Final Thoughts: Parallels Define Vikings-Falcons Matchup, But Sunday’s Outcome Will End That

[Viktor]

YAC Attack


A factor to watch on Sunday when the Vikings offense is on the field is yards after the catch. In last year’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, who run a similar defensive scheme to the Falcons, the Vikings offense was able to move the ball down the field when it capitalized on yards after the catch. Dalvin Cook, was the second-most targeted and productive receiver on the day, amassed 54 of his 55 receiving yards after he caught the ball, indicating his success was the product of quarterback Kirk Cousins taking what the defense gave him via check downs and letting his playmakers do the work. Also effective with YAC in that game was Adam Thielen, who totaled 48 yards (47%) after the catch.


Injury Report


Receiver Stefon Diggs did not practice on Wednesday and was a limited participant on both Thursday and Friday. There is optimism that Diggs will be able to play on Sunday because he’s listed as questionable on the injury report. Also listed as questionable on the report is tight end Tyler Conklin. All others listed on the Vikings injury report, with the exception of cornerback Mike Hughes (out – knee), are expected to play this week.


While Gary Kubiak will be assisting Kevin Stefanski from the booth, do you think he will be able to assist Mike Zimmer in giving insights from a defensive perspective as to what opposing offenses are doing during games? Skol Vikings!


@purplemisery


Yes, I’m sure Kubiak can provide that sort of in-game influence to both Zimmer and Stefanski. Perhaps more significantly for Zimmer, though, is that Kubiak can be a resource during the week in the building. From motivational tactics to handling player discipline to altering travel itineraries, coaches obsess over details and are always looking for ways to help their team perform better. As a Super Bowl-winning head coach, Kubiak has a great encyclopedia of experiences, as does Zimmer, and together they can tackle about any kind of problem issue or opportunity that could arise.