vikings/nfl

This is good to hear and see in the games because the past couple seasons it has looked like a huge mess up front. I wish the team could have kept Birk, he would be a great leader up front and moving the pile. Keep it going AP, lead this team to the playoffs, maybe even the NFC Central title!

OK, I guess I understand Sid's point somewhat, but the vikings still tip their hand in the play calling too often. When the fullback comes in, whether it is a run or not, it is easier to defense compared to bringing in another deep threat wide out. That receiver is going to require at least one safety to stay back and he would have to be covered by a defensive back as well. Bring in the full back, and move one more linebacker closer to the middle to spy on the fullback and have the full complement of spies concentrating on stopping Peterson. That is how it works against MN. Don't believe me? Watch the replays but don't watch Peterson, or the full back... watch to see which defensive players absolutely mirror Peterson's direction.

When will Peterson thrive and against whom? Simply, Green Bay plays a man to man defense most of the time. The primary wide receiver (Harvin) might command a constant double team, but the remainder of the viking receivers have never proven they can beat one on one coverage. I think that has changed, but in past years, you could listen to a game and at the end of the game ask yourself who the wide receivers were and if they caught a ball. You came up with a blank. I still like the idea of Webb lined up on second down, streaking straight down the middle along with the other decent wide outs we have. That would command more attention from the defense than a blocking back. Then, hand the ball to Peterson and watch. Teams that play the Tampa Two zone are betting that they can stop the run, and cover the passing game with minimal players as well.

Maybe I am missing something. It appears that during most run plays, Peterson is touched behind the line of scrimmage and has trouble finding any holes. Then once out of every 6 or 7 carries there is daylight. This is not a dominant line. There is MUCH room for improvement.

I highly doubt the two of you guys above know what you're talking about. First of all, the Vikings have dominated 3 straight games. Absolutely dominated. With a nice lead in each game, EVERYBODY knew the Vikings would run. And guess what? They did it with success. The line is playing great. AP is playing great. Now, get a sheet of paper and a pen. Before every single play this weekend, write down what you think the play will be. You guys are so smart, don't just write down "run" or "pass", although you'll still be wrong a lot. Write down what type of specific play it will be. Hey, you guys are smarter than Musgrave! He only gets about 15 seconds to call a play, let's see what you're made of. At least I know I couldn't do it.

Birk = over rated. Maybe something to do with the Harvard thing. Sullivan = under rated. Ask Ray Rice this year or AP for that matter. Sure Ray Rice is having a "decent" year, but he's doing it on shear personal talent. And, it's kind of funny that the Ravens have finally figured out McKinney and his work ethic. IMHO our line is OK with weaknesses being covered up by "better" play calling, AP's talent and determination, Harvin's talent/health and usage, and Ponders maturation.

Sid, if Peterson works so well with his blockers than why do 99% of his rushing attempts result in a one or two yard gain? The truth is that Peterson is not the same player he was three years ago when he was at the top of his game.