The Minnesota Vikings visited the Los Angeles Chargers. Much like last year, it did not go well for the Vikings. It was an embarrassing performance and numerous questionable decisions before and during the game. I’d would say I’m at a loss for words, but obviously you’re reading them so I’m not. Let’s jump in.
Kevin O’Connell
It’s hard to pick where to start with KOC. I am normally a big supporter. However, I am struggling to see the vision this year. The team is cautious, probably overly so, with J.J. McCarthy. That I get. What I don’t get is putting his LT out there on a short week when he clearly isn’t ready. Sticking with Wentz when he can’t even raise up his left arm enough to hold the ball with two hands is coaching malpractice. Not only can he get injured, but you can’t tell me a one armed Carson Wentz gives the team the best chance to win. Then, on top of that, every time it’s 3rd and 2 or less, KOC seems to think he can surprise the defense with a 20 yard pass. Dude, it hasn’t worked once. The clock management is always poor. Hire someone to do it if you suck at it. The end of the first half ended up in a rushed FG attempt and Will Reichard uncharacteristically hit the ground about a foot behind the ball. The Vikings are now the “get right” game for teams that are struggling. KOC’s plan will be to return J.J. McCarthy against Aiden Hutchinson and the Detroit Lions. I can foresee KOC being the leading name next week as well.
Carson Wentz
I would be just as frustrated with Wentz if I didn’t feel bad for him. Kirk Herbstreit went at him pretty hard. He isn’t a leader of a team. I think he realized his career his over when he was tearing up on the bench. He is a warning for us to have patience with J.J. McCarthy. He looked like the next great QB his rookie season. The injury changed things, but the footwork, leadership qualities, and decision making are what is hurting Wentz, not his physical ability. His terrible mechanics lead to sailed passes way too often. The interception last night should’ve been the last throw of his career. KOC still threw him back out there for another series, for some unknown reason.
Josh Metellus
Metellus just can’t cover anyone. I don’t know what happened. Metellus just seems slow out there. A simple move and he struggles to recover. The first TD he gave up was a simple in cut. He didn’t just give up leverage, he gave Gadson 5 feet of separation.
Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen hasn’t been all that the team had hoped he would be. I get that he might be frustrated. Allen sacked Herbert with about 8 minutes left in the game. Most players, being down 21, would turn around and go back to line up. Allen thought to have a little dance as he got back. The Chargers lined up to kick a FG two plays later to go up by 24.
Catch Rule
Does anyone know what a catch is? If you’re not wearing purple it is ok to hit the ground as long as you control it, if you are wearing purple, incomplete? Two weeks in a row this has happened. I almost got it with the Hockenson call. I didn’t get it this week. Rodgers hands were wrapped around the ball the entire process. That’s supposed to be a catch. 7-0 Vikings and game on. It didn’t happen that way. The Vikings got demolished and in almost no scenario were they winning that game. However, calls like this ruin games. The NBA is dealing with another massive betting scandal. The trust is always on thin ice as they have every segment brought to you by another gambling site. We need to hear those conversations between the ref and the replay room. Open it up. Be transparent. What could they possibly have to hide?
Brian Flores
The Flores defense has been urban legend level for the past two years. The last two weeks, it has been poverty level on 3rd and long. He just doesn’t seem to be able to find a way to get pressure on the QB. The defense was smoked on every drive last night with the exception of the one interception on a deflected pass. They scored on every other possesion other than a missed FG. No punts.
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