Vikings Podcast: Outclassed & Outcoached
K. Joudry
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Beating the Kansas City Chiefs begins with trying to outsmart Andy Reid. Easier said than done, of course, but a task that’s all but necessary when the KC roster boasts so much talent.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs’ HC got the better of the Vikings’ HC, contributing to the 27-20 loss that sunk Minnesota down to a 1-4 record. In the latest episode of Notes from the North — a Vikings podcast — Sizzlin’ Sam and I unpack the significance of dropping the ball (at times, literally) against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5.
Vikings Podcast: October 9th, 2023
Sizzlin’ Sam, never one to waste words, offers a few thoughts on what the podcast episode has to offer.
“Kyle and Sam discuss another disappointing loss to the Chiefs to move them to 1-4 on the season,” Sizzlin’ Sam says. “From decision-making to execution, they wrestle with what exactly to make of this team. They discuss where this team is amongst the rest of the NFL, what lies ahead, and what decisions may be made from here on out.”
Somehow, Justin Jefferson finished his day with just 3 catches for 28 yards. Credit to Kansas City for making an earnest effort to challenge #18, but there needs to be more from Minnesota when it comes to getting Jefferson involved. Kevin O’Connell has to do a better job of getting his WR1 into the game.
More concerning, perhaps, are the timeout foibles, the lost turnover battle, and the refusal to run the football. Yes, Jordan Addison showed promise and Garrett Bradbury’s return was positive, but the team’s offense has a long way to go. The expectation was elite but they’re fairly average after 5 games.
Those who are more willing to lean into a positive mentality will see the Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport sacks. Camryn Bynum — missed interception aside — has been playing well. And, truth be told, the running game isn’t bad. The team must commit to running the football more, a strategic change that would mean Cousins getting hit far less while also offering the potential of winning the time of possession battle. Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers are showing some good burst and toughness.
What happens if Minnesota drops their game in Week 6?
A trip to Soldier Field appears easy. Minnesota has a better team than Chicago. Full stop. And yet we also realize that divisional games can be odd (especially on the road) and that the Vikings seldom desire a reality where they actually adhere to what they should do. Losing to the Bears would put the Vikings firmly in last place in the division while basically functioning as the death knell for the playoffs.
San Francisco awaits for Monday Night Football in Week 7. Everyone knows how that game will go. Like a group of teenagers going into a party organized by Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers, the Vikings are going to leave that game in rough shape.
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, 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.
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.