Vikings’ Preseason Week Two Reaction

Here the writers at vikings32 are yet again writing as a team. We will wrap up every week’s game with our reactions; what we feel the Vikings did well and what they need to do better.

The Vikings travelled to Seattle with a bit of vengeance on their minds and it showed. The first half was about as dominant from a defensive perspective as anyone could have possibly predicted. The Vikings sacked Russell Wilson four times and Seattle’s first-team offense was all but booed off the field.

The offense did pass block very well for the aged-wonder Shaun Hill as he received the nod to start at quarterback over Teddy Bridgewater. Some reports, including one from Ben Goessling of ESPN say it was due to “shoulder soreness” but Mike Zimmer said, “he felt like it” when asked why Bridgewater didn’t play. Zimmer is proving over and over again that he must be part honey badger cuz he just doesn’t give a “you know what” what other people think.

However, the Vikings’ run blocking has shown that it has plenty of work to do. The first-team offensive line was going against a premiere rush defense, yet with how off-balanced the Seahawks were, running the ball should have been much easier.

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Quick thoughts: The Vikings played extremely well, at least in the first half. Minnesota’s first-team dominated Seattle. The Seahawks were especially disoriented offensively as the Vikings pass rush sacked Wilson four times. One attribute that stood out for Minnesota was athleticism. Speed, agility and youth allowed Minnesota to contain the quarterback and react quickly.

What the Vikings did well: As mentioned above, Seattle struggled and could not overcome the wrath of the Vikings first-team defense. The pass rush was exceptional.

Favorite play: Homegrown Marcus Sherels, showed why he deserves a guaranteed roster spot. In a pinch, Sherels has the ability to play corner. He showed he can defend well from the slot as he broke up many passes. The best play was of course was when he took the game into his own hands and created a pick-six off Trevone Boykin to win the game.

What Vikings did poorly: The Vikings have to stop the run. In the first half, Minnesota managed and stood their ground for the most part as they defended the rushing attack. However, there is still room for much needed improvement. The depth behind the Vikings’ starters showed especially poor run defense.

Bad play: The Vikings let Troymaine Pope run everywhere it seemed. There were a couple of occasions where Minnesota’s second and third-stringers allowed him to get loose.

Fallout: The Vikings are a true Super Bowl contender. Top to bottom, the roster can matchup against anyone in the NFL. Although it was only preseason, they foreshadowed what just might be one of the league’s nastiest defenses. If Minnesota can keep their poise and humble mentality, they will set themselves up for a memorable season.

Clayton R. Brooks II

Quick thoughts: This game was clearly a defensive matchup from the get go. Unfortunately, it still left a number of questions unanswered, particularly with the run defense.

What the Vikings did well: They got after the quarterback early and often. They managed to sack Russell Wilson four times in the first half, bringing pressure from every level and getting contributions from the defensive line, linebacker and secondary units.

Favorite play: Sherels’ game winning pick-six after being flagged for pass interference just two plays earlier. There’s no better way to atone than by getting a takeaway and scoring.

What Vikings did poorly:

Defending the run. They struggled for much of the game in this area. Christine Michaels gained 55 yards on 10 carries and Troymaine Pope picked 86 more on his 10 totes. Seattle totaled over 170 yards on the ground, gouging Minnesota’s run defense.

Bad play: Blair Walsh’s missed field goal from 47 yards with 2:09 left to play. Much like last year’s Wild Card game, he was unable to put the Seahawks away. After looking sharp throughout camp and week one of the preseason, everyone is hoping this was a hiccup and not a sign of things to come.

Fallout: Despite the victory, the run defense remains a question mark. After two weeks, this is the biggest area of concern with two games remaining in the preseason. The positive in this one was the great pass protection from the offensive line, allowing only one sack all night against one of the league’s most elite defensive units.

Justin Ekstrom

Quick thoughts:

Without Bridgewater at quarterback, the Vikings went to a simple yet high tempo spread offense and ran it nearly to perfection. The first quarter may not have yielded many points but the tempo and usage of the tight ends kept Seattle’s first-team defense guessing incorrectly most of the first half. Even the most cynical of Viking fans had to love hearing “the 12’s” booing the Seahawks’ first-team offense at the end of the first half.

What the Vikings did well:

Protecting the quarterback and getting to Wilson to the tune of four sacks.

Favorite play:

Everson Griffen’s sack of Wilson. The dude’s athleticism and strength showed through as Wilson was not prepared for and overlooked Griffen sacking him.

What Vikings did poorly:

The run defense on early downs is still leaving opposing offenses with too many third and short or early down first down situations.

Bad play:

Pick from the many disappointing long second down runs.

Fallout:

It would be a genius move by Zimmer if benching Bridgewater was in fact a “worst case scenario” drill to put the other coaches and players on the spot. Everyone proved up to the challenge, if that in fact was what Zimmer had in mind. Other reports have Zimmer questioning the ability of the offensive line to protect Bridgewater and sat him over concerns of his safety. While other’s yet, have the young quarterback sitting due to shoulder soreness.

Wrap it up

No matter the reason he played, Hill performed admirably and was named one of the game’s MVP’s. His decision making is what makes and has made him serviceable as a backup quarterback in this league for so many years.

Sherels also saved the day and quite possibly his roster spot by returning an interception for the game-winning touchdown. As ugly as the second half was, the pick-six was a most welcomed sight by coaches, players, fans and especially the game’s commentators as no one looks forward to extended games in preseason.

Although the run defense needs work, the Vikings proved once again they will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. Their defense took advantage of a makeshift Seattle offensive line, pressuring Wilson all night, sacking him four times and hurrying him constantly.

Next up:

The Vikings head home to christen their new stadium against the San Diego Chargers in a rematch of last years’ 31-14 victory. The Chargers are a team picked by some to surprise with an explosive offense and a defense that is much improved.

Justin Ekstrom can be followed on Twitter @thesportscrib21 and be sure to follow and comment about vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.

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