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Vikings sign OLB Za'Darius Smith


RaidersAreOne

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11 minutes ago, Packerraymond said:

Just as easily I can see DJ Wonnum and Patrick Jones as their starting rushers by week 7 

I think that's a very real possibility but not because they've sold off assets but rather Hunter and Smith are huge injury risks. 

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Just now, skywindO2 said:

I think that's a very real possibility but not because they've sold off assets but rather Hunter and Smith are huge injury risks. 

That's what I meant, and with those guys hurt I don't see you being very good.

I see the Vikings right on the ledge of contend/sell off. If your rushers get hurt and you start like 3-4 or worse, I could see the team shopping guys at the deadline and then moving Cousins in the off-season. New GM, new coach so they'll be given time to install their program, not like Zim and Spielman who'd try and ride that out to 9-8 to keep their job. 

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Love this deal. Vikings pass rush was absolute garbage last 2 years due to Hunter missing time. Now if both Hunter and Smith can stay healthy, this will be an excellent duo. Secondary is still a big weakness but atleast a great pass rush can mask some of those weaknesses

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1 minute ago, SotanKing said:

Love this deal. Vikings pass rush was absolute garbage last 2 years due to Hunter missing time. Now if both Hunter and Smith can stay healthy, this will be an excellent duo. Secondary is still a big weakness but atleast a great pass rush can mask some of those weaknesses

Not saying it wasn't garbage, but 2nd in NFL in sacks last year. 

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Good player for the Vikes.  If his back is healthy and can stay healthy.

One thing no one talks about concerning Z.  Run defense.  He's not very good at it.  He doesn't set an edge, he's doesn't rush to contain.

He is a disruptor.  He will line up inside on passing downs and flat out wreck guards.

Keep him a pass rush specialist.  Keep him off the field on run downs and I think that is how you get the best out of him now.

Happy he and his back are taking up space against someone else's cap.  This could be really good for the Vikes, or really bad.  He's gonna be 30 in September and now has a back surgery on the resume.

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2 minutes ago, KingVi said:

Not saying it wasn't garbage, but 2nd in NFL in sacks last year. 

yes but those sacks were due to blitzes and scheme mostly...the DLine couldn't generate pressure when they were rushing only 4. DJ Wonnum had like some 6-7 sacks but most were unblocked or coverage sacks

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It's either going to be a case of "meet at the quarterback" or "meet at the medic's tent."  If it is the former, and their two pass rushers can stay healthy, that is going to be one BEASTLY pass rushing duo!  Here's hoping they can both be 100% healthy all season.

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22 minutes ago, Packerraymond said:

That's what I meant, and with those guys hurt I don't see you being very good.

I see the Vikings right on the ledge of contend/sell off. If your rushers get hurt and you start like 3-4 or worse, I could see the team shopping guys at the deadline and then moving Cousins in the off-season. New GM, new coach so they'll be given time to install their program, not like Zim and Spielman who'd try and ride that out to 9-8 to keep their job. 

Wonnum is solid and Pat Jones might be a fit at DE for a 3-4 instead of Edge? He's a really good run stopper.

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18 minutes ago, KingVi said:

Not saying it wasn't garbage, but 2nd in NFL in sacks last year. 

They had so many players with 3-4 sacks and manufactured pressures. What Zimmer preferred to do was rush four and play coverage but obviously elite edge players is crucial for that. It’s probably why the defense was so bad as they couldn’t just sit back in coverage and let the edge players win their matchup. 

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