Lunchbreak: Graff Outlines Vikings Goals for Final 10 Games

Viktor

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Mar 19, 2019
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Even given the low expectations the Vikings defense had to start the season, the first six games have been rough. While the pass defense was bad last season, this is a new low.


The Vikings will enter Lambeau Field allowing 7.7 net yards per pass attempt, tied for third-worst in the NFL. Only the Jaguars and Falcons have been worse.


Perhaps just as bad is the fact that the Vikings still have a long way to go just to become average in the stat. They'd have to shave off a full yard just to rank around 16th in the league.


So maybe this one is a big ask, hoping that they can allow around 6.7 net yards per attempt the final 10 games. But I think it's possible for two reasons.


The first is the schedule eases up after Sunday's game. Through the first seven contests, the Vikings will have played Aaron Rodgers twice and also faced Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Ryan Tannehill and Deshaun Watson.


The second reason for potential improvement is because the rookies, who didn't have offseason practices or a preseason, should start getting more comfortable. They've shown flashes even if their mistakes (like Cameron Dantzler's in Seattle) have overshadowed the positives.


But if they can just get to playing like an average secondary the final 10 games, that could inspire confidence for growth next season.



The Vikings currently rank 29th in the league with 286.7 passing yards allowed per game.


Graff's full list of post-bye goals can be found here.


Trio of Vikings Legends announced as finalists for 2021 Black College Football Hall of Fame


A trio of Vikings Legends have been announced as finalists for the 2021 Black College Football Hall of Fame.


Greg Coleman, Jake Reed and Sammy White are among 25 finalists for the 2021 class, a group that includes 22 players and three coaches.


Coleman was a punter for Florida A&M University from 1972-1975. He then played 10 of his 12 NFL seasons with the Vikings, playing 138 games in Purple from 1978 to 1987.


Coleman is now a sideline analyst for KFAN 100.3-FM and Vikings Entertainment Network.


White was a wide receiver for Grambling State University from 1972-1975. Reed followed in his footsteps as a wide out at Grambling State from 1987-1990.


White played his entire 10-year career in Minnesota, catching 393 passes for 6,400 yards and 50 career touchdowns.


Reed wore Purple for 10 of his 12 pro seasons. He finished his NFL career with 450 receptions for 6,999 yards and 36 touchdowns.


The Class of 2021 will be announced on Nov. 19. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
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