Hello guys, I can give you the skinny on what you'll be facing.
*Coaches: Zimmer's on the hot seat for a myriad of reasons but it all boils down to his inability to maximize his players. He's had very talented teams in his 8 years, but has not been consistent and he insisted on mildly blowing up the team that actually went to the NFCCG. His defensive reputation has taken a hit as well as the last 2 years have seen some of the worst play Vikings defensive efforts in this teams history. His time is up and only a serious run saves him.
The OC is Klint Kubiak, Gary's kid. This means our two teams run much the offense with different pieces and playcallers. This also means both our defenses have practicing against the Shannahan style WCO all year.
*Offense. Kirk has been very good this year. He'll never be a Brady, Rodgers or even a Matt Stafford but he's more than good enough to win with and is unquestionably #2 on all time Vikings QB lists. Lately he's been told to sling it a bit more which has seen a couple more Int's, but that was an expected part of the equation.
Cook being out is significant, no matter what anyone tells you. He's a great back and his speed and toughness can't be replaced. However Alex Mattison is a quality back up who can carry the load. Mattison does more work in the screen game and outside bounce than Cook who likes to attack between the tackles. The wildcard is rookie Kene Nwangwu. Our KR has already housed two returns this year despite missing the first 6 games and has grown much more comfortable in the backfield the last month. He's 6'1" 215 lbs and runs a 4.25 40 which shows up on the field. If he gets going it'll be a huge plus for us.
The receiving core is elite and deep. Everyone knows Jefferson and Thielen, but KJ Osborne has broken out at WR 3 while Dede Westbrook and wildly talented rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette provide good depth.
The line has been very good most of the year, though they've had their off games and still can struggle against pure strength. If they crap the bed, the Vikings will lose.
*Defense: this has been a sore spot, we have talent at every level but it has not come together.
The line has two behemoths inside in Michael Pierce and Dalvin Tomlinson; Pierce in particular can dominate a game. Sheldon Richardson has been moved outside after Danielle Hunter was lost for the year again, and DJ Wonnum who has been very good after Everson Griffith went insane again man's the other side. This should be a solid group and has some depth.
Erik Kendricks and Anthony Barr have played together since their freshmen year at college and know this system in and out. Again these two should be better than they have been, especially Barr who is vital to run defense.
The secondary has been a mess, but looks to be shaping up now that bashaud breeland has been released. Patrick Peterson and Harry Smith are the vets. Smith is Zimmer's joker and makes life hell pre snap, while Peterson has spent at least 3 games this year on the field calling out the offenses plays before the the quarterback can even start. Both have lost a step but are savvy enough to make up for it. Xavier Woods plays centerfield and the enigmatic Kam Danztler man's the other side at CB. It is a staple of Zimmer's offense that his outside CB's stay on their side. They don't move with matchups.
This game will come down to our offensive line vs your D-line and our secondary Vs Matt, Cooper and Co. If you can't get to Kirk we'll put up 27 points. If we can't stop your recievers, You'll put up 35.