Vikings Podcast (w/ Video): Denver Downs Dobbs
K. Joudry
|
Not a great game for Josh Dobbs and the Minnesota Vikings. The end result is a 6-5 record and a few negative feelings in The North Star State.
On the latest episode of Notes from the North — a humble Vikings podcast — Sizzlin’ Sam and I return to unpack the Sunday Night Football loss in Denver. Turnovers, of course, are the story of the game, at least from the Vikings’ perspective. Are there other things to focus on from the game, both positive and negative?
Vikings Podcast: 11.20.2023
Before getting too far into the discussion, let’s see what Sizzlin’ Sam has to say.
The word from my co-host: “Kyle and Sam break down what can be best described as a disappointing loss to the Broncos on Sunday night football. From evaluating Dobbs, to looking at the different factors that contributed to the loss, they look at how the Vikings got the result they did.”
In the end, Dobbs played a part in a couple turnovers. He lost a fumble and tossed an interception, though there were complicating factors in each instance. One could make a persuasive case that the fumble shouldn’t have counted since Kareem Jackson pulled off a dangerous hit that didn’t get flagged (but is being reviewed for a potential suspension).
More disappointing, perhaps, was the Alexander Mattison fumble. The RB1 gave the ball back to Denver at a moment when Minnesota was threatening to seize control of the contest. Instead, they allowed the Broncos to chip away at the lead, making the eventual comeback easier to achieve for Sean Payton’s squad.
In a lot of ways, the game was reminiscent of the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Like the Bucs, the Broncos are a thoroughly average football team. Not disastrous, no, but not a team that’s really scaring anyone. The Vikings’ propensity for handing the ball away is what allowed a mediocre team to sneak away with a victory.
More encouraging is the play from the defense. Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum each stepped away with a sack, which is good news for the pending free agents. The coverage, moreover, was mostly strong. And, of course, the run defense was elite. Brian Flores’ defense deserved a far better outcome for their effort.
Oh, and Anthony Barr officially made his return. Keep an eye on how his role develops. His length and experience were noticeable.
Folks who are into Vikings podcasts or think they’d like to get into Vikings podcasts should feel free to give Notes from the North a shot. Hop over to iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or Podbean. My understanding is that you don’t need an account at these spots. Just press play and enjoy the pod.
Enjoy the listening, Vikings fan.
For the First Time in a Little While, the Vikings Have Options at Quarterback
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.