Pre-Season: Game 3 (Part II)

Yesterday I broke down the performance of the offense in Saturday nights victory over the Seattle Seahawks.  The defense has been head and shoulders over the offense, which is normal this time of year.

DEFENSE:

The defensive line has played very well against the run this pre-season, which doesn't surprise anyone, but they have failed to get pressure on the quarterback.  Matt Hasselbeck had plenty of time to stand in the pocket and scan the field.  The Vikings have gotten the majority of their pressure in the past with their front four, this is important because they don't have to blitz to get pressure.

The linebacker play has been very good as well.  With E.J. Henderson back, the Vikings have arguably one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL.  Chad Greenway and Ben Leber are the best linebackers in the NFL that no one talks about. 

The corner back position is one of the more interesting areas of the team.  Obviously Antoine Winfield will start, and rookie Chris Cook looks like he will get the nod over Asher Allen and Lito Sheppard.  Chris Cook is a tough physical corner that could eventually turn into a shutdown corner, something the Vikings haven't had in forever!

Safety is the biggest area of concern on the defense.  It was a mess last year with Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson starting.  Jamarca Sanford is leading the battle for the starting position over Tyrell Johnson.  The safety level of play must improve if the Vikings are going to improve on their pass defense from a year ago.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Rhys Lloyd got a chance to showcase his kickoff ability, but did nothing to help his chances of making the 53 man roster.  He has had nine kickoffs this pre-season and all nine have been returned.  There is no way the Vikings hold a roster spot for a kicker who can't kick the ball out of the end zone.  They need the extra spot for either a wide receiver or a defensive lineman.  I will be shocked if Rhys Lloyd makes the team.  He might make tomorrows cuts, but he will be bye bye on Saturday.

NOTES:

* The reports are that Brett Favre had a 'lubrication' shot injected into his ankle after Saturday nights game.  This is very concerning, and Favre even went on to say the he isn't sure if he can even finish the season.  He said his mind is telling him one thing, and his body is telling him another.

* The Metrodome is still a dump, but it looked more like the Vikings dump.  The red bars on the outside of the stadium are now painted purple, all of the Twins and Gophers stuff has been taken down.  The turf is new and doesn't have any baseball cut outs for bases.

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SKOL VIKES!