Climbing The Pocket

Good Morning Gjallarhorn Episode 026 – In The Raw – Tag Teaming It   Good morning Horners! Or afternoon as the case may be, but join me and Ted, better known as the purplebuckeye, as we break down what we saw and felt watching the Minnesota Vikings defeat the New York Jets. Unfortunately, Drew was not able to be with us this evening due to technical issues. He was muttering something about Chinese hackers at the end of the game messing with his computer.   In this episode of "In The Raw" we discussed the tag teaming effort it took by the Vikings to overcome injuries and weather conditions in the New Jersey swamp that is Met Life Stadium. Everson Griffin being out [hopefully not for long], Stephen Weatherly filling in so that Danielle Hunter can move over to the left side and continue his streak of a sack in every game this season. It was questionable whether he got a full sack today or just 1/2 sack, but it was a sack. A good part of that was what Sheldon Richardson was doing to cause havoc in the pocket. Then take Tom Johnson in for the injured Linval Joseph, and making his presence felt. That whole defensive front four was an exhibit for how you can tag team in when needed. Not to be left out, the defensive secondary took some hits as well and we saw Xavior Rhodes leave the game with some sort of ankle issue. In came Holton Hill ["Cypress"] and promptly snapped up his first interception of his NFL career.   Speaking of streaks, Adam Thielen continued his with his seventh game of the season catching over 100 yards. He has now tied Charley Hennigan of the 1961 Houston Oilers, when it was an old AFL team, for consecutive games with 100 yards or more to open a season. Aldrick Robinson and Brandon Zylstra also got in on the tag teaming with Robinson catching his 4th touchdown of the season and Brandon getting his first NFL catch.   In what was a windy day the cause problems both in the passing and kicking games, good game planning and execution [for enough of the game] held out, in the Vikings 20 point victory. A first time ever for this organization to beat the Jets on their home field. It was truly an exhibition on the importance to be able to tag team with players and game plan on both sides of the ball. Ted and I enjoyed laughing and talking about the game and mixing in a few stories of old. Not quite the exhibition the Vikings put on, but humorous and fun to watch. Join us, and tell us what to think.   Like, subscribe, and ring that damn bell! Then shout SKOL!   As always, enjoy the watch!   The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.   (All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

Good Morning Gjallarhorn Episode 025 – Vikings Finding Rhythm   Good morning Horners! Dave here, and Drew, Ted and I got together to look at the win over the Arizona Cardinals one last time, and ahead to the trip to play the New York Jets. Did you know that we have only played the Jets 10 times in Vikings history, and only won twice? That seems remarkable. Never in New York/New Jersey. Wow!  There’s some trivia for you.   Ted gives us his impression of the squad last week, what he liked and what worried him a bit, but his overall happiness of the win. He goes onto discuss the gameplan and what the team needs to do coming ahead in the next 3 game stretch, and the 3 games after that. That results in the Reverend Drew’s sermon on how you “Gotta Have Faith.” Preach it, Drew!   Drew gets into his numbers. My favorite being that the Vikings are number 1 in 3rd down defense. Yeah, baby! We talk about the possible causes for ACL injury increases, as we lament Mike Hughes’ rookie season coming to an end. Is it the 27 yard line?   We break down the Jets, talking offense versus defense, and vice versa. Overall though, it was fun and there were lots of laughs, some colorful descriptions, Drew singing and some good football talk headed your way.   Like, subscribe, and ring that damn bell! Then shout SKOL!   As always, enjoy the watch!   The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.   (All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode: @Flipmazzi previews the 3-2-1 Minnesota Vikings Week 7 matchup where they travel to the Meadowlands to face the 3-3 New York Jets. Can Brian O’Neill and Mackensie Alexander step up in key spots?   Links: Vikings vs. Jets 2014

In this episode: Question of the day:  Is Adam Thielen the best slot WR in the game? Football Discussions Nick Bosa Cardinals Game Recap What should we do with Dalvin? Pour one out for Mike Hughes Jets Game Preview with @ConnorJRogers Who are we and where can our listeners find your work? Why is the NY Media so salty about Kirk Cousins? Were you all in on Kirk this off season? How did you feel about Darnold during draft season and has your opinion changed? Offensive bright spots for the Jets Keys for the Jets on defense Pressure packages/exotic blitz package How does the fan base feel about this season and the future? Keys to Victory Bold prediction/Score prediction MIN/NYJ Roundtable Keys to Victory Bold prediction/Score prediction Yinka: 24-17 Vikings JR: 31-17 Vikings; Adam Thielen 200 yards Myles: 35-24 Vikings; Kirk throws 4 TDs Jayson: 24-20 Vikings; AT/SD over 150 receiving and Murray over 75 yards rushing   Recent/Upcoming Projects Catch up on all the latest from CTP here.  

Good Morning Gjallarhorn Episode 024 – In The Raw – Vikes Got The “W”   Good morning Horners! Dave here, and Drew and I come at you after the game where the Minnesota Vikings got the win over the Arizona Cardinals. It is always nice to get a fresh game reaction and after this victory, and this is no different.  We had an outstanding day from Adam Thielen [the best wide receiver in the league in 2018], Danielle Hunter with his two sacks, Latavius Murray having a career day and helping generate an actual running game, and then there was Anthony Harris and George Iloka combining in a fine effort in replacement Andrew Sendejo. Oh, and Dan Bailey made every kick. “How ‘bout that?!”   We did spot some things for improvement, like the need to get over the Mike Zimmer lack of a control or domination late in the game. We are curious about how you think on that point. We lamented losing the young star in the making Mike Hughes to a popped ACL.  Then, ask about the offensive line. Ugh! Do we have to live with that all season?   Overall though, it was fun and there were lots of laughs, some colorful descriptions, and some good football talk headed your way.   Like, subscribe, and ring that damn bell! Then shout SKOL!   As always, enjoy the watch!   The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.   (All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

Good Morning Gjallarhorn Episode 023 – Canadians & Cardinals   Good morning Horners! Dave here, and do we have a special show for you today. A good friend of the show, someone you may have read on Grant’s Tomb and Kick Ass Blog years ago for his Vikings takes, Mr. Darren “Soup” Campbell joins Drew and me from the far reaches of Canada. We touched on the victory of the Minnesota Vikings over the Philadelphia Eagles before moving onto Sunday’s game at US Bank Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals.   Darren praises fan offers over the years like here Climbing the Pocket Network and the Daily Norseman. Talks about Canadian beer, making hay, and the differences in the defenses from 2017 versus 2018 teams. “Does missing Terrance Newman explain the difference?” He is confident in Kirk Cousins and the offenses’ passing game. Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Laquon Treadwell, and where they rank in a particular set of advanced statistics, which has all three of scratching our heads with incredulity. Then it is onto banter over the Cardinals and what to expect. It seems we need to appreciate how well Chandler Jones has been standing out in red. …Good to know.    There are lots of laughs, some colorful descriptions, and some good football talk headed your way.   Like, subscribe, and ring that damn bell! Then shout SKOL!   As always, enjoy the watch!   The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.   (All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode: Question of the day: What is going on with Jimmy Butler? Random Shots Matt's Challenge to Yinka Kanye West Statement Vikings Talk Philly Game Recap ROS Prediction Kirk Cousins YTD Performance Passing Stats How has Josh Rosen looked? Arizona Game Preview Keys to Victory Bold prediction/Score prediction Yinka: 35-13 Vikings; Kirk Cousins 5 TDs JR: 27-13 Vikings; Vikings get 5 turnovers Myles: 30-17 Vikings; Dalvin Cook scores 3 TDs Jayson: 28-17 Vikings; Harrison Smith get 2 picks and 1 sack     Recent/Upcoming Projects Catch up on all the latest from CTP here.  

In this episode: @Flipmazzi previews the 2-2-1 Minnesota Vikings Week 6 matchup where they host the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals. Stefon Diggs and Trae Waynes have critical matchups in this one!

In this episode: Around the League Congrats Drew Brees Cousins Continues to Impress Defense Rebounds Game was Under Control Dan Bailey... Defending TEs Becoming a Concern Rushing Attack Lacking Kendricks Special Teams Gold Stars / Wall of Shame Name That Vikings

Good Morning Gjallarhorn Episode 021 – The Pesky Birds   It is been a long mini-bye week, both for the Vikings and for Good Morning Gjallarhorn. The Vikings may be dealing with an old entire defensive scheme, then again, they may not, but just are dealing with poor play. Here at the DMG production studios, however, we are dealing with old equipment that decided to act up. Sort of like how Xavier Rhodes kicked the flag last week. Everything's back operating, but not quite yet as smoothly as we'd like. Hopefully that changes against the Eagles.   In this episode Drew and I discuss various scenarios leading this game. Philadelphia, at least some of the hooligans there, decided to topple a Viking statue and throw it in the river. They're hoping to change their early-season luck as is the Vikings themselves. Drew discusses this is a revenge game, maybe so, but I think it is a more finding this season's team identity and rallying around that.   We both expect a big day from Kirk Cousins. The Philadelphia Eagles have the number one ranked run defense going against the 32nd -ranked running game. Those are not good numbers, and they mean Capt. Mick dreamy will be throwing the ball a lot. One of the interesting statistics that you brought up is how Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and Kyle Rudolph are on pace for a monster season. That would be very nice, but a little successful running game would help too.   Last year, the Minnesota Vikings got embarrassed in the NFC Championship Game. This year hopefully they make it a much different story.   Like, subscribe, and ring that damn bell! Then shout SKOL!   As always, enjoy the watch!   The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.   (All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

In this episode: @Flipmazzi previews the 1-2-1 Minnesota Vikings Week 5 matchup where they travel to Philadelphia to face the 2-2 Eagles. Can Harrison Smith and Sheldon Richardson take over another game?

In this episode: Status of NFC at the Quarter mark Key: Don’t Lose Get the Run Game Going Eagles Pass Defense Trae Waynes Status How do the Vikings Recover on Passing Defense? DL Needs to Finish Sacks Vikings OL Needs to Build off Rams Game JDF Advantage We Made the Right Decision with Cousins Predictions

In this episode: Question of the day: Should Mike Zimmer be on the hot seat? Bills Preview with @MichaelKistNFL  What have you been up to and where can we find your work now? How is the Eagles fan base feeling about this season? Are the Lev Bell rumors for real? Any concerns about a Superbowl hangover? Eagles offensive line struggles? Nelson Agholor regressing? MIN/PHI Game Preview Eagles Keys to Victory and Concerns Kirk Cousins as the x-factor Score prediction and bold prediction 27-13 Eagles;  Thrive Fantasy  Vikings Talk LA Rams Game Recap MIN/PHI Preview Keys to Victory vs Philadelphia  Bold prediction/Score prediction Yinka: 30-23 Eagles; Running backs or Special teams only scores for Vikings JR: 27-17 Eagles; Hunter 2 sacks Myles: 27-21 Vikings; 3 Vikings turnovers forced. Jayson: 24-21 Vikings; Harrison Smith is back!!! Recent/Upcoming Projects Catch up on all the latest from CTP here. Yinka Movie Info            

In this episode: Around the League - TEN / PIT Chicago Bears… Vikings @ Rams Special Teams Rebounds Kentrell Brothers Return Kirk Cousins is Still the Real Deal Defensive Struggles Quarter Season outlook Under Pressure? Scheming the Defense out of Itself Defensive Adjustments Line Issues Continue Fixing the Run

Good Morning Gjallarhorn Episode 020 – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly   Good morning Horners! GMG – In The Raw. Hey everybody, we gather on this auspicious occasion to discuss losing to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The game was actually entertaining in the fact that there was lots of scoring taking place. Now if you get into defense, like we as Vikings fans have come accustomed to, it was extremely disappointing on both sides. The Rams are known for their good defense too, but neither defenses could outshine the performances by the offenses. That being said, let's get into the good, the bad, and the ugly.   The good – Kirk Cousins threw for well over 400 yards, 422 to be exact, it was nearly spot on all night. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs both combined for over 100 yards receiving each in a total of 258 yards. Kyle Rudolph had another five catches for 57 yards, and even look, Laquon Treadwell, caught everything thrown his way except for one pass. …And, the new guy, Aldrick Robinson even got into the act catching 2 touchdowns. Captain Kirk got the ball to 9 different receivers on the night with no interceptions. The passing game was humming.   The bad – the Vikings running game was damn near anemic. When you're leading rusher is your quarterback, who is not known to be a running quarterback, you have problems. Dalvin Cook could only muster 20 yards on 10 carries. This coming off a hamstring pull explain the low 2.0 yards per carry? I think not. It likely comes from the inability of the offensive line to push a very good defensive line off the ball. It was good to see Pat Elflein back out there though. A total of 54 yards on the night, is not going to hack it is the Vikings plan to win in the future.   The ugly – the vaunted "Zim Reapers" defense has seemed to have fallen apart, and this has been a trend since the second half of the Saints game last year. It looks like assignments were blown by Mackensie Alexander, along with Xavier Rhodes looking undisciplined, and even the safeties being out of position at times. When you're leading tackler is a rookie that doesn't play 100% of the snaps, as was this case with Mike Hughes, something is wrong. Stephen Weatherly got the most pressures on the defensive line, and there was only one sack [Danielle Hunter] all night in a very uncharacteristic rushing performance. Everson Griffen being out is not enough to explain how Jared Goff had all night to have the best performance of his career throwing 5 touchdowns and 465 yards. Anthony Barr continued to look apathetic when chasing receivers that beat him on routes directly leading to 3 of the 5 TDs. …There is definitely something wrong there. Mike Zimmer and his vaunted defense looks like opposition teams now have his playbook and there are members on that D, that don't care. We know this isn't true, but fans and reporters are starting to question it, as well as Coach Zimmer himself.   The Vikings now have over a week to figure everything out before going to Philadelphia to avenge their embarrassing loss in the NFC Championship Game from last year. Let us all hope, that they do.   Like, subscribe, and ring that damn bell! Then shout SKOL!   As always, enjoy the watch!   The show’s theme music is licensed through AudioJungle, the song is Stylish Powerful Energetic Rock.   (All rights go to The National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, and all their broadcasters. I do not own any of the music and the footage used in this video. No copyright infringement intended. We do not gain any profit from our videos, and they are for entertainment and educational purposes only) "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."