Vikings Spring a Leak in Precisely the Area that Needs to be Airtight
Right now, Minnesota is trying to find its footing. Seeing the Vikings spring a leak on specials isn’t what anyone is hoping for, least of all Myles Price.
Mr. Price signalled for the fair catch in the final moments of the Week 2 debacle. He then saw the ball bounce off his chest, onto the ground, and then into the eager arms of a Falcons specialist. Any reason for concern in this area of the game as Minnesota faces what appears to be a pivotal Week 3?
Vikings Spring a Leak at Punt Returner
Since spending some time at Vikings training camp, I’ve been promoting the potential found within Myles Price.
The undrafted talent arrived in the Twin Cities with $0 in guaranteed money, revealing that even the Vikings felt his spot on the final team was a long shot. He then went out and promptly proved to be the best option as both the kickoff and punt returner. A full-time job with the Vikings followed.
His pair of NFL games, though, have been a tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Check it out:
| Week | Punt Return | Kickoff Return |
| W1 at Bears | 4/68 Yards | 2/49 Yards |
| W2 vs Falcons | 3/6 Yards | 6/135 Yards |
Upon first glance, one might be tempted to conclude that the Week 2 kickoff yardage is impressive. Clearing 100 yards often feels like an accomplishment, but the key to that number rests in the efficiency (or lack thereof). Across a half dozen returns, Price averaged just 22.5 yards per return. A number that’s closer to 30 would be far better, of course.
And then there’s ball security. A game like Week 2 is one where the defense would be very displeased by a dropped ball on punt return. After all, they were grinding out there, left on the field for far too long due to the struggles from the offense.
The good news for Myles Price was simply that his gaffe arrived with the game nearly complete. Turning over the ball at that point meant nothing for the outcome. He will nevertheless be looking to eliminate the issue, especially in games where Brian Flores’ defense is doing its utmost to catch its breath on the sidelines.
The Vikings haven’t been winning the time of possession battle, an issue that will become more pronounced if the specialists don’t secure possession.
Overcoming the Bears arrived within a game where Minnesota held onto the ball for just 27:07. The issue grew worse a week later. Losing to the Falcons involved only possessing the football for 23:28.
Going forward, Myles Price confronts a pair of realities. He’ll need to catch the ball cleanly and confidently every time. As automatic and instinctive as taking his next breath, Price needs ball security to be so locked in that he doesn’t even think about the process.
There’s then the process of gaining field position. Begin with ball security and then look to explode into green grass. Whenever the play gets ended, Price needs to ensure that the ball is still in his hands. Give the pigskin back to the offense to possess the football and maybe even score some points.
Kickoff for the Vikings and Bengals is today at noon. We’ll see if Myles Price is the first one to get the ball.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
