Questions Answered: Bradbury’s Status, Defense in the Playoffs, New Playoff Rules
Dustin Baker
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The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the January 12th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Questions Answered: Bradbury’s Status, Defense in the Playoffs, New Playoff Rules
Q: Do you expect Garrett Bradbury to play Sunday, or will it be the Chris Reed show?
A: Bradbury was a full participant at practice on Thursday, so it’s looking better. But we caution jumping in with both feet. Back injuries are very, very delicate. He could suffer a setback Friday.
The Vikings probably slow-rolled Brabudry at the end of the regular season precisely to prepare for this moment — playoff football. Practicing fully on Thursday is a good omen for Sunday.
Think about how far we’ve come with Bradbury. A year ago, folks wouldn’t have cared one iota if he played or not. He’s conducted a marvelous season with Kevin O’Connell at the helm. Kudos to him and O’Connell’s coaching staff.
Q: Will the Vikings defense be any different in the playoffs?
A: Donatell is leaning into the team’s leadership for the postseason and said Thursday, “I think you’ll like the way we play.”
He also affirmed, “It’s our time to shine.”
So, perhaps Donatell has a few tricks up his sleeve, which would be a welcomed sight as the Vikings defense has mostly struggled in 2022. It does two things well — stiffen in the 4th Quarter and create turnovers throughout games.
It would be nice if the defense were flat-out good from cover to cover in the postseason. No need to wait until the 4th Quarter to get going.
Q: The Vikings are going to be victimized by the new overtime playoff rules, aren’t they?
A: Well, the NFL begins the new overtime rules this weekend. A team will now have a chance to match the opponent with a touchdown if the first team scores a touchdown. It’s the Josh Allen Rule.
Yes, in theory, the Vikings could be victimized, especially because Minnesota and New York absolutely adore close games.
By the numbers, though, it’s unlikely that Vikings-Giants will go to overtime. Just remember the new rule “in case” things get dicey around 6:45 pm CST on Sunday.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).