKS

Starters – RB Dalvin Cook (5-10 ½, 210, 4.50); FB C.J. Ham (5-11, 235, 4.71).

Key backups – Latavius Murray (6-2 ½, 230, 4.39).

Notes: This will be Cook’s first appearance against the Packers, a team that gave him strong consideration in 2017 before they chose Kevin King with the 33rd pick. The Vikings traded a fourth-round pick to Cincinnati to move from No. 48 to No. 41 and select Cook. He suffered a torn ACL in Game 4 last year, two weeks before the two teams played in Minneapolis. On Sunday, Cook played 57 snaps compared to 14 for Murray and 13 for Ham. Cook lost a fumble against the 49ers when tackled from behind on his longest run of the game (15 yards).

What scouts said: “Cook moved liked he used to. He didn’t have a lot of room. They didn’t block that great in the run game.” … “They need a little more balance so they don’t wear out the one guy (Cook). Dalvin Cook is definitely a difference-maker. He’s got good speed. He’s a tough guy. He will fumble the ball. He runs hard, and sometimes he forgets about the ball. I saw that in college (Florida State) a couple times. He can take it to the house. He can take some punishment. He is explosive. They can use him in the passing game. He can hurt you. You’ve got to figure out how to defense him.” … “They need to get Murray more involved. He runs downhill. His problem is he runs a little bit high. He gets stronger the more carries he gets. He can hurt you in goal-line and short-yardage as well.” … “Ham isn’t a hammer but he gets on you. He’s more of an athletic guy. He’s a West Coast type.”

DEFENSIVE SCHEME

Coordinator – George Edwards (fifth year).

Key assistants – Andre Patterson, defensive line; Jerry Gray, defensive backs.

Notes: Edwards serves as coordinator but Zimmer runs the defense and makes the calls. In the opener, San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo posted a passer rating of 45.1. In his first four seasons his rating was 99.7. Minnesota led the league in fewest yards and points allowed last season.

What scouts say: “They’re more of a ‘quarters’ team.” … “Tough, defensive-minded head coach. They will be the best in the division on that side of the ball.” … “Quality defense. Good front. Talented linebackers and a secondary that can run and cover.” … “They’ve always played great defense.” … “They’ve got a really good defensive-minded head coach a lot like (Bill) Belichick.”

DEFENSIVE LINE

Starters – LE Danielle Hunter (6-5, 252, 4.56); NT Linval Joseph (6-4 ½, 329, 5.07); 3-technique Sheldon Richardson (6-2 ½, 295, 4.94); RE Everson Griffen (6-3, 273, 4.66).

Key backups – DE Stephen Weatherly (6-4 ½, 265, 4.54); 3-technique Jaleel Johnson (6-2 ½, 316, 5.27); NT David Parry (6-1, 313, 5.31).

Notes: When the decision was made to let 3-technique Tom Johnson depart as an unrestricted free agent, the Vikings replaced him with Seattle free agent Richardson (one year, $8 million, $7.8M guaranteed). Richardson had an enormous game against the 49ers with six tackles, one-half sack and three knockdowns. DE Brian Robison, a 12-year veteran, was cut Sept. 1. In the 49ers game, the snap counts were 58 for Hunter, 51 for Griffen, 49 for Joseph, 46 for Richardson, 22 for Johnson, 14 for Weatherly and Parry and nine for DE Tashawn Bower.

What scouts said: “Hunter is long and lean and athletic. The ends are built to get up the field and rush the passer.” … “Griffen is good strength and is athletic and fast. He can turn his speed into power and power into speed as an edge guy and give their left tackle fits.” … “Joseph is an interior run stopper. When he’s feeling it he can push the pocket. That really helps them. If you have a guard or center that isn’t very stout he can run him back to the quarterback so he can’t step up. That helps Everson and Danielle coming off the edges.” … “Sheldon has good size and good strength but is a little bit of a moody player. He’s always been talented. If you have a guard or a center and he thinks the guy is a dog, then all of a sudden he might decide to light it up. He can get up the field and rush the passer. He can be that guy, or he can do nothing in the game. He’s just there.” … … “Jaleel Johnson probably is the best backup. He’s strong, powerful and athletic.”

LINEBACKERS

Starters – SLB Anthony Barr (6-4 ½, 255, 4.46); MLB Eric Kendricks (6-0, 232, 4.60); WLB Ben Gedeon (6-1 ½, 244, 4.79).

Key backups – OLB Eric Wilson (6-1, 230, 4.51).

Notes: This is the fifth season as a starter for Barr, the fourth for Kendricks and the second for Gedeon. Barr and Kendricks played all 66 snaps against San Francisco whereas Gedeon played 29.

What scouts said: “Barr is so big, athletic and can run. He’s kind of a perfect ‘sam’ linebacker just because of his size and length. He can match up with tight ends.” … “Kendricks is actually the fastest one but he plays middle. Little bit shorter but he can run the seam. Attacks the ball. Good tackler. He has become a true middle linebacker.” … “I always thought of Gedeon as being a true middle linebacker. In this day and age people want a more athletic middle linebacker. Gedeon’s stouter. He’s more a run defender than a pass guy. They take him off the field in nickel.”

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Starters – LC Trae Waynes (6-0, 190, 4.26); RC Xavier Rhodes (6-1 ½, 218, 4.43); SS Andrew Sendejo (6-0, 210, 4.66); FS Harrison Smith (6-2, 214, 4.57).

Key backups – CB Mike Hughes (5-10, 189, 4.49); CB Mackensie Alexander (5-10 ½, 192, 4.49); CB Holton Hill (6-1 ½, 196, 4.49); SS Jayron Kearse (6-4, 215, 4.59); FS George Iloka (6-3 ½, 225, 4.61).

Notes: Waynes suffered a knee injury against the 49ers on his 22nd snap and didn’t return. On Monday, Zimmer said he should be ready to practice Wednesday. Hughes, a rookie drafted No. 30 in the first round (Green Bay took CB Jaire Alexander No. 18), moved from the slot to outside and Kearse took over the slot. Mackensie Alexander, who missed the opener with an ankle injury, probably will be available Sunday.

What scouts said: “Rhodes probably will be a safety later on in his career. He a big corner that moves pretty well. If he gets his hands on the receiver they’re pretty much done. He’s got good hand strength. As a press guy, and that’s really what he’s best at, he gets up in your face and gets his hands on you and tries to screw up the timing or get the receiver out of bounds.” … “Harrison Smith is as smart and instinctive as any free safety in the game. He’s where he’s supposed to be. He reads the quarterback and always gets a jump on the ball.” … “Sendejo is more of an enforcer. He’ll take his shots. Some of the new rules have kind of slowed him down a little bit because you just can’t go at defenseless receivers anymore. He’s not the most mobile in space but he is a physical presence.” … “Waynes is slight of build. He’s a thin-legged, thin-framed guy who can run. His problem is, when he tries to press, he gets outmuscled. When he plays off in zone, he just has to do a better job of reading. Bottom line is, he’s gotten better each year. He’s developed nicely.” … “Hughes has been outstanding. He’s really quick. He’s smart. He’s tough. He can run. He’s got good ball skills.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Coordinator – Mike Priefer (8th year).

Personnel – K Daniel Carlson (6-5, 213); P Matt Wile (6-2, 225); LS Kevin McDermott (6-5, 240); KR Mike Hughes; PR Marcus Sherels (5-10, 175).

Notes: The Vikings had never drafted a kicker as high as Carlson, who was taken in the fifth round (No. 167). He made his only field goal (42 yards) Sunday after a 4-for-6 exhibition season. Kai Forbath, the incumbent, was cut Aug. 20. The Vikings also changed punters, dumping veteran Ryan Quigley and signing Wile. Punting eight times for Pittsburgh in August, Wile averaged 49 yards (gross) and 48.8 (net). In the opener, he placed four of his six punts inside the 20 while averaging 38.3, 36.0. This is Wile’s sixth team since he entered the NFL as a free agent in May 2015.

What scouts said: “Their special teams have always been a problem. They can return the ball on you with Sherels back there.” … “Carlson has been good. He missed two in one preseason game. He’s looked good otherwise. He’s got a big leg.” … “Wile did everything there (Michigan). Punt. Field goals. Kicked off. He wasn’t refined. Once he started doing one thing he got better. He’s bounced around. He’s a journeyman but he’s young and has a big leg.”





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Well, their o-line held up reasonably well. The Packers had to work hard to get pressure. One positive was that the Packers held the Vikings running game in check.
 
As quick as Cook is, I don't believe the Vikings running game is nearly as good as they thought. They're going to rely on Cousins' arm to do most of the damage. I always felt he was a better QB than fates allowed in Washington. He never quite had the best surrounding cast to make his game better. He'll get that with the Vikes.

You could really see we're short handed on the D-line. They were tired by the middle of the 3rd quarter. When you get tired enough, your legs get a little wobbly, and you don't react quite as quickly. In the NFL, that means you're getting beat off the ball.
 
As quick as Cook is, I don't believe the Vikings running game is nearly as good as they thought. They're going to rely on Cousins' arm to do most of the damage. I always felt he was a better QB than fates allowed in Washington. He never quite had the best surrounding cast to make his game better. He'll get that with the Vikes.

You could really see we're short handed on the D-line. They were tired by the middle of the 3rd quarter. When you get tired enough, your legs get a little wobbly, and you don't react quite as quickly. In the NFL, that means you're getting beat off the ball.

This was because he schemed to take away the run and force Cousins to pass...which he did for 400 plus yards. MP has got to figure out he doesn't have the horses to play that way and not wear his D out late.
 
This was because he schemed to take away the run and force Cousins to pass...which he did for 400 plus yards. MP has got to figure out he doesn't have the horses to play that way and not wear his D out late.

It's broader than that, because MM needs to realize this too, and he needs to plan his offense around the fact that it's a young, inexperienced secondary with little depth that will get worn down late. He needs to develop that run game and control the clock. You don't have Charles Woodson and Nick Collins in your back pocket to fall back on anymore, Mike.
 
This was because he schemed to take away the run and force Cousins to pass...which he did for 400 plus yards. MP has got to figure out he doesn't have the horses to play that way and not wear his D out late.

I'm not in the slightest sold on things being that much better this year than last year, on the Packers defense. There's no consolation prize in saying; "We stopped them on the ground!," when they rack up 425 in the air. All you've done is let them run up close to 500 yards for the game, and it isn't often you're even in a contest where that happens to your defense. We were lucky the Vikings missed opportunities along the way. It could have been a blow-out.
 
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