ESPN Scout Williamson: Secondary concerns in Minny/Dallas will be very hard to stop

[WoodysGirl]

By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
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2. Secondary concerns in Minnesota: Only the Saints averaged more points per game during the regular season than Minnesota, and this exceptional offensive output has covered up a weakness of the Vikings: the secondary. Minnesota has as good of a chance as any remaining team to win the Super Bowl, but this secondary could be exposed. Antoine Winfield has been his steady self, but he isn't a lockdown-type guy in the mold of Charles Woodson or Darrelle Revis.

When the Vikings go to their sub package personnel groupings with extra defensive backs on the field, they become especially weak. Also, the Vikings' safeties are an ordinary pair and their tackling is a problem as a last layer of defense. Getting pressure on Dallas QB Tony Romo will be especially important, and the ineffectiveness of Minnesota's secondary could put a lot of pressure on the Vikings' exceptional offense to keep up at home.

6. Dallas will be very hard to stop: Even with Marion Barber a nonfactor, the Cowboys' offense was tremendous in the victory over the Eagles. Simply put, there are just too many options to properly cover. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has so many possibilities at his fingertips, and it was great to see Roy Williams step up and be a factor in Dallas' victory.

The Cowboys incorporated more screen principles into their repertoire, including bubble screens to Williams and Miles Austin, who they could use their size and strength to quickly get upfield against finesse cornerbacks. The wide receivers are also blocking. And the Cowboys got excellent contributions from guys like John Phillips and Kevin Ogletree.

The Eagles had a rash of injuries among their defensive backs, but it really didn't even matter, as Philadelphia's offense and defense were completely overwhelmed and the Cowboys dominated time of possession and field position from the start. The Vikings' secondary could be in for a long day.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4815694