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Smash Articles
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Dust Em' Off Last year, the NFC west, arguably one of the weakest divisions in the NFL did not serve the Cardinals well, although it did secure them a bid at the big dance. Back in the 1970's, we had somewhat of a similar problem as the AFC proved to be dominant. This year however, the NFC North has now transformed itself into arguably the NFL's strongest division, certainly the strongest NFC division, although that fact hasn't seemed to catch on yet, but time will bear these facts out to be true. Kudos' to the Vikings staff for not acting on the ravenous squawking vultures that represent the 31 other teams in this league by foolishly dispensing with TJack. If you close your eyes real tight it's not hard to imagine TJack playing in the Super Bowl, which just might be both his and your reward for not jettisoning him. As for TJack, an awful set of episodes it has been. Your history is now clear in that you're on that path of becoming a mythical figure ... being snatched from the primordial ooze. Apparently you're capability does not lie in being taught from just class room X's and O's. Your progression indicates mentoring toward greatness like Montana did for Young. In other words, the story of Star Wars lives throughout the ages. For coaches, it's safe to say whatever but it only took Farve a brief one moment in a day to indicate what greatness is. It comes from a combination of athletic skills and the will to improvise which enables all plays to be made. The death strike can be found beyond the hypnotic rhythm of 1-2-3 throw of the metronome. We'll always remember the diatribe of questions that were asked of Fran Tarkenton, "Why don't you stay in the pocket?" His response was, "What pocket?" or "There was a pocket?". Today he might say, "Look lady, I'm playing on an expansion team ... there is no pocket"? Eight in the Box
It was Jim Langer of the greatest running team in the history of the NFL, the 1973 Miami Dolphins that said, we used misdirection plays to nullify pursuit, the Vikings key advantage, having the defense commit to going one way followed by counter (punching) blocking to seal off each reversing defender. None of this works however until you achieve success on the flanks (Morris sweeps). In other words, defenders mired within the gaps (eight in the box) have little hope at successfully defending the flanks, explaining the success of a Chelor-Slash (A slashing Chestor Taylor). Once established, an inverted blocking scheme can be incorporated. In other words, establish a first-move blocking scheme to the now exposed flank to commit defenders to the flank, allowing the blocking scheme to invert to seal off the inside for an explosive Peterson run up the gut. Brett Farve's experience will enable the dictate to exploit these schemes. Within Shula's successful 3-5 scheme, a scheme that we will confront ad nauseum this year, is the instrument of its own demise. The 3-5 adds an athlete, and so shall we (Tahi out ... the frightening Chelor in)! A Chelor-Slash is not something to be stashed on a shelf ... so blow the dust off him so that we can apply some drag-ass to that pursuit. Innovation
Adrian Peterson is not the only athlete out there that found out that more can be less ... more yards can be achieve with less carries. It's never just who you play, it includes where and when you play them. The same is true for each segment of a game. Tell me ... what is the minimum number of carries to achieve 200 yards ... the answer is 3, however nobody wearing the number 28 can do that. Could the same apply for #4? So you might be wondering
about McNabb's recent issues with continuity. Doesn't this apply to
Farve? No! McNabb is in an untenable
position ... facing his demons ... the same stigma of the 1970's L.A. Rams. He's been to five
(5) championship games without attaining the ultimate prise. Either McNabb cashes
in on his Super Bowl mortality this
year, which is highly doubtful without either the heart of their defense or a
stable offensive line, or he punches his exit pass. Vick makes this a
possibility. This is the reason why
both McNabb's and Vick's contracts are both two years in length. If McNabb
excels to the next level, Vick becomes a smart move where the Eagles end up with
draft picks as compensation in dealing Vick out of Philadelphia. If not, Vick takes over the helm leaving
McNabb the smart out. Either way, Andy Reid comes out of it looking
like a genius. Congratulations to our 53. The Viking Ghost
Writer
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