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Friday Night Lincs
Before we get to the assorted lincs (sponsored by Lincoln Financial of course) I'd like to explore the Viking's injury concerns along their defensive line. Per the latest reports starting left defensive end Ray Edwards will not play due to an injured knee he sustained last week against the Giants. Starting RDT Pat Williams has been deemed a gametime decision trying to recover from a broken shoulder blade.
Now we all know of the immovable wall inside known as the Williams's and Jared Allen, one of the league's elite defensive ends. However, lost in the shuffle is Ray Edwards, a mediocre pass rusher, but according to FootballOutsiders.com, one of the best run-stoppers at the end position in the NFL (If you own a Prospectus check out his Stop% numbers).
The chart below is from the offense's perspective, thus runs toward the "right end" are in the direction of the left end for the defense. Take note of the right tackle/right end (Kevin Williams/Ray Edwards) adjusted line yards for the Minnesota Vikings. ALY stands for Adjusted Line Yards and are best explained here.
According to FO.com, the league average for adjusted line yards is 4.08, which Minnesota bests at every position along the defensive line. However, runs to the Vikings' left side are the least effective by a large margin. The moral of the story? Look for the Birds to use Nick Cole and Jon Runyan to exploit the left side of the Vikings line with the underreported loss of Ray Edwards. That or, throw the ball 112 times.
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- Sheldon Brown has been one of the NFL's elite corners in 2008.
Brown has given up no touchdowns and the fewest receptions (23) among cornerbacks who where targeted at least 50 times.
- The Birds run defense? The undersold asset.
- Jared Allen begs Viking fans to snatch up the outstanding tickets for Sunday's game. How amazingly pathetic.
- Asante Samuel missed practice today with a hip strain. Listed as questionable. He'll play.
- Damon Hack (whoever the hell he is) of SI.com picks the Birds to take the whole enchilada.
"That or, throw the ball 112 times."
I'm guessing 70/30 pass/run. This is another excuse for Andy, plus the game is in a dome, on turf. Perfect throwing conditions. I still think they get the job done.
I feel reid will throw the ball a lot but inside the dome I feel that should work better....no slipping on the field and the timing of their roots should be just as they are inside the novacare facility. Which makes me wonder...when the Eagles have a full all-out scrimmage--I wonder if this offense can move the ball on the defense....I would say probably not. I doubt Desean could shake Asante Samuel and I also doubt Curtis could get open with S. Brown on him...the speed of the front 7 would make it tough for Westy and Mcnabb too...
Lining up against Asante every day in practice is going to make DeSean a much better receiver. It probably already has.
This very well may be the best Birds defense in the Reid era. The best part is that they should be together for some time.
I agree wiht that...if Lito(pay me like I am not injury prone) shephard wasnt being a total dick and playing to his potential it would be even better.