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Pat Shurmur’s Offense Looks Much Better than Norv’s

By Paul Bellesen

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur speaks into his head set during the game with the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions won 22-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur speaks into his head set during the game with the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions won 22-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Minnesota Vikings playing their first game under new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, the offense looked similar to what we saw during their undefeated streak.

Although yesterday ended in a loss, it was not the Minnesota Vikings Pat Shurmur offense that was at fault, well most of the way.

With the offensive line filled with backups and statistically the worst unit in the NFL, Shurmur has put together a calling of plays that have helped quarterback Sam Bradford stay upright.

Yesterday we saw the offense centered around the short passing game. That was also coupled with some running back pitch plays and bubble screens.

The offense looked good, and the protection held up well.

This chart shows that pass grouping from Bradford on Sunday. He was quick, and efficient.

His second longest pass was to rookie wide out Laquon Treadwell, who saw 17 snaps on Sunday. This was his first NFL reception, and look for Shurmur to get him more involved in the coming weeks. Treadwell is physical off the line and a great possession receiver.

The only offensive possession that could be said to be a problem was the drive after the Greenway interception. After a false start, then a holding call on the offensive line, Bradford was sacked. The sack was on Bradford as he had plenty of time to get rid of the ball.

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With the interception giving the offense a start inside the redzone, after the penalties and sack, the offense was out of field goal range and ended up punting.

This has been a problem the Vikings offense has had for multiple seasons. They have to be able to capitalize on turnovers. Those type of things are momentum changers.

Overall, I was happy with the offense, besides Blair Walsh. If not for the missed extra point and field goal, the Vikings would not have been in overtime.

Walsh’s confidence is obviously gone.

Today the Vikings announced that they will be trying out a few Kickers on Tuesday. It does not seem like they would replace Walsh. They are just letting him know if he does not be reliable, his job will be on the line.

It will be interesting to see if the “elite” Vikings defense can get back to where they were earlier in the year. The offense needs to score early so the defense can pin their ears back and rush the quarterback.

Next: Vikings Shopping New Kickers Tuesday

We will have to wait until Sunday, but it will be nice to see what the Vikings offense can do with a full week of practice under new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.

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