Stats can deceive

[dfense]

I've been hearing alot of commentators talk about how difficult it is to run on the Vikings. Well, as explosive as the Vikings were out of the gate in the beginning of the season, most teams were throwing to stay with them. So that seems like one of those paper stats.

Although I haven't seen many Viking games this year, I did see an enemic Bears running game break off some nice runs on a monday nighter against the Vikes.

 

[Doomsday101]

I've been hearing alot of commentators talk about how difficult it is to run on the Vikings. Well, as explosive as the Vikings were out of the gate in the beginning of the season, most teams were throwing to stay with them. So that seems like one of those paper stats.

Although I haven't seen many Viking games this year, I did see an enemic Bears running game break off some nice runs on a monday nighter against the Vikes.

It is hard to run up the middle with Kevin and Pat Williams, those are 2 big loads right up the gut. Vikes are ranked 2nd vs the Run and the William's are a big reason for that. If Dallas has success running I think it will be with things like toss sweeps to the outside with Felix

 

[Gadfly22]

Garrett needs to find a way to make the Williams duo run. A lot. Roll Romo out. Toss to the outside. Run (or fake) those bubble screens.

Then, when they're gassed, hit the inside runs.

 

[Wezsh0T]

Garrett needs to find a way to make the Williams duo run. A lot. Roll Romo out. Toss to the outside. Run (or fake) those bubble screens.

Then, when they're gassed, hit the inside runs.

I seem to recall that happening the last time we played them.

 

[Don Corleone]

The teams that have run successfully against the Vikings, and won, ran to the outside, right at Jared Allen.

That is where comparisons to Demarcus Ware should end. Teams don't run at Ware, but they do run at Jared Allen...successfully.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Garrett needs to find a way to make the Williams duo run. A lot. Roll Romo out. Toss to the outside. Run (or fake) those bubble screens.

Then, when they're gassed, hit the inside runs.

I endorse this post 100%

 

[SaltwaterServr]

The teams that have run successfully against the Vikings, and won, ran to the outside, right at Jared Allen.

That is where comparisons to Demarcus Ware should end. Teams don't run at Ware, but they do run at Jared Allen...successfully.

FootballOutsiders seems to corroborate your assertion. Minnesota ranks 25th against the run on the left side, from the view of the offensive left tackle. They are 8th inside LT/LG.

Demarcus/Olshansky are 4th. Minnesota, as mentioned at BTB, loves to run to the offensive left which is our strength. Interesting.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/dl

 

[JerryFan]

It is hard to run up the middle with Kevin and Pat Williams, those are 2 big loads right up the gut. Vikes are ranked 2nd vs the Run and the William's are a big reason for that. If Dallas has success running I think it will be with things like toss sweeps to the outside with Felix

I agree Doomsday101. Was reading BTB (http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/) and thats pretty much what he said also. Guy is sharp and knows his football and the NFL. Still going to hit that draw, but with the fake it throws everyone off enough that it gives our guys good angles on the blocks. Like he said. Look for Dallas to take their running game 1 gap wider this week and still have the lead draw. We're banking on the Viking DE's to run up field and burn them for doing so until they slow their rush down.

 

[RCowboyFan]

i think against Bears, Pat Williams didn't play. That makes a huge difference. But Allen a big weak link for Run defense. When i saw couple of games, even commentators noted, that teams run right at allen.

Second it will interesting to see how effective Pat Williams will be throughout the game, since he has had elbow injury and not sure he is fully recovered. First half might be fine with him, but second half might be different if cowboys continue to run.

 

[bustinj]

I agree. THe Vikings weakness is going to their corners, not up the middle.