I know that the Wilfs' seemingly have a high opinion of Rick Spielman, but I don't see how they can continue to trust him to try and build a championship roster. He's done a fine job at times, i.e. the 2015 draft, but this team feels like it's trending in the wrong direction, and there seems to be very little flexibility to address the glaring weaknesses that the front office has failed to addressed in the past. Personally, I don't want to watch an 8-8 football team for the next 5 years, and I hope that ownership doesn't either.
I agree wholeheartedly that Harris and Ngakoue were terrible moves. The good thing with Harris is that we now know we can cut bait. It sucks we lost 11 million, but it was a 1-year deal. It would have been nice to know if Mettellus can play, but I think they look for a vet to come in next to Harry.
I think the draft was a hit (so far). Especially the top 4 guys. Yes, the three guys not named Jefferson struggled, but I think that playing time will be hugely valuable and Dantzler really came along. I liked some of Wonnum as well, but he has to be rotational obviously. The draft is always a crap shoot so getting 4 guys (one of which is a superstar already) who have potential and significant playing time after just 1 year is big.
Very interested to see how this off-season plays out, particularly free agency and our tricky cap situation. We can only hope that they consider a shift in offensive philosophy as well! Probably wishful thinking!
I have to imagine that the front office keeps all parties intact for one more year but if they were smart they would give zimmer a stern warning or option if you will. Mike you are to leave Gary alone, that includes commentary, passive aggressive media remarks, or any form of suggestions about how and what to run. Furthermore you will tell Kirk that he has the green light to let that sh$t rip at any time to JJ Thielen Irv or Devonta smith. In addition we will be cutting Rudolph Harris will walk along with any other players we see fit in order to sign an adult corner who has experience. In return we will be drafting only D and O linemen this year. Ok?
Great read, Matt. I think you could give the Ngakoue a F- if you wanted to. His reputation as a prima donna and effort impaired was known before the trade. It was a desperation move and turned out as expected. The fact they lost a 2nd round pick and about 50 slots in the draft makes it a disaster. Also, they're on the hook for another draft pick makes me hope the Ravens don't make the playoffs.
Solid analysis, as usual... must be your chess player brain! 2020 was a dumpster fire for many reasons. A solid off-season investment into the O-line would put the missing pieces in place to protect Cousins, which IMHO, would release the offensive Kraken (pardon my Seasquawk Hell analogy...)!!!!!! 1998 Vikes showed a high powered offense/average defense could ALMOST make the Super Bowl...
Good summary and analysis of 2020. I agree with the comments about the OL. It has been mishandled for too many seasons. A veteran guard is a must. A third WR would help spread out the defense. Plus, the Vikings need to upgrade our defense with talent and depth. I think that's too much to accomplish in one year. The wild card in all of this is the salary cap. I've read it will drop from 198 million down to 175 million. And I've seen it will be 195 million. The lower number would make for a lot of tough adjustments.
Great read. The biggest question I think is do the Wilfs think Zimmer can still build a winner here?? Because it appears that most of the poor offseason decisions were made on defense this year. That’s something that should be brought Zimmers attention at the end of the season. Also Jefferson needs to be a focal point of the offense next year. Zimmer needs to know that. Next year is make or break for him. The offense can be leathal next year. The defense needs to feed off the offense and not visa versa
I'd be interested, Matthew, in your thoughts about Speilman. In some senses I felt he should've been fired the minute they traded Ngakoue away. I disagreed with the move when they made it but getting such a pittance for six weeks of play is nearly unforgivable. But I also think he's done a great job with some picks (Hunter, Diggs, etc.) but errored in resigning Cousins, neglecting the offensive line, allowing the coaching to become a good ole boys club by having every son of every coach employed by the team, etc. Personally I'd prefer for them to fire him and give the job to George Paton but I'd love your thoughts.
I know that the Wilfs' seemingly have a high opinion of Rick Spielman, but I don't see how they can continue to trust him to try and build a championship roster. He's done a fine job at times, i.e. the 2015 draft, but this team feels like it's trending in the wrong direction, and there seems to be very little flexibility to address the glaring weaknesses that the front office has failed to addressed in the past. Personally, I don't want to watch an 8-8 football team for the next 5 years, and I hope that ownership doesn't either.
I agree wholeheartedly that Harris and Ngakoue were terrible moves. The good thing with Harris is that we now know we can cut bait. It sucks we lost 11 million, but it was a 1-year deal. It would have been nice to know if Mettellus can play, but I think they look for a vet to come in next to Harry.
I think the draft was a hit (so far). Especially the top 4 guys. Yes, the three guys not named Jefferson struggled, but I think that playing time will be hugely valuable and Dantzler really came along. I liked some of Wonnum as well, but he has to be rotational obviously. The draft is always a crap shoot so getting 4 guys (one of which is a superstar already) who have potential and significant playing time after just 1 year is big.
Very interested to see how this off-season plays out, particularly free agency and our tricky cap situation. We can only hope that they consider a shift in offensive philosophy as well! Probably wishful thinking!
I have to imagine that the front office keeps all parties intact for one more year but if they were smart they would give zimmer a stern warning or option if you will. Mike you are to leave Gary alone, that includes commentary, passive aggressive media remarks, or any form of suggestions about how and what to run. Furthermore you will tell Kirk that he has the green light to let that sh$t rip at any time to JJ Thielen Irv or Devonta smith. In addition we will be cutting Rudolph Harris will walk along with any other players we see fit in order to sign an adult corner who has experience. In return we will be drafting only D and O linemen this year. Ok?
Great read, Matt. I think you could give the Ngakoue a F- if you wanted to. His reputation as a prima donna and effort impaired was known before the trade. It was a desperation move and turned out as expected. The fact they lost a 2nd round pick and about 50 slots in the draft makes it a disaster. Also, they're on the hook for another draft pick makes me hope the Ravens don't make the playoffs.
Solid analysis, as usual... must be your chess player brain! 2020 was a dumpster fire for many reasons. A solid off-season investment into the O-line would put the missing pieces in place to protect Cousins, which IMHO, would release the offensive Kraken (pardon my Seasquawk Hell analogy...)!!!!!! 1998 Vikes showed a high powered offense/average defense could ALMOST make the Super Bowl...
Good summary and analysis of 2020. I agree with the comments about the OL. It has been mishandled for too many seasons. A veteran guard is a must. A third WR would help spread out the defense. Plus, the Vikings need to upgrade our defense with talent and depth. I think that's too much to accomplish in one year. The wild card in all of this is the salary cap. I've read it will drop from 198 million down to 175 million. And I've seen it will be 195 million. The lower number would make for a lot of tough adjustments.
Great read. The biggest question I think is do the Wilfs think Zimmer can still build a winner here?? Because it appears that most of the poor offseason decisions were made on defense this year. That’s something that should be brought Zimmers attention at the end of the season. Also Jefferson needs to be a focal point of the offense next year. Zimmer needs to know that. Next year is make or break for him. The offense can be leathal next year. The defense needs to feed off the offense and not visa versa
I see no value in trading back in every draft for 10+ picks
Why not trade up? Take better prospects rounds 1-3? Rather than quantity?
How many 6th and 7th rounders really work out as franchise players?
I'd be interested, Matthew, in your thoughts about Speilman. In some senses I felt he should've been fired the minute they traded Ngakoue away. I disagreed with the move when they made it but getting such a pittance for six weeks of play is nearly unforgivable. But I also think he's done a great job with some picks (Hunter, Diggs, etc.) but errored in resigning Cousins, neglecting the offensive line, allowing the coaching to become a good ole boys club by having every son of every coach employed by the team, etc. Personally I'd prefer for them to fire him and give the job to George Paton but I'd love your thoughts.
I wonder how things would have turned out if they didn’t trade Diggs and also drafted Jefferson