Author: Rebecca Locke

Marika has issued a warning to England from Eddie Jones in Coriobo, saying he is a top player from the deadly winger who left Australia last year to run his business in Japan.

He promised his commitment to the Wallabies for the July three-Test series in Coroibe on Tuesday night, confirming that three foreign-based players have been allowed to select coach Dave Renny.

"It simply came to our notice then. I will bring back a lot. I'm looking forward to it, "said Koroibete from Japan.

The 2019 John Ellis medalist captures a great opening with a tri-scoring performance in the Japanese Rugby League One season in the 18-12 final win over Saitama Panasonic Wild Nights against Santori Sangoliath on Sunday.

Koroibet said playing under former Wallabis coach Robbie Deans helped him become a more complete player.

"I'm getting the details right," the 29-year-old said of what he's specifically trying to improve.

“I’m working on my catch and pass, making my decision under pressure. All I have in front of me is a license to play. That's great. I have been given the freedom to move around in the field. ”

With Corbett's Wallabis future skyrocketing when he left Australia, Renee is unable to guarantee any offshore players more Test caps.

But Renee is now sure to call up experienced playmaker Quad Cooper and former co-captain Samu Kerevi for the England series.

"He called me and we were chatting about how we like Japan and how rugby is going," Koroibete said.

"If I am still interested in coming and playing in the England series, we have talked. It would be nice to go back and visit Australia. ”

Dean hoped Coroibet would prove to be a handful for England.

“She loves to play and the ball is in her hands. If he doesn't have the ball, he can find a way to attack the game anyway, "said Dennis.

"Players want passionate people, enthusiastic people, positive people and Marika above all."

© AAP

Marika has issued a warning to England from Eddie Jones in Coriobo, saying he is a top player from the deadly winger who left Australia last year to run his business in Japan.

He promised his commitment to the Wallabies for the July three-Test series in Coroibe on Tuesday night, confirming that three foreign-based players have been allowed to select coach Dave Renny.

"It simply came to our notice then. I will bring back a lot. I'm looking forward to it, "said Koroibete from Japan.

The 2019 John Ellis medalist captures a great opening with a tri-scoring performance in the Japanese Rugby League One season in the 18-12 final win over Saitama Panasonic Wild Nights against Santori Sangoliath on Sunday.

Koroibet said playing under former Wallabis coach Robbie Deans helped him become a more complete player.

"I'm getting the details right," the 29-year-old said of what he's specifically trying to improve.

“I’m working on my catch and pass, making my decision under pressure. All I have in front of me is a license to play. That's great. I have been given the freedom to move around in the field. ”

With Corbett's Wallabis future skyrocketing when he left Australia, Renee is unable to guarantee any offshore players more Test caps.

But Renee is now sure to call up experienced playmaker Quad Cooper and former co-captain Samu Kerevi for the England series.

"He called me and we were chatting about how we like Japan and how rugby is going," Koroibete said.

"If I am still interested in coming and playing in the England series, we have talked. It would be nice to go back and visit Australia. ”

Dean hoped Coroibet would prove to be a handful for England.

“She loves to play and the ball is in her hands. If he doesn't have the ball, he can find a way to attack the game anyway, "said Dennis.

"Players want passionate people, enthusiastic people, positive people and Marika above all."

© AAP

Wait. Wait. Wait. Invoice. One meter behind. Wait. Invoice. Invoice. Wait. Two meters behind. One more. One more! Wait. Wait. Invoice. Wait. Do not violate. Don't give away a free one. Wait. One meter behind. Wait. Invoice. Insufficient intent. Wait. Communication is prohibited. Wait. Out of arms. Dissent. Fifty meters. Get out. Out! Wait. Wait. Invoice. Play, play, play! Violation. Wait. Five meter area. Fifty meters. Out! Wait. Invoice. One meter behind. Wait. Insufficient intent. Wait. Wait. You've got the ball, don't give a free. It's up to you. Communication is prohibited. Conversely. Out of arms, it disagrees, 50 meters. Wait. Invoice. Wait. Invoice. Nominate. Maximum? Shawn? All right. Caution. Six six six. Wait. Wait. Invoice.

All this and much more, within 15 minutes of a game. Of course before quarter time.

What happened to our game?

It was bloody exhausting to watch, the endless shaking of the umpires heard. And notice, almost all of the above, which is ridiculous to look at in isolation, is related to the rules bought in the last few years.

The umpires are whistle-blowing at the moment, and it’s annoying. This makes the game invisible.

There are three types of free kicks - undisputed free, 50-50 and soft free.

Undisputed free kicks are easy. A corner tackle. A jumper jump. A sudden blow to the face. A clear push back (unless it violates Tom Hawkins).

Soft free kicks are the most annoying. Incidental marginal communication that has no effect on the player or the competition. Push or shove between two agro players, usually out of the ball. None of them are in distant danger of injury, but one of them has been pinned down.

What is the real thing? Why are they paid? They will not affect the drama. No one is hurt. What is the relationship with the officials? Are they fearing a widespread outbreak of anarchy?

And there are 50-50. Arguably the worst. What makes them so difficult to manage is that if they were all paid, we would have 100 free kicks per game.

Every year seems to have more rules, more explanations. It never whistles less. More free kicks. More flutes. More frustration for the players, which leads to more free kicks, more penalties and more flutes.

How can the powers that be in the AFL House not be embarrassed by what they have created?

The Geelong-Adelaide game on Saturday had 184 marks and 49 free kicks. It has more than 230 opportunities to stand and shout, one every 30 seconds. Even if the stand rule adds a value that is perfectly reasonable, why do we have a game where participants are treated like children and all games are shouted for standing for a long time? Seriously, what is it?

In rock competitions players have to choose to go for the ball as they are in kindergarten.

Giving someone a slight push or bump can result in a free kick, reversal or a 50-meter penalty.

The AFL tried to praise the umpires this year. As the standard practice for this organization, the reverse has been applied. The umpires have been given more hard work, more work and more gray space, which has led to more frustration and more noise from fans, players and commentators.

The crowd stays away from the AFL match. Is umpiring a factor? Of course, falling in love with the game was not easy.

It's a huge challenge to compare someone to Cameron Smith but what I see from Isaiah Yor reminds me of Queensland's greatest hooker of all time.

He has played only five origins for NSW but the level of his influence on that team in attack while performing an uninterrupted defensive job in the middle of the rack is similar to what he did for Smith Storm, Maroons and Australia. .

The Blues have a very good backbone but it is an amazing luxury for coach Brad Fitler to go to the first state next Wednesday in Sydney, having found Yeo as the "fifth beetle".

I’m adding him to the NSW backbone because he brought that extra dimension and he’s playing better with Penrith now than ever before.

I have watched him closely for several years but his development into a more traditional lock role for the Panthers and it is not only the skill with which he plays but also his toughness that makes him the perfect No.13.

He's got a good size, a big motor and a really good game sense and origin is all about this - knowing what to do, when to do it. It is more important to know exactly when to go for a big drama, to know the type of tackle and to keep yourself in perfect position.

Yeo's mid-third defensive performance is reminiscent of Smith's long-standing influence on the Queensland team, and his ability to rock down won the Origin game.

They both deal with their confidence as they choose to embark on their play activities. When you know how much work they have to do, how many minutes they have played and how much effort they have put in, they should always have shortness of breath but they both never look annoyed.

Yeo gets along very well across the field and is a kind of consistent, relentless player and a high staffer who is a good speaker around the team and you can see that he is a real leader on the field. He balances their attack by joining Nathan Cleary and Jerome Louis' complement, James Tedesco and Damien Cook.

In an all-round game like his, it's hard to find a forward with such a good hand that he can measure backwards or keep the line, as he did when scoring goals against the Cowboys last week. Try again soon.

The game can be won or lost

The back five fights will be a beautiful one and there has already been a lot written and said about choosing Daniel Tupau over Josh Ado-Carr in the Brad Fitler Wing and I can see why he has gone with the big guy as his back three.

I had to study Tupau in depth in my role with the Kangaroos when he plays for Tonga and when he brings the ball back to the kick reception he is almost the toughest player to defend against.

Coming out of the yards he has got deceptive power and has great ability to bend lines, break tackles and create quick play-of-the-ball.

Rarely does he miss a kick in the air and he gets that relationship with Tedesco at fullback from club level. The Blues then found Brian Toe who is probably the man who finds Tupu the hardest to come off the back field with the speed of his feet and strong ball.

NSW will make their set with these three then they got Cotoni Stags and Jack Whitton to chime in on their backs as well. You will then throw the clearing kicking game at the end of the set and it will put a lot of pressure on the rear maroons.

Selwyn Cobbo is a remarkably young player but he has never been under Origin Blotorch in one and two games before. He and Xavier Coates have an advantage with their height but Billy Slater, as the coach, realizes that the main part of the role of the back three will gain momentum at the beginning of the set.

Less time, less space and some heavy collisions await them.

Cullen Ponga will work overtime with his wings to bring the ball out of the backfield and Queensland must run aggressively to get to the front foot.

Coates and Kobo will also benefit from the experience of Dan Gaggai and Valentine Holmes at the center, both of whom have played extensive wings at the representative level.

Billy's baptism of fire

Somewhat like Mall Manninger when he first started coaching in Queensland in 2006, Billy is firmly entrenched with a lot of people who have struggled in the last few years but have brought in young talent like Jeremiah Nanai, Selwin Kobo, Ruben. Cotter and Patrick Carrigan all deserve to be elected.

In fact, he has moved on to a team that is fit, has players in good form, and for the most part, they are playing in the winning team, including the Storm, the Cowboys and the Broncos.

I like her confidence about not being an underdog and she has never seen NSW better than her team - if she could buy the team into it it would build a lot of confidence.

It is the first time since 2016 that the series has opened at Acre Stadium. Until the final minute it will be slippery, low scoring and tight.

Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic played a key role in Queensland's development last year so their absence gives the Maroons extra hope to be upset in a game. They have to be exceptional in almost every case to win.

And Billy needs to be spot on with his team's final make-up, tactics, bench rotation, to make sure everyone is really clear about the approach they're going to take.

The length of the series will probably take him to really find his legs. I remember when Wayne Bennett offered me a job in Queensland in 2004 he told me that coaching origins are three PS - prestige pressure and preparation.

Billy will do a great job but nothing will prepare you for the original when you debut as a player and the coaching will be the same.

It is draining emotionally and physically. It’s a huge occasion and a great honor to train your state but the intensity of it can get to you and you don’t know how to handle it until you’re immersed in it.

How far has the Queensland Reds fallen? This is the biggest single problem in Australian provincial rugby at the moment. The Golden Boys of the Gold Coast sat pretty well after the domestic part of Super Rugby Pacific 2022 was over.

They have picked up seven wins from their first eight games, marking the surprise sign of a resounding 21-7 victory over their bitter local rivals Brumbis in 2.^nd April at Suncorp. The sun was shining, the wind was in their sails, and the course seemed fair to the finalists.

In just a few months, the hands of the clock tickle, and a very different picture emerges. Queensland have lost five of their last six matches and are seventh in the table behind both Brumbis and Warta. In the face of flying black flags on the horizon, the redheads suddenly became calm and calm.

They have achieved an unwanted difference. With both Force and Rebels winning in the final round, Queensland became the only Australian franchise to fail to win a game against one of New Zealand's five main regions in the regular SRP season.

The Reds still lost most of the cards in the first three rounds of the cross-border competition, and that's where they lost the plot. They have played all of Australia's matches (the first at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne, the next two at Suncorp), the least threatening of the Kiwi franchises - the Hurricanes, the Chiefs and the Highlanders.

The lazy-boy's kneeling response from the armchair was 'See how much the red ones have hit!' Does it stand under scrutiny? In the first two games, Queensland were able to field two early XVs near full-strength: Harry Huppert, Richie Asiata and Tanila Tupau in the front row, followed by Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth and Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McRight. And Harry Wilson in the back row; Tate McDermott at No. 9, Hunter Paisami and Hamish Stewart at the center and Jock Campbell, Sully Bhunivalu, Josh Fluck and Filippo Daugunu at No. 3 in the back. That list looks pretty good to casual observers.

The only notable absent is James O'Connor at No. 10, with inexperienced Lawson Creighton choosing to take his place. Even after Tongan Thor lost the game against the Chiefs, the Reds can still build a respectable unit to play against the Highlanders, the lowest ranked of all Kiwi teams. That Landers team was missing its own key players like Shannon Frizel and Jonah Nareki.

Injury is the easy way out, and there is considerable doubt that a straight shooter like the Reds head coach Brad Thorne would buy it as an excuse:

“I think we were in five games and I was interviewed and I was not happy with the Australia AU competition. Like I said, we were playing warta, 19 turnovers, yet we won. We have won five in a row.

"But we are looking for quality rugby, and New Zealand teams are showing that if you flip the ball, there is something wrong with your D, try the boom - another try. This is why I was unhappy in five games in the AU season, because I know the reality. I played it, I know what it is, and that's why I said we have to play Kiwis.

“If you look at it a few years ago, we saw Harley's margins were below 10 points. It's important that we play them, you want to play the best. "

Just over a year ago, after the end of the regular Super Rugby Trans-Tasman season, the main Honcho of Queensland had prophetic words.

Meanwhile, Thorne has repaired some damage. The average 19-point gap against New Zealand teams in Trans-Tasman 2021 has dropped to just 12 points a year later, with only one blow-out against the Blues; In 2021, every game has been tried from six to four and a half in 2022. That’s still a lot, but it’s an improvement.

Dig deeper into the raw data and you will see that another pattern has taken shape. As I suggested in last week's Coach's Corner, the two most successful Australian teams in 2022 against the Kiwi opponents, Brumbis and Waratah, will play the game differently.

Take a look at how they scored: over 60% from the lineout and less than 20% from the counter-attack. The Reds are close to a typical New Zealand team like the Blues, who make their scores equally from both sources - exactly 43% from each platform for the Blues, 41% each for the Reds.

The big problem for Queensland is the weakness of their lineout, with Fijian Drua and Moana Pacifica just below the table with a low retention rate of 79%. Compare Aussies (more than 88% rebels) and New Zealanders (91% Highlanders), and Brumbis and Waratah, both of whom weigh 87%. You can feel the difference.

Half of all attempts scored in Super Rugby Pacific 2022 start with a lineout. If you do not have a reliable set-piece, you cannot expect to occupy enough time to calculate those important positions around the opponent's 22 (so-called red zone).

The Reds 'interim captain, Tate McDermott, who paid a high price for his honest and often post-match interviews, indirectly referred to the Crusaders' failure after the weekend's defeat:

"We are really proud of how we got back into it and we will take it forward. Too many teams don’t get the Crusaders two cracks in a row and we’ll take the positive aspects of that game because we have.

"It was as easy as holding the ball, when we as a team stuck to better things and worked hard and put the stages together, it was great to see us. But it's about doing it for a long time."

If Brad Thorne's Queensland allegation is to get a chance to upset the same opponent on Friday evening, he will have to send his rescue team straight to the lineout and to the set-piece in the red zone.

In 13 the first Queensland Red Zone lineout began to rot^M Minutes, at the end of the Crusaders 22:

The Reds had already won the ball from this set-up by throwing a clear target (Seru Uru) and its lifters were locked to the front. In this case, Queensland skipper Ryan Smith opted for a simple second game on the rotation, the thigh being dropped as a hoax and the ball hit the player Angus Scott-Young behind him.

Scott Barrett does not leave himself to fend for himself with the thighs but ‘mirrors’ the Queensland movement, taking turns to encourage Cullen Grace. This is an immediate problem for the Reds, as Scott-Young lacks the natural spring for his opponents:

Angus Scott-Young's lack of speed caused the next Red error a few minutes later.

In this instance, the Reds were protected by the Crusaders' knock-forward, only to return the ball immediately from the next scrum:

Harry Wilson tries to offload Scott-Young at a low percentage in the second half, the ball loosens and the Crusaders pick it up. Opponents have no chance to spend time in the 22nd and create pressure on the home defense, the kind of pressure that leads to points, penalties and yellow cards for continuous violations.

Smart gadgets in Queensland lineouts respond to competition by looking for drama or by quickly tapping fines to avoid Orthodox lineouts altogether:

In the first instance, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson and Richie Asiata call for a quick exchange on the front of the line, but Wilson's pass is too clumsy and it's another turnover scrum. In the second example, Tate McDermott avoids the lineout just five meters from the goal line, but his two supports (Bhunivalu and Campbell) are very slow and Lester Finganauku is able to wrestle the ball away.

When Queensland went behind the line, they were no longer successful:

The last two clips are particularly instructive. Queensland recovered the ball from Asiata's unintentional overthrow, but the damage was already done. Throty will come down as ‘win’ in the statistics book, but it is actually a loss because all the offensive structures are lost.

Harry Wilson returns to the second round, and the Reds are still struggling to cross 22 three-pointers, when Dan Xander snatches the ball into the tackle and the Crusaders break to their left.

Even towards the end of the match when the Reds finally scored an attempt from a short-range lineout, it came from a broken set-piece that was rescued from the Maroon back-row by a great hand on the short-side:

Again, there is no pressure on the structure applied over time, but rather from the innate skill executed beautifully by Connor West and Fraser McRight.

The Reds found their ladder in the Red Zone paradise near the hour mark, holding the ball from the deep lineout of the Crusaders 22 for two minutes and 15 steps - clockwise, de-tired and racked up the entire seven pointers:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdW-BWi0vFE[/embed]

Summary

Don't believe the people who tell you that the Reds' problems against New Zealand's opponents are all the result of a bad run of injury. It's really only James O'Connor and Tanila Tupu who are missing from action for any length, and the best teams know how to close the ranks and lock the shields despite the absence of key players.

Queensland also enjoyed the bonus of playing all of Australia's games and the first three weak Kiwi teams in two Suncorp. There is no excuse, but the good news is that in Christchurch, lots can be fixed in time for the return fixtures at the knockout stages of the tournament.

One of the best ways to combine defense with the opportunity to score points is to occupy space and time in and around the opponent's red zone. Once you enter the opposition 22, do not leave until you come out with a concrete advantage.

Like the Brumbies and Waratahs, the Reds tourniquet needs to be able to tighten and gradually apply pressure from those situations. They need to make sure they can win nine out of every 10 throws they reach the lineout, hold the ball and stay in position until D starts to shout.

It could come through points, it could come through penalties and yellow cards, but there would be a snowball effect. Do it, and still unimaginable things can happen - an Australian upset win at Kiwi Rugby Castle and release in red.

Akiem Hicks was initially whispered - and often - as a free agent who could land with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. But that will not be the case. Hicks signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday instead.

Former Bears' DL Akiem Hicks has today reached a one-year deal worth পর্যন্ত 10 million with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to sources. The bargain was made by Bucs executive Mike Greenberg and agents DrewJRosenhaus And @Ryanmatha.

- Adam Shafter (AdamShafter) May 31, 2022

Hicks joined his fourth NFL squad, having previously spent time with the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears.

In Tampa Bay, Hicks immediately joined a Super Bowl contestant, not provided by the Bears since the 2018 season. However, the outlook for the Buccaneers seemed a bit bleak at the start of the off-season. Tom Brady retires, leaving the franchise in the hands of Kyle Trusk or quarterback for later naming. Soon, though, Brady came to his senses and retired six weeks later.

Hicks is an oppressor, specifically designed in a lab somewhere to torture the Vikings. Minnesota fans longed for the Hicks-Vikings relationship in 2022, if only to reverse the terror that drives the purple team. In the Minnesota vs. 10 career game, Hicks lengthened 8.5 sacks, a grim figure for a man. Inside Defensive line.

During the first wave of free agency, Hicks didn't get much nibble because he clearly planned to join a playoff team after the spring. Well, now is the time. Hicks has been associated with the Vikings several times this offseason, mainly because of his relationship with Ed Donatell, the Vikings' current defensive coordinator. The two men were co-workers for four seasons in Chicago.

The move by Tampa Bay ensured the end of his relationship with Endamukong Suh, who had a three-season span with the Buccaneers and included a Super Bowl victory. Suh remained a free agent during the Hicks signing.

With Hicks off the board, it's not clear if the Vikings have plans to upgrade the interior of the defensive line. For now, the initial trilogy includes Dalvin Tomlinson (NT), Armon Watts (DT), and Harrison Phillips (LDE). Whether or not this is an adequate group for a team looking to compete for the playoffs is controversial, as the Vikings have maintained all offseason as their mission statement.

If not, Minnesota may still seek out free-agent candidates for the aforementioned Suh, Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunzobi, or Star Lotuleli.

The Vikings have about $ 11 million per cap space OverTheCap.com.

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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to her daily YouTube channel, VikesNow. She Hosts a podcast With Bryant McKinney, which airs every Wednesday Raun Sai And Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking Fandom dates back to 1996. Listed Criminal Pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, 'The Sopranos' and The Doors (Band).

Many different teams have won championships in the NFL. A solid quarterback game combined with a great defense, elite offense and average defense, no formula guarantees a super bowl. However, a formula makes it seemingly impossible to win a big game, and the Vikings have followed that exact formula for a long time.

In 2020 and 2021, the defense was not competing. Mike Zimmer, however, had some excellent defense from the Vikings. In 2019, the franchise had a good offense and a good defense. 2019 Stefanowski wins the title of worst offense featuring one. Bad defeats compared to 2019 have also won the Vikings League. So what was the difference between the Super Bowl champions and the Vikings in recent years?

Super Bowl teams need a Super Bowl offensive line

If we look at the recent champions, they all had one thing in common - the elite offensive line. According to the PFF, McVeigh's Rams offensive line was the seventh-best in the NFL. The Vikings, meanwhile, were 23rd. The PFF has come to the same conclusion as Vikings fans over the years.

"O'Neill was the only Vikings lineman to play a snap this season with a pass-blocking grade above 65.0, and that's where Minnesota needs to be the biggest field to improve."

PFF about the Vikings offensive line

A recipe for inadequate pass protection disaster for a pocket passer. According to ESPN's Team Pass Block win rate, the Rams were the best team to defend their quarterback 68%, while the Vikings were among the worst. The 54% win rate was good enough for 25th place. The Bengals were worse than the Vikings, and that is why they lost the last game of the season against the Rams. Aaron Donald is not ideal against a bad pass blocking line.

The 2021 season was not just an isolated season with these national figures. The same thing happened in previous years.

2020

Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they immediately won the Super Bowl. The team was stacked, and the offensive line was no different. For every PFF, the line is in fifth place. Brady was sensitive, especially to the internal pressures of his career, and probably considered the state of the offensive line of the plaintiffs during the free agency. Minnesota, meanwhile, ranks 26th. Once again, the quality of the offensive line is vastly different. The PFF's comments on the Vikings issue sound like 2021, which is really worrying that the front office has not done enough to fix it.

"The offensive line has been a problem in Minnesota for more than a year now and it remains one after the 2020 season where they were graded out as the 28th best pass-blocking offensive line in the NFL. Again, this was the inside of the offensive line where most of the problems popped up."

PFF about the Vikings offensive line after the 2020 season

Patrick Mahoms and his chiffra lost to the Big Game in a big game. Mahomes has been running for his life. The reason was not that it was a bad line. Because multiple starters missed the game. In the regular season, the PFF ranked the line as the 11th best in the league. Mahoms has played behind some excellent units so far in his young career, just as in 2019, when the team won a championship.

2019

The Chiefs lost to the 49ers in the Super Bowl. The PFF Chiefs are 16th and the Vikings are 19th. The Vikings had an offensive line that was not in the bottom quarter of the list and immediately won a playoff game. This is something to remember for the upcoming season.

The difference of the chiefs, however, seems to be smaller than this, especially in pass protection. The Chiefs had a good pass blocking line and they fought in the running game, while the Vikings were clearly good at run blocking for Dalvin Cook and fought against the crowd of passes. The NFC Champion 49ers, who beat the Vikings in the divisional round and then lost their first Super Bowl to Patrick Mahoms, finished 14th, although they lost to elite left tackle Joe Staley for most of the season.

2018

In 2018, the Patriots won the Super Bowl. The PFF ranked their unit fourth in the NFL because they knew how to keep Brady safe. Across the line, the Patriots had excellent linemen.

"Another year, another well-oiled machine blocking in New England. Shaq Mason finished the season as the PFF's all-pro right guard and all five starters were among the league's top-75 offensive linemen."

PFF about the Patriots offensive line in 2018

The Vikings are already in 29th place and have made some devastating comments about the PFF unit.

"Outside of left tackle, Riley Reef - who has done some ugly outings of his own, especially Buffalo - has not had a single offensive lineman in the Vikings this season, including a top-80 grade. Their interior was easily one of the worst in the league. Tom Compton, Pat Elflin and Mike Remers combined to drop 18 sacks."

PFF about the Vikings offensive line in 2018

The champion Patriots had five starters in the top-75 offensive lineman, while the Vikings had one in the top-80. Rams, who lost to the Patriots, is in 6th place.

2017 - The Vikings lose against the Eagles' great line

2017 gave the Vikings fans an exciting season that ended in a catastrophe when the team played against the Philadelphia Eagles, the future Super Bowl champions, in the NFC Championship game. The title game features perhaps the best offensive line matchup in recent Super Bowl history.

The Patriots were third in the PFF rankings and were not the best unit in the final game of the NFL season, as the Eagles took first place. Not surprisingly, the Eagles had a real shootout of offense 41-33 at US Bank Stadium. Rush could not go to the quarterback until Graham had a strip-sack against Brady and decided to play that way. The Vikings' offensive line was 22nd that season.

The Vikings struggle despite the investment

Former general manager Rick Spielman invested heavily in the offensive line. In 2017, he signed Riley Reef and Mike Remars to Free Agency and selected Pat Elflain in the third round. In 2018, Brian O'Neill picked the second round, then in 2019 the first round was Garrett Bradbury. Ezra Cleveland was selected in the second round in 2020 and Christian Darris and Watt Davis in early 2021. Either talent assessment or coaching didn’t work, maybe both.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Kirk continues the trend of investing heavily in protecting cousins, hopefully with more success. Ed Ingram, second-round pick, Jesse Davis, Austin Schultman and Chris Reedra are new additions to the team in an effort to fix the problematic part. All Super Bowl teams have different strengths and weaknesses, but they all have a good offensive line. To be successful in the NFL and to be the first Super Bowl champion in franchise history, the Vikings have to fix that in the end.

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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who has a myth of numbers and statistics. Despite Christian Ponder being a quarterback at the time, he chose the Vikings as his favorite team. He has a walking football encyclopedia and his favorite music genre of classic rock. Arguing about the Vikings on Twitter is one of his favorite things. If you like Vikings, follow him on Twitter: িকJanicEcard

On the first night of the April 28, 2022 NFL draft, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, general manager of the new Minnesota Vikings, conducted a controversial trade to begin his reign as team boss.

And thanks to the Vikings media team, fans can trade in a mini-documentary posted on YouTube earlier this month - and learn all about the event as a whole. You can see the 20-minute feature here.

The documentary-style video examines the mentality of Adopho-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell in "War Room". It also shares the emotional moments of receiving the Vikings 2022 draft "call" that explains the new path of their careers.

First, Adopho-Mensah closed a trade with the Detroit Lions, bolting from the 32nd pick in the 2nd and 3rd rounds and the premium 12th overall pick for Dill Sweetner. The move was met with outrage from Vikings fans because the "sales" teams in the draft are usually in a position to abuse buyers. Still, no star-studded quarterbacks were available in the 12th round, so the Vikings held a general trade-off - unlike the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL draft. In that transaction, the Giants indicated the terms when the Bears landed quarterback Justin Fields, while New York got multiple first-rounders.

The steam stopped the lion's trade, but soon after, Adopho-Mensah traded his second-round pick to the Green Bay Packers, asking the audience, "What is he doing?" The response packers used the pick to pick wide receiver Christian Watson, with whom Vikings fans were familiar with because of the draft hype and geographical proximity (since Watson studied at North Dakota State University).

All told, the Lions & Packers got Jameson Williams (WR, DET), Josh Pashal (EDGE, DET), and Christian Watson (WR, GB) in the trade. The Vikings landed Lewis Cine (S), Andrew Booth (CB), Ed Ingram (OL), Brian Asamoah (LB), SG Otomeo (EDGE) and Tie Chandler (RB). The Indianapolis Colts also seized the property through a subsequent agreement with Adopho-Mensah.

Listed above is the documentary where Vikings can learn all about it. Adopho-Mensah identified the draft as "an area" that he considered a sweet spot and did business to shuffle it accordingly.

Again, the video can be seen here.

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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to her daily YouTube channel, VikesNow. She Hosts a podcast With Bryant McKinney, which airs every Wednesday Raun Sai And Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking Fandom dates back to 1996. Listed Criminal Pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, 'The Sopranos' and The Doors (Band).

Last July, the wide receiver Dead Westbrook was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as a speculative WR3 solution, a spot on the depth chart that had been neglected for several seasons.

When the franchise went down in brass tax in 2021, Westbrook became a starting point returner and WR5. But now, a Westbrook reunion could be on the way, with a potential sequel to wide receiver coach Kenan McCardel, who is still on the coaching staff.

Free Agent WR and Returns Specialist Dade are working for Westbrook # Vikings Today, the source said, and he may return to MIN. A few more interested parties, and ex-#Jaguar WR should be signed in the next few days.

- Ian Reports (apRapSheet) May 31, 2022

McCardell was the only notable holdover from the Vikings coaching overhaul. Because the team has lost consecutively and set up mid-season, head coach Mike Zimmer was fired in January along with his boss, Rick Spielman. The company has replaced Spielman and Zimmer for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell.

And the Westbrook roster could become another milestone in the continuity, a fancy choice by the new government from February. Minnesota had a license to rebuild the franchise but decided to keep the roster largely intact. A Westbrook re-sign will pay tribute to the ongoing offseason trend for Adopho-Mensah.

Westbrook will join an olio of current Vikings wide receivers, not all of whom make the 53-man list. As of May 30, the team's WR:

WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Adam Thilen
WR3: KJ Osborne
WR4: Ihmir Smith-Merced
WR5: OlaBC Johnson
WR6: Dan Chisena
WR7: Jalen Naylor
WR8: Blake Prohel
WR9: Myron Mitchell
WR10: Tristan Jackson
WR11: Thomas Henigan

And of those eleven - if twelve signboards on the Westbook dotted line - probably six or seven will be on the 53-man roster on September.

Westbrook, however, will be considered a pioneer in building the team, especially in returning the punt. In 2021, he returned 22 pounds, adding 8.3 yards per return, ranking 11th in the business.

Following the WR3 forecast for the 2021 season, Westbrook failed to finish that job. He was targeted just 15 times last year by Kirk Cousins ​​and Shawn Manion, catching 10 catches in 68 yards. In 2018 and 2019, Westbrook posted more than 650 receiving yards per season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead, Minnesota leaned towards KJ Osborn, who occupied the WR3 job, and probably still moving towards 2022.

If signed by Adofo-Mensah, Westbrook's contract is short and can be for one or two years.

Westbrook is 28 years old.

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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to her daily YouTube channel, VikesNow. She Hosts a podcast With Bryant McKinney, which airs every Wednesday Raun Sai And Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking Fandom dates back to 1996. Listed Criminal Pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, 'The Sopranos' and The Doors (Band).

2022 will be an important season for multiple Vikings. They have to play well to ensure job continuity in Minnesota. First impressions are always essential, and for most players, their 2022 game will make the first impression on the new coaching staff and front office.

Arv Smith Jr.

The second-round pick in the 2019 draft had a tough ending. At first, the move was seen as an immediate replacement for Kyle Rudolph. However, the Vikings raised Rudolph after the draft. For the first two seasons of his career, the former Alabama player was stuck on the depth chart behind the veteran.

He appeared in 29 games these two seasons and started 14 of them. His number of receiving yards was 311 as a rookie and 365 in his second year, combined with seven overall touchdowns. This number was not bad but did not deserve a second round tight finish.

Kyle Rudolph was cut off in the 2021 offseason and Smith was initially considered for a major role in the crime. Even before the season started, it ended for a tough end, as he had to undergo meniscus surgery. He missed the entire season on the reserve due to injury.

At the moment, it still has more potential than production. This is not great for an extremely draft tight finish. If he could get even closer to his potential, he would sign a big extension or draw a franchise tag in the next offseason. If he can't, he'll probably be looking for a new team. Health will be a huge factor for Smith in 2022.

Cork cousin

Most people say who Kirk's cousin is. Therefore, it should not be on the list. However, his name is on the list from a different point of view.

Every year the cousins ​​play at almost the same level. For the most part, the top-10 has been playing some bad games for most of the year. This will not be enough in the first season under the new regime. They are not married to cousins ​​and can move forward without looking bad because they did not bring her inside. And that's why the Cousins ​​have to play well to continue to work as Vikings quarterback.

If he doesn't play at least like his 2021, he will probably meet his future replacement at the 2023 training camp. In the next draft, it is tempting for a passerby to draft, let him sit behind his cousins ​​for a year, and then move on. On the other hand, if he can play at an MVP level, the company will have to offer him another extension.

Kevin O'Connell's job will be to unlock his quarterback completely. He is an elite thrower of deep ball with limited mobility and improvement skills. The new coach needs to plan around the flaws and use the strengths. His future with the franchise will be determined in the 2022 season.

Garrett Bradberry

No center has called his name in the NFL Draft before Garrett Bradbury since 2000. He was the 18th pick. That's why there were high expectations for the center from the state of North Carolina. In the first three years of his career, Bradberry was a frustration, especially in the passing game.

In pass protection, the choice of the word ‘frustration’ doesn’t even go far enough. He caused a catastrophe to save the quarterback, Kirk Cousins ​​’costly investment. His PFF grades in pass protection were 38.7, 38.8 and 43.7. The undersized center is occupied by regular strong nose tackles. The old regime benched him in 2021 for Mason Cole. The new regime speaks to him, and he is expected to start another year. The fifth-year option was rejected, and therefore, he is in a contract year. Bradberry does not face real competition, which is somewhat worrying. Not much experience in the middle of the line with any new additions. Ed Ingram took some representation in the senior bowl there, and could possibly compete with Bradbury, signed by Chris Reid, the Colts.

Hopefully some schemes change and the new coach can help him reach the potential that Rick Spielman saw in him when he drafted him too high. If not, chances are he won't be part of the organization after the upcoming season.

Cameron Dantzler

Entering his third promotion in the league, Dantzler is not in the contract season. However, after a promising start to his career, especially at the end of his Rocky campaign, when he regularly turned off the top opposition receiver, he disappeared in his second year. Bashaud Breland started with him and despite his brutal play, did not lose his job to Dantzler for a long time. Reports say he was at Mike Zimmer's doghouse.

# Vikings Cam Dentzler said it was "a kind of disappointment" that Mike Zimmer kept Baswood Brindland off despite his struggles. “Last year was a rollercoaster season but I regained my confidence. New staff. To start anew. I'm ready to show what I can do this year. "

- Chris Thomason (Christomason) May 26, 2022

Confidence is a huge part of a cornerback game. If he can regain his confidence, he has a chance to start and be a top cornerback despite the presence of second-round pick Andrew Booth and veteran Patrick Peterson.

His most notable weakness when coming to the league with just 182 pounds was his frame. This is why his nickname is "Sui". However, his weight is increasing.

# Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler was 182 pounds as a 2020 Rocky, 185 last year and now 191. “I have gained weight and I am stronger, and I am faster. I'm fine with my body. I used offseason to get better. I have a nutritionist. I'm lifting weights. "

- Chris Thomason (Christomason) May 26, 2022

If he can get his mind and body in perfect shape, he has a good chance to bounce back. Sky’s the limit, because he was the top cornerback on the Vikings roster every PFF back-to-back season. In 2020, he was ranked 22nd CB and in 2021 was ranked 17th out of 116 eligible players.

KJ Osborne

In his Rocky campaign, the receiver did not see the field on offense and only played as a kick returner, with poor results. Before his second season began in 2021, fans thought he was on the roster bubble and could even be cut. However, he was one of the highlights of last season and a solid third receiver.

The Vikings are expected to use more sets, including three receivers, and as such, their role will be crucial. It will be significant because Osborne has to prove how good he is. Was his breakout season the beginning of a big career or just a one-year fluke? He needs to show that he can make his second season and be more than just a long-term WR3. If he can't, he'll have to show that he's even a trusted third receiver.

Daniel Hunter

Hunter's ability is unquestionable. He is one of the elite pass racers in the field. But that is the problem. Availability is the best ability, and he has not been found in the last two seasons. After starting record-breaking in his career, Hunter missed all but seven games in the previous two seasons. That means he missed more than 78% of the games.

Hunter has to prove that he really needs to be ranked at the level of elite pass racers. If he can't stay healthy, there's a good chance he won't be on the list any longer. He has restructured his contract and is under contract for 2023. However, he will probably not play in that deal after the upcoming season. To get another big extension, he has to stay healthy.

All these players have something to gain and something to lose. The new front office and coaching staff will have to decide what they are going to do with the players in the next offseason. The level of play in the 2022 season will have a significant impact on the following roster rice for each Viking.

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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who has a myth of numbers and statistics. Despite Christian Ponder being a quarterback at the time, he chose the Vikings as his favorite team. He has a walking football encyclopedia and his favorite music genre of classic rock. Arguing about the Vikings on Twitter is one of his favorite things. If you like Vikings, follow him on Twitter: িকJanicEcard