Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Tyler Lockett(16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back
Terence Newman(23) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Bad
- The defense. When the star players go out, this team cannot stop anything. The impact of guys like Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr, and Harrison Smith are felt when they’re in the lineup and they make everyone around them better. Without them, the defense looks like they have no leadership and can’t find the proper angles for tackling.
- The offense. The Minnesota Vikings couldn’t run the ball. They couldn’t pass the ball. Trick plays got swallowed up immediately. The offensive line couldn’t get a push or protect. There were big drops by the wide receivers and some bad throws from Teddy Bridgewater. It was brutal to watch.
- Special Teams. They opened up the game giving away a big kick return and were stuffed the rest of the day. In coverage, we saw more bad pursuit angles and bad tackling just like on defense. On returns, other than the one touchdown by Patterson, the team was lucky to start at their own 20 yard line.
- Coaching. Some very questionable calls by offensive coordinator Norv Turner and poor adjustments by the coaching staff to fix problems with protection and coverage really hurt the team. Normally, I only complain a little about Turner’s game plan, but he needs more plays for Bridgewater to get rid of the ball quickly.
- Injuries cutting down the team. As if it weren’t enough that Linval Joseph and Andrew Sendejo was out, the Minnesota Vikings lose Robert Blanton, Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr to injuries during the game. It seemed to be too big of losses for the Vikings to recover and showed how more depth is needed on the squad.
Next: The Confusing