It’s hard to think of a more eventful start to a season than what the Vikings have endured through the training camp process all the way to now in week 8. Injuries have piled up to levels previously unseen and this week Norv Turner resigned from his position as offensive coordinator. Honestly what will be thrown at this team next?
In spite of all the injuries and possible turmoil within the coaching ranks, there is still a game to be played on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. After dropping their last two games in embarrassing fashion, it will be crucial for the Vikings to come back strong and get a much needed win at home. Here’s a preview of Sunday’s contest.
Pat Shurmur takes over offensive play-calling duties
Legendary NFL coach Norv Turner resigned from his position as offensive coordinator this past week citing differences in opinion in regards to the direction that the offense is going. This is a disappointing revelation as Turner is a very well-respected coach and a well-liked individual off the field. Unfortunately from a schematic standpoint, the offense has become stale under his leadership and a change could be what the offense sorely needs.
Welcome Pat Shurmur, an offensive minded coach who has worked extensively with quarterback Sam Bradford during his time in St. Louis and Philadelphia. Shurmur brings a West Coast style offensive philosophy to a team that had been employing an Air Coryell style offense under Turner. The West Coast style offense utilizes shorter passes and quick releases while the Air Coryell works to open up the deep-ball. In an offense where protecting the quarterback has been a substantial issue, the West Coast style that Shurmur executes may be our saving grace.
Injuries are cause for concern this Sunday
Injuries continue to pile up for the Minnesota Vikings as we have now learned that guard Alex Boone and linebacker Eric Kendricks will not be playing on Sunday as both are still in concussion protocol. Losing both players is a substantial blow to both respective position groups.
With Boone out it will most-likely be up to Jeremiah Sirles to fill in at left guard for an already injury-decimated unit. Filling in for Kendricks will in all likelihood be a group-effort as Chad Greenway and Audie Cole should see most of the action in his absence.
Will Bradford continue to regress?
Through the first five weeks of the season, Bradford was having his name thrown around as a potential MVP candidate after not giving up a single turnover and leading the Vikings to a 5-0 start. All of the praise and success seems like a distant memory at this point as the Vikings have hit a wall midway through the regular season.
It would be unfair to put the blame on Bradford as the protection in front of him has been anything but ideal. That being said, Bradford can do a better job of getting the ball out of his hands quicker and making better decisions with the football in the red-zone. Tomorrow’s game will be telling in regard to what direction Bradford’s season will go from here. Will he bounce back and play with the same poise and confidence that we saw through his first four starts, or will the regression continue?
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