'We've got to close people out,' Vikings defensive coordinator ...

The Vikings' defense ranks 11th in the NFL, quite a drop from its No. 4 ranking after three games.

[TorVikeFan]

The defence is giving up way too many long passes. Help me out. What's the thinking out there? Is it the scheme or is the talent not there?

[Jason M]

D has been soft over the middle for quite some time. It's the reason why the rush D and pressure on the QB is what it is. We don't have guys dropping back into coverage much......they are more gunng for the ball in the back field whether its the RB or QB that has it. I will also add that I think Green Bay's WRs aree some of the best route runners and YAC WRs in the league.

[Purplehead]

Jason above has it right, however, I've seen Driver and Jennings shut right down by solid cover corners (watch them versus the Ravens this season). Most will take this wrong, since most read with emotion rather than pragmatism, but Winfield is NOT a cover corner. Best run supporter at corner around, best hitter, best tackler and a super route jumper. Poor in coverage, and that was true when he was in Buffalo. Big, strong receivers give him fits. Bump and run works for the Packers and other good teams, but apparently, our coaches have decided that's not a fit for our corners. That catch to their tight end for 62 yards was hard to take, and that kind of coverage will get us out of the playoffs fast despite having a superb quarterback. Late game *prevent* mentality also a problem - ask Frazier about that. At 30-14 the game should have been over and the Pasckers scoring, ended. Seriously good teams continue to play their game as if it's the first quarter with a tie score.

[Mark]

Our team did seem to relax when Allen got that safety. We do need a "closer" mentality that we seem to lack. P.T. Barnum said "Never give a sucker an even break." Vikings version: Never give a Packer an even break. Skol Vikings.

[Lito]

Vikings should "close people out" and dominate games. A lot of the talk has been on not taking the Rams for granted but there are times you wonder why the Vikes keep the game close. They should totally dominate this game. Bret Favre should be rested on the 4th quarter to prepare for the Ravens and Steelers. With the talent they have, and barring any injury excuses, this team should only improve, improve, improve,... and hopefully, dominate teams in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Is it possible to have a perfect season? Go Vikings! I hope you stay in Minnesota with a new stadium.

[Jimbo]

Agree that our prevent defense is pretty poor. That has got to get better. But let's not forget how our offense plays with a lead, either. I know you want to run some time off the clock and we've got the best back in football, but three and outs every time isn't really giving our defense much help.

[erie-pa fan]

Agreed. We should be able to run the ball at will. Im a little disappointed in that!

[Vikes Safeties suck]

Have you guys noticed how badly vikes safeties T Johnson, and M Williams are playing thru the first 5 games. They can't cover the TEs of opposing team, and worst yet they can't tackle. When they tried to tackle, they look timid, and weak, like little girls, afraid to get their skirts dirty. Our secondary is the achilles heel of this defense. I hope we replace them with someone who can at least tackle. If they don't improve, we are gonna have problem closing games out, especially in the playoff, when we meet top QBs like the Mannings, and Tom Brady. Seasoned QB like those guys will destroy our safeties. Do you guys agree?

[GMan in Cally]

Vikes Safeties suck wrote:

Have you guys noticed how badly vikes safeties T Johnson, and M Williams are playing thru the first 5 games. They can't cover the TEs of opposing team, and worst yet they can't tackle. When they tried to tackle, they look timid, and weak, like little girls, afraid to get their skirts dirty. Our secondary is the achilles heel of this defense. I hope we replace them with someone who can at least tackle. If they don't improve, we are gonna have problem closing games out, especially in the playoff, when we meet top QBs like the Mannings, and Tom Brady. Seasoned QB like those guys will destroy our safeties. Do you guys agree?

All of the concerns I've read on this post are valid. Soft secondary, give em all they want between the 20s, then apply red zone D. What is the reason for this approach? The departure of Darren Sharper. What an offseason mistake that was. Leads the league in INTs. He is what's missing down the field. Griffin is playing off way too soft. and the description of Winfield is accurate. Hard hitter, more soft coverage. Get on someone and stay with them. Ravens O will eat us up with that spongy $#!t. But you know, we're a mirror image of the Ravens D. They are having the same issues. This will be the Dink and Dunk Bowl. Vikings 28, Ravens 24 if Adrian can get some light through the line.. He's the difference in this one.