Things to look for v Minnesota

by mctrashhole on Sep 5, 2011 11:24 PM PDT

DL Play - There's a lot of young athletic big men on this rotation. Inexperience in the NFL leads to getting pushed around a lot, but this unit has upside. Freshness due to a deep rotation could translate into blown up backfields late in games, but frankly, if the DL doesn't come to play from the start, Adrian Peterson will run All Day on them.

Run Game - Ryan Matthews has the burst to do damage if given a crease. But Id like to see him get lower to finish runs. He runs real upright, great when he has daylight, but I'm not convinced fumbling is not an issue and that his running style isn't the culprit. But for SD it's more about blocking - Matthews and Tolbert have been crushed for a loss far too often, going back to last year. This OL unit is not going to maul everyone, and rather than consistent push and 4-8 yard gains, we'll probably see loads of short failed plays dotted by some that work, and open up big holes (a few? more?).

Donald Butler - Is Butler an NFL caliber linebacker? I feel confident Takeo Spikes is solid against the run, but can either guy cover? (Can Bob Sanders for that matter?) Or I guess the question is, could this defense get any worse in pass coverage at the LB position? I don't think so. TE and RB have killed them over the middle, Butler will be tested a LOT by the west coast offense.

Vikings west coast offense - i personally believe this defense is well suited to disrupt the short pass and timing routes, with tough physical corners in Cason and Jammer. If AP has room to run though, it won't matter. Hopefully we'll see him get bruised around a bit. Go bolts!

This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yeah.

I think the Bolts have morphed into a team that’s vulnerable to matchup games. I’m not sure the Vikings have what it takes to beat them, though.

An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Sep 6, 2011 10:26 AM PDT reply actions

Butler can cover

but he seems better in zone.

Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."

by Superduperboltman on Sep 6, 2011 1:16 PM PDT reply actions

Week 1-Vikes

My biggest concern for the Chargers is poor tackling. If Phillips and co. are coming off injuries that haven’t allowed them to play in the pre-season and they aren’t fully healthy-are they going to be getting pushed around or worse—run over. I am concerned with Mathews and Tolbert fumbling the ball too. Minnesota will assuredly be trying to rip it out -knowing that both of our runners have issues with ball security. I think using Tolbert to open up the initial hole would spring Mathews a lot more. Tomlinson needed a FB to get most of his yardage and Mathews appears to be the same type of back. Personally-I hope to see Todman in the mix early in the year, but I know it’s doubtful.

My third concern is McNeil protecting Rivers blind side-P.R. does fumble once in awhile too and M.M. is coming off a surgery and could be rusty. Finally-we better not give up big plays to Harvin on special teams or in the passing game where are LBs have looked slow and he likes to go over the middle. As cliche’ as it is I really think we win if we don’t turn it over more than they do. I am really hoping that Spikes or Sanders has a monster statement hit that will fire up the defense early and that one of the unproven guys-like English steps it up and proves they deserve to be a starter for the blue and yellow.

by blueandyellow on Sep 7, 2011 7:16 AM PDT reply actions

The best defense

is a good offense…

Get Rivers and Co working early, keep the ball in McNabb’s hands and out of Peterson’s hands. If the Vikings get a lead and then use AP to sit on it, we might be in for a long day.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 7, 2011 8:13 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

This is

what I’m thinking. The Chargers have the OLB’s to go after the QB if they play from ahead, but if they fall behind, I’m not at all sure they have the guys to stuff the run.

The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'

by Brian (DaBolts) on Sep 8, 2011 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Spikes?

Yes he’s been a proven run-stuffer in the past. However, he’s been pretty suspect to date in a Charger uni. I’ve seen a lot of bad angles, being out of position, & getting pushed around. This front 7 needs to step up in a BIG way. I realize this has been preseason & am not panicking, but we’ve looked pretty vulnerable against the run thus far. We’ve got to maintain gaps, take good angles, & wrap up. Fundamentals. Get off the field on third downs. Put the ball in Rivers’ hands so he can get it to our playmakers on offense.

And keep that damn mullet-wearing redneck Jared Allen away from PR. OK, maybe the mullet is gone. Just shut him down.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Sep 7, 2011 10:00 AM PDT reply actions