Week 3: RedZone Report

Analysis

by Carl Knowles - Sep 28, 2016

rudy-panthers-2016 — Image courtesy of Vikings.com

Three weeks into the season, wide reciever Stefon Diggs is second in the NFL with 325 receiving yards while on pace to eclipse 100 receptions for the season. Sam Bradford has found a rising young star in Diggs, however, his emerging go-to target in the red zone is tight end Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph caught another red zone touchdown pass this week as the Vikings sacked the Carolina Panthers in a 22-10 victory. The win snapped the Panthers’ 14-game home winning streak and keeps the Minnesota Vikings unbeaten at 3-0.

The Vikings ran seven plays in the red zone (four passes and three runs) on three possessions. The red zone offense scored a touchdown and kicked two field goals.

The Panthers had two offensive snaps in the red zone (two runs) on one possession and scored a touchdown.

Red Zone Notes:

In the first quarter the Panthers reached the red zone first when Cam Newton hit Corey Brown on a deep 27-yard pass over the coverage of Captain Munnerlyn down the left side line. On 1st-and-goal from the 9-yard line, Fuzzy Whittaker ran the ball for a six yard pickup. Newton then ran it in for the score on the following play to give the Panthers an early 0-7 lead. Newton runs the read option as well as any quarterback in the league, and on this play, his ball fake was so good he practically walked into the end zone around the right side of the Vikings’ defense.

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2016 Vikings Over/Unders [PODCAST]

Podcast

by Andy Carlson - Sep 28, 2016

The Minnesota Fightin’ Vikings are tied for the best record in the NFL. A spot many fans, analysts, and probably players (if they were being honest) did not expect the Purple to be in given all of the early season drama. It has opened a door for many-a-fan to have hope that this year could be the year, especially with that Zimmer Hellfire Defense playing like an all-time great unit. We took some time today to mull over aloud few over/under propositions about our young Skol Squad.

2016 Over/Under Talking Points Include:
• 4.5 Defensive Touchdowns
• 1200 Rushing Yards by Vikings Runnings Backs
• 22.5 Touchdown Passes from Sam Bradford
• 100 Fantasy Points for Kyle Rudolph
• 10.5 Starts for TJ Clemmings at Left Tackle
• 44.5 Sacks for Vikings Quarterbacks
• 100.5 Snaps for Willie Beavers
• 72.5 Sacks for the Defense
• 20.5 Sacks for Everson Griffen
• 49.5 INTs for the Vikings Defense
• 20.5 Receptions for Laquon Treadwell
• 0.5 Coach of the Year Awards for Mike Zimmer

All that and other “Take the Overs on All of Em” chatter on this edition of the Purple FTW! Podcast!

An Andy Carlson Joint

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Bump & Run, Week 4: We Didn’t Get Cancelled

VT TV

by Sam Neumann - Sep 28, 2016

In this episode of Bump & Run, I celebrate making it two straight videos without being shut down by the powers that be. We also discuss the fact that injuries are now irrelevant in football, the proper pronounciation of “Sirles”, and the idiots over at NFL Network. Plus, how badly the Vikings will beat the Giants, and which somewhat random player will score a touchdown this week.

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Vikings Offense Shines, if Only for One Drive

Analysis

by Austin Belisle - Sep 27, 2016

What Went Right, Week 3

Vikings Offense Shines, if Only for One Drive — Image courtesy of Vikings.com

On an afternoon where defense ruled the day, it was the Minnesota Vikings’ offense that propelled the team to a resounding victory. That may sound insane given the way Mike Zimmer’s unit shut down the Carolina Panthers — sacking Cam Newton eight times and forcing three interceptions — but it’s inexplicably true.

The Sam Bradford-led offense looked stagnant through two quarters, totaling just 34 yards before halftime. Bradford threw two near-interceptions, the run game faltered in the face of Carolina’s front seven, and plays broke apart behind a still-shaky offensive line.

Down 8-10 heading into the locker room, the Vikings needed to make serious adjustments to keep their winning hopes alive. Defense and special teams carried Minnesota to the end of the half, but that’s not a formula for long-term success. To stay competitive in any environment, against any team, an offense needs to do the little things right; convert third downs, protect the football, and sustain drives.

Minnesota struggled to do two of the three in the first half, but miraculously found its groove at the start of the third quarter. The offense’s opening drive, a 10-play grind down the field, put the Vikings ahead for good and ensured an undefeated record heading into Week 4.

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NFC NORTH ROUNDUP: Things Are Still Looking Up

General News

by Adam Warwas - Sep 27, 2016

The Vikings and Packers are already separating themselves as the top two teams in the NFC North.

The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0. They are one of only five teams that will head into Week 4 undefeated. They have already won two games on the road. Things are looking pretty good, despite a horrible visit from the injury gremlin, and Vikings fans have plenty to be excited about heading into a little softer stretch of their schedule.

The path to the NFC North championship has to be paved in victories over our worst enemies, however, and today we take our weekly look around the division to see what’s up.

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