Wrinkles In Time
[Editor’s Note: The title might sound like this article is about the condition of Brett Favre’s skin. Its not.]
Brad Childress is not known for his creative play calling. However, if one looks close, the Vikings have used quite a bit of creative plays this season on offense. It just so happens they’ve used them sparingly… so far.
It all started in preseason, when Percy Harvin ran the Wild Cat. For the most part, that was abandoned after Brett Favre threw that fateful chop block with his left shoulder.
We have seen Harvin line up in the backfield every now and again, but that has disappeared of late.
A few weeks ago, a double (not really a double, I guess) reverse was tried, but it proved to be unfruitful when Adrian Peterson mis-timed the toss to Harvin.
Sidney Rice tried to throw a pass once, but it didn’t work out.
Last week we saw two more wrinkles in the Vikings’ offense. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor were seen lined up in the backfield at the same time on multiple occasions. Also, on his touchdown catch, Visanthe Shiancoe was lined up wide.
So what does this all mean? Well, it means that adding these wrinkles worked better last week than anything else had this season. I also think we’ll see more of these types of variations as the season goes on. It will be a subtle yet effective way of keeping opponents on their toes.
What do you all think? What else would you like to see?



















This post has 20 comments
November 25th, 2009 at 4:39 am
Problems remain with Darrell Darrell Bevill Bevill’s playcalling despite Favre’s positive influence.
Predictability has been the biggest issue. Last year, when you lined up AD in the ‘I’ formation on first down 80% of the time you could expect a hand-off. Usually the play went over Left Tackle. It is definitely more difficult to guess the playcall with Favre.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:45 am
The related problem – - – and when was someone going to blow the whistle on this – - – was the weak play of the Offensive line. Our line is not creating holes. Birk is missed much more than we expected. For solid reasons we exempt Hutch and McKinney from criticism but they have not been able to get to the second level to open spaces for AD. Vike could improve the right side by inserting Artis Hicks. Right side is fine for pass blocking but hasn’t created running room.
Finally, Kleinsasser needs to be more involved in all aspects of the offense
November 27th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Are you serious LV? Create more plays for Flyingsasser and take touches away from the likes of Chester Taylor, Berrian, Shiancoe? Yikes, glad you aren’t our coordinator.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Oh, and really I’m not hatin’. No disrespect, but Dugan has also taken Kleinsausage’s red zone touches away because of a couple drops in the end zone. ’sasser is a phenominol run blocker and a servicable emergency outlet, but definitely NOT a guy you draw-up packages for. C’mon!
November 25th, 2009 at 10:06 am
It scares Fred anytime a trick play is instituted, especially if Adrian Petersen is involved. We all know the famous story of how strong our guy’s handshake is, but AP doesn’t have soft hands. AP can’t catch very well and looks clumsy even when switching the ball from one arm to the next when running near a sideline, not to mention his fumbling problems. Many times trick play requires patients and ball handling stills. Fred’s man AP has neither. So, let’s use AP like Shaq and not pretend he can handle the ball like Allen “we’re talkin’ ’bout practice” Iversen.
The best trick for Adrian is opening up a hole in the line and watching him mow down some dredlock wearing Packer.
Everyone wants trick plays, until they don’t work. And when they don’t work, the coach is an idiot. The Vikes are averaging 93.5 points a game. Forget the trick plays!
And if we MUST have a trick play, Fred recommends the Fumblerooskie, with Phil Loadhold running the football.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS3SizodaY0
November 25th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Forget EVERYTHING Fred just posted. This should be the first play this sunday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSnew1PIYqk&NR=1
November 25th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Good one Freds. We could start the game with T-Jack running that one.
Go Vikes
November 25th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
So my buddy Freds doesnt like trick plays, unless they work. I’m with you on the trick plays Freds. It sure seems to me that they dont need them.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Freds, how many are you?
November 25th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Freds,
I love that trick play, Vikes 12-4 with Freds as coach
November 25th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
starrc10,
I probably shouldn’t ask but what are you asking Freds???
November 25th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Starrcs,
Freds is not one of your brighter shut down corners, he has no idea what you’re talking abouts.
How many would you like Fred to be? Most think one is one too many.
November 25th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Hey Freds, how did your date go? One Freds is just right.
November 25th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Johnny -
Freds is a one women man. Fred has one women, he doesn’t need another!
November 25th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Sorry Freds I wasnt sure. Freds does talk like a ladykiller sometimes.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Freds is also a one beer man. Well one type of beer anyways… he probably has more than one
November 25th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Adam I’ll bet Freds can drink Colt 45’s with the best of them.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Hey Freds did you take the quiz AK had posted below?
November 25th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I like the trick play Freds, but dont think it was legal.
Looked like the center handed the ball to the QB instead of a snap. You gotta snap it, right.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:25 am
People have been waiting to see Chester and Adrian in the same back field for the past two seasons! I think it was/is a great way to confuse the LBS and safties that are crowding the box. Especially when they put AP in motion and split him out wide.
I think its a creative way to get some more productive runs, 5, 8, 12 yard carries that takes the wind out of a DEF. If nothing else, it shows the coaches are finally starting to add multiple dimensions to an offense that has lacked schematically in seasons past.
That, coupled with showcasing their ‘hurry up’ package was something that made me proud of the coaching staff.
It think if they are able to get any productive touches out of a wildcat like formation it would only enhance what is already a scary offense.
cds