Yards per play differential is my favorite measure of how a team’s played and the Vikings actually rank 5th in that statistic through 2 games, despite sitting at 1-1. Level of competition is obviously a factor, playing Jacksonville and Indianapolis, but Christian Ponder seems to be the only 2nd year quarterback who is actually improved over his rookie year, completing 47 of 62 for 515 yards and 2 touchdowns through 2 games, including 12 of 20 on throws that go longer than 10 yards through the air, which was an issue for him as a rookie (44 of 108). The coaching staff is using Percy Harvin properly this year and he’s become a legitimate #1 receiver and his offensive line is much improved over last year. Again level of competition is a factor there, but the Vikings get a real benchmark game this week against the San Francisco 49ers in Minnesota. Even if they don’t win, if they keep it close and stay competitive, people will start having to take them more seriously.
Studs
LT Matt Kalil: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 46 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 6 yards on 1 attempt
C John Sullivan: Did not allow a pressure on 46 pass block snaps, run blocked for 26 yards on 9 attempts
WR Percy Harvin: Caught 12 passes for 104 yards on 13 attempts on 39 pass plays, 5.9 YAC per catch, 2 carries for 13 yards
LOLB Erin Henderson: Allowed 3 catches for 42 yards and a touchdown on 4 attempts, 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, 7 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 sack on 5 blitzes
SS Harrison Smith: Allowed 2 catches for 16 yards on 3 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops
ROLB Chad Greenway: Didn’t allow a catch on 2 attempts, 6 solo tackles, 2 assists, 4 stops, 1 quartberack hurry on 7 blitzes
K Blair Walsh: 5 kickoffs, 4 touchbacks, 73.4 yards per kickoff, 19.2 opponent average starting distance, 2/2 FG (29, 51)
Duds
RT Phil Loadholt: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 4 quarterback hurries on 46 pass block snaps, 2 penalties
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