The Gopher
01-16-2006, 08:50 PM
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CURTain Call
January 16, 2006
Written by: "The" Curt4074
http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/team_vikings1_519510.gif
With a new Head coach, a new administration is expected at nearly every aspect of the organization. At most 4 coaches from Tice's Staff will remain when Childress finishes his re-structuring of the coaching staff. One of the biggest change we as Viking fans will see in the new season will be the implementation of a new defensive scheme, The Tampa 2. The Tampa 2 is a variation of the Cover 2 defense, originated by the Buccaneers (Hmm, Tampa bay... Tampa 2) under DC Monte Kiffen. The scheme has fielded 3 playoff teams this season, and 3 top 10 defenses (Bears, Colts, Buccaneers). The Vikings hired Mike Tomlin, the Buccaneers defensive backs coach to bring the system to Minnesota.
The scheme is not very complex, in fact it's simplicity is what makes it special.
"I tell guys it's like McDonald's," Dungy said. "If you like cheeseburgers, [the Tampa 2] is OK because the cheeseburger's going to be the same everyday, all the time, whatever city you're in, ask for a cheeseburger and fries, it's going to be the same. That's what we are -- the cheeseburger and fries that's the same way every week in every city." --http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2271514
it protects against the big play by rushing only the 4 down lineman, and keeping the safeties over the top. Each player is assigned a gap, and is told to attack it. The system is based on team speed, and a solid defensive line. In this article I will break down the responsibilities of each position, and analyze which personnel will be suited for the scheme.
Defensive Line
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/17/172709.jpg
The defensive line needs to be assembled with good pass rushers, because the Tampa 2 does not utilize many blitzes. The Anti-Blitzburgh if you will. The Defensive lineman need a lot of speed to get to the quarterback, and need to have a knack for getting to the quarterback. For the Vikings, this position will likely undergo very few changes. After Drafting 3 Defensive lineman in the first round for the last 3 years, the Vikings have a solid corps of young pass rushing lineman in Kevin Williams (03), Kenechi Udeze (04), and Erasmus James (05). All three will fit in well with the Vikings new scheme. The Vikings also have a great pass rushing specialist in Lance Johnstone, who led the Vikings in sacks this season playing primarily as a 3rd down pass rusher. After the injury of Udeze, Darrion Scott showed his abilities and should create solid competition on both sides of the Minnesota O-line. His versatility (can play either DE or DT) make him a great player, but he may lack the pure pass rushing ability to succeed in the new defense. I see him as the odd man out next year.
Linebackers
The Achilles heel for the Vikings since the days of Studwell, will likely undergo many changes this off season. MLB Sam Cowart led the Vikings in tackles this season, (acquired from the Jets for a 7th round pick last off season) but does not have the coverage skills necessary for him to hold down a starting position. Look for E.J. Henderson to get another shot at the Mike slot, or for the Vikings to look to the draft or Free agency to address this need. On the outside, The Linebackers need speed and acceleration. The Vikings have a lot of speed at the position, but players like Dontarrius Thomas have often overran plays, getting themselves torn apart on cut-back runs. Kieth Newman was the Vikings best line-backer the last two years, and his ability to rush the quarterback and drop into coverage make him very versatile. He may be the only returning starter on the Vikings roster.
Defensive Backs
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/17/172714.jpg
The Vikings feature a lot of talent in their secondary. Darren Sharper re-established his dominance as a Free Safety this season, leading the team in INT's and earning himself a spot in the Pro Bowl. Antoine Winfield, Brian Williams had a knack for shutting down WR's, And even a struggling Smoot was still was a great nickel Corner. In the Tampa 2, each of the safeties is responsible for half of the field, and are responsible to guard against the deep ball. The Corners drop into a zone coverage taking responsibility of the edges of the field with the MLB covering the middle of the field.
With Brian Williams, Corey Chavous, and Willie Offord all free agents in 2006, a few changes may be in order for the New Vikings defense. Brian Williams feels that he is a starter in the NFL, and that statement is very true. The Vikings have invested a lot of money in Winfield and Smoot, and may not be able to afford to spend more money on the position. Williams' contract may be too much for the Vikings Cap to stomach. Corey Chavous is an aging veteran, and has been nothing more than average at the SS position. His Back-up, Willie Offord is also a free agent, and will likely have the inside track at the starting role if he is retained. Look for the Vikings to add a nickel corner, and possibly a strong safety if the right name is available.
CURTain Call
January 16, 2006
Written by: "The" Curt4074
http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/team_vikings1_519510.gif
With a new Head coach, a new administration is expected at nearly every aspect of the organization. At most 4 coaches from Tice's Staff will remain when Childress finishes his re-structuring of the coaching staff. One of the biggest change we as Viking fans will see in the new season will be the implementation of a new defensive scheme, The Tampa 2. The Tampa 2 is a variation of the Cover 2 defense, originated by the Buccaneers (Hmm, Tampa bay... Tampa 2) under DC Monte Kiffen. The scheme has fielded 3 playoff teams this season, and 3 top 10 defenses (Bears, Colts, Buccaneers). The Vikings hired Mike Tomlin, the Buccaneers defensive backs coach to bring the system to Minnesota.
The scheme is not very complex, in fact it's simplicity is what makes it special.
"I tell guys it's like McDonald's," Dungy said. "If you like cheeseburgers, [the Tampa 2] is OK because the cheeseburger's going to be the same everyday, all the time, whatever city you're in, ask for a cheeseburger and fries, it's going to be the same. That's what we are -- the cheeseburger and fries that's the same way every week in every city." --http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2271514
it protects against the big play by rushing only the 4 down lineman, and keeping the safeties over the top. Each player is assigned a gap, and is told to attack it. The system is based on team speed, and a solid defensive line. In this article I will break down the responsibilities of each position, and analyze which personnel will be suited for the scheme.
Defensive Line
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/17/172709.jpg
The defensive line needs to be assembled with good pass rushers, because the Tampa 2 does not utilize many blitzes. The Anti-Blitzburgh if you will. The Defensive lineman need a lot of speed to get to the quarterback, and need to have a knack for getting to the quarterback. For the Vikings, this position will likely undergo very few changes. After Drafting 3 Defensive lineman in the first round for the last 3 years, the Vikings have a solid corps of young pass rushing lineman in Kevin Williams (03), Kenechi Udeze (04), and Erasmus James (05). All three will fit in well with the Vikings new scheme. The Vikings also have a great pass rushing specialist in Lance Johnstone, who led the Vikings in sacks this season playing primarily as a 3rd down pass rusher. After the injury of Udeze, Darrion Scott showed his abilities and should create solid competition on both sides of the Minnesota O-line. His versatility (can play either DE or DT) make him a great player, but he may lack the pure pass rushing ability to succeed in the new defense. I see him as the odd man out next year.
Linebackers
The Achilles heel for the Vikings since the days of Studwell, will likely undergo many changes this off season. MLB Sam Cowart led the Vikings in tackles this season, (acquired from the Jets for a 7th round pick last off season) but does not have the coverage skills necessary for him to hold down a starting position. Look for E.J. Henderson to get another shot at the Mike slot, or for the Vikings to look to the draft or Free agency to address this need. On the outside, The Linebackers need speed and acceleration. The Vikings have a lot of speed at the position, but players like Dontarrius Thomas have often overran plays, getting themselves torn apart on cut-back runs. Kieth Newman was the Vikings best line-backer the last two years, and his ability to rush the quarterback and drop into coverage make him very versatile. He may be the only returning starter on the Vikings roster.
Defensive Backs
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/17/172714.jpg
The Vikings feature a lot of talent in their secondary. Darren Sharper re-established his dominance as a Free Safety this season, leading the team in INT's and earning himself a spot in the Pro Bowl. Antoine Winfield, Brian Williams had a knack for shutting down WR's, And even a struggling Smoot was still was a great nickel Corner. In the Tampa 2, each of the safeties is responsible for half of the field, and are responsible to guard against the deep ball. The Corners drop into a zone coverage taking responsibility of the edges of the field with the MLB covering the middle of the field.
With Brian Williams, Corey Chavous, and Willie Offord all free agents in 2006, a few changes may be in order for the New Vikings defense. Brian Williams feels that he is a starter in the NFL, and that statement is very true. The Vikings have invested a lot of money in Winfield and Smoot, and may not be able to afford to spend more money on the position. Williams' contract may be too much for the Vikings Cap to stomach. Corey Chavous is an aging veteran, and has been nothing more than average at the SS position. His Back-up, Willie Offord is also a free agent, and will likely have the inside track at the starting role if he is retained. Look for the Vikings to add a nickel corner, and possibly a strong safety if the right name is available.