Cockran is becoming a really good edge rusher. When he gets to the point where he can engage a good OT and stop the run, he'll be a beast.[/QUOT
I'm excited to see that he looks like he is making an effort to be more disciplined in his gap assignments and at least helping to stop the run. He is getting better at using his hands and long arms, he continues that, to be gap sound, and puts on pressure and he is going to turn in to one of the better rush ends we have had in a while. Keep up the good work Mr. Cockran(your effort and improvement is noticeable) and put that Indiana ball carrier on his backside often.
Jerrod Allen for the Vikes is a good pass rusher but he has been so undisciplined latley people are totally running at the gap that he vacates. His wide rush lanes and inability to get to the quarterback are killing his team.
As an Edge rusher you have to be aware of them sucking you in on purpose,(you have to smell what is up some times) so they the offense can take advantage of your empty gap. Allen hasn't done that all season and is a poster child for not maintaining his gap discipline, and giving up the easy runs. combine that with everyone trying to do to much and you get the cluster that is the Vikes D.
That and the dumb line stunts the Vikings are running where people are twisting to the same gap and vacating the 3 gap. There 3 gap line play has been putrid all season. Combine that with the cover two deep drops of the safety's and the linebackers and you have what you have the dink and dunk passing game to perfection.
Sometimes it is keep it simple stupid and don't try to out-think the game in front of you. The Vikings are the prime example of what not to do on defense this season. Do your job, not somebody else's and when it is not working you better change. So far the Vikings have not been able to adjust. At least the Gophers coaches have understood what people are doing to them and made half time adjustments and even in game adjustments, this has been the best year so far for that.
