Second-guessing the Vikings' defense

Updated: December 20, 2004, 9:48 AM ET
Scouts, Inc.
Editor's note: Our scouts roll back the tape on Week 15 in the NFL:

  • The Vikings were lucky to escape the Lions thanks to a bad snap, but they put themselves in that position with some questionable defensive schemes at the end of the game. With the Lions at the 1-yard line and WR Roy Williams split out wide, everyone in the building knew QB Joey Harrington was going to throw the fade route to him. The Vikings chose single coverage and to not jam Williams at the line of scrimmage.

    The result was an easy jump-ball situation for the bigger and more physical Williams. Why not bring up a linebacker or anther defensive back to jam him off the snap and disrupt the timing of the fade route? This play could have ended up costing the Vikings the game and a place in the playoffs.


    To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

    • SPONSORED HEADLINES

    MORE NFL HEADLINES

    MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM