Minnesota Vikings – The Future Is Now Sports

Week 12 Recap

Mike the Ace and D.K. review two matchups: one with the defending Super Bowl champs and another with a team still trying to keep their name in contention for playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27-24 Chiefs)
Mike The Ace @TheAceWriter

Two of the better teams in the NFL clashed on Sunday afternoon. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs lined up against Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. This game can be used as a blueprint for whom the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs are at their best, while also showing their biggest weakness.

The headliner of the game was star wide receiver, Tyreek Hill. Hill broke the game open early with big plays down the field, and the Bucs were fighting to keep up the rest of the way. With about 7 minutes left in the first quarter, Patrick Mahomes found Tyreek Hill deep down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. The Chiefs would get the ball back on their following drive, and get the ball moving again. Mahomes would find Hill for another touchdown, this one from 44 yards out. Tyreek Hill finished the first quarter with a total of 203 yards.

With a strong first half from Hill, and a good showing from the Chiefs’ defense, this game really should have been a blowout. Patrick Mahomes had a costly red zone fumble in the 2nd quarter but the Chiefs appeared to be headed towards a 20 or 30-point win, regardless. While their high-octane passing attack is what separates the Chiefs from other teams in the league, their biggest flaw reared its ugly head as well.

With a 20-10 lead, the Chiefs were able to maneuver another solid drive that ended with another Tyreek Hill touchdown. Hill would end the game with 13 catches, 269 yards, and 3 total touchdowns. With a 27-10 lead, and 7:00 left in the 3rd quarter, Kansas City would not find the end zone again. The Buccaneers were able to stifle the Chiefs’ running game, while grabbing two interceptions off of Patrick Mahomes in the last quarter and a half. I want to give credit to the Bucs’ defense, as they made the necessary adjustments to give themselves a chance in this game.

I really wanted to see the Chiefs turn to their running backs to generate offense. LeVeon Bell & Clyde Edwards-Helaire are good at both running and receiving the football, but they didn’t get involved the way I expected them to. Andy Reid is usually a mastermind at getting the ball to his running backs, but they struggled to do so in the 2nd half of this game.

The Chiefs have consistently had a problem with extending leads this season, and this game was another example of that. Long drives that end in points are the ideal way to seal a victory once you have the lead. Touches to the running backs generally eat up more clock, and allow the defense to get some rest. Kansas City will need to prioritize this element of their offense, or they could end up blowing a lead in the playoffs.

Tom Brady and his crew were almost able to complete the comeback, but the Chiefs offense did just enough to stay alive. It wasn’t pretty, but the defending champions moved to 10-1 on the season.

Carolina Panthers @ Minnesota Vikings (27-28 Vikings)
DK @ayeyoo_biggs

In one of the craziest games of the year, the Vikings were able to get a game winning touchdown from an unlikely hero at the last minute. This win keeps the Vikings alive in the playoff race. This game was a thriller down to the last minute, with both teams having a chance to come out victorious.

Kirk Cousins went 34 for 45, with 407 yards, and 3 TDs. He had a good game, overall. Kirk Cousins did have a fumble in this game though, which led to a Panthers touchdown. Dalvin Cook also had a fumble as well, which led to another Panthers’ touchdown. This helped to get them in an early 21-10 hole. The Vikings’ defense was able to hold in the second half, making way for a comeback.

Minnesota was about to get the ball back, down 3, with a little under two minutes left. The Panthers punted the ball back to the Vikings, but the return was fumbled by Chad Beebe. Following the recovered fumble, the Panthers had a chance to close the game out, but the Vikings’ defense held them to a field goal.

Down 21-27, Kirk cousins drove the Vikings down the field, which led to the Chad Beebe redemption story. After working the ball down the field, Cousins found the guy who fumbled earlier, Chad Beebe, in the back of the endzone for a touchdown. The Panthers did get the ball back with time, and got a chance to win the game. The Panthers’ offense drove down the field, but the kicker missed a 54 yard field goal.

I will say, the Panthers did not play poorly, overall. They have been in every game this year and am thoroughly impressed with the way Teddy Bridgewater has played this season. He did have an interception, but that was at the end of the game. The star today for the Panthers was rookie Jeremy Chinn. He was able to score two defensive touchdowns in less than 10 seconds. The first was on a fumble recovery following the strip sack of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The next one was on the Vikings’ very next offensive play. Chinn stripped Dalvin Cook and returned *that* fumble for a touchdown.

The Vikings are still on the right path to the playoffs. I don’t necessarily trust Kirk Cousins, but I love the rookie wideout Justin Jefferson. His play, along with the run game led by a healthy Dalvin Cook, will give Minnesota a chance. They may be able to make a late run for a wildcard spot.

Week 5 Recap

Mike the Ace and D.K review two nail-biting games from NFL Week 5.

Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks (27-28 Seahawks)
Mike The Ace @TheAceWriter

The Minnesota Vikings have had a rough start to this season. Losses to the Packers, Colts, and Titans left them with an 0-3 record to start the year. Minnesota was able to grab their first win in week 4 against the Texans, but faced one of the best teams in the league in week 5.

The Seattle Seahawks have started the season on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Seahawks had been able to grab wins in all four of their games, scoring over 30 points in each victory.

The Vikings defense came out strong in this football game, holding the Seahawks scoreless through the first half. Their pass rush was able to generate pressure, sacking QB Russell Wilson 4 times. Offensively, the Vikings were poise and methodical, using the running game to control the line of scrimmage.

All of Minnesota’s defensive success absolutely fell apart at the start of the second half. The Seahawks were able to score 21 points in just 10 offensive plays. The Vikings were able to stay afloat offensively in the 2nd half, and the game was decided on one final Seahawks’ drive.

Down 26-21, Russell Wilson drove the Seahawks offense 94 yards for the game winning score. Wilson was fantastic on this final drive, taking care of the football and converting in clutch situations. The biggest conversion was on a 4th & 10, where Wilson found WR D.K. Metcalf for a 39 yard gain. Wilson would end the drive finding Metcalf again for a 6 yard score.

The Seahawks have been one of my favorite teams to watch this season. Their defense is very poor at times, but their offense has been really explosive. If they can get healthy and tighten up on defense, I think they have a great chance to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints (30-27 Saints)
D.K. @ayeyoo_biggs

The score of the game was 30-27 the Saints way and they were in a battle pretty much start to finish. We have seen steady improvement from Justin Herbert every week, while on the same hand watching Drew Brees will the Saints to another win without Michael Thomas.

In only his 4th start Justin Herbert continued to prove that the Chargers were right in making him the #6 pick in the 2020 draft. Herbert went 20 for 34 with 264 yards. What I really like about the game was the way he was distributing the ball. He completed a pass to 8 different receivers, with Mike Williams leading the way with 5 catches, 109 yards, and two touchdowns. I think this is key because there are times in a young quarterbacks career where he might try and force it to the main threat on the offense. Something else they might do, is only go to a guy they have good chemistry with in practice. This game showed that he was good at going through his progressions and can make the right throws when needed.

Drew Brees had a Drew Brees game going 33 for 47 with 325 yards and a TD. The offense was a little choppy at the beginning of the game. Brees was under pressure even throwing an interception in the first half. They couldn’t get the run game going and the Chargers have an above average defensive line with Nick Bosa. Slowly but surely, Brees willed them to a win, feeding Emmanuel Sanders for 15 catches and 122 yards. Sanders doing his best Michael Thomas impression. Alvin Kamara also made some great plays with 119 all purpose yards.

The Saints won the game but I was more impressed with the Chargers. I like the development of Herbert and I’m excited to see what he does this season. Drew Brees and Co. did win the game, but Father Time is catching up to him and I’m not sure how much magic he has left in that arm.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Week 17

Michael Lipscomb

My weekly review of the games around the league. Recognizing greatness and talking a little trash! Got a problem with it? Hit me up on Twitter: @TheAceWriter or tweet at the website’s page @TFINS_

Follow the site on Instagram for debates, updates, and post notifications. IG: thefutureisnowsports

Check out the Underrated Performance of the Week at the bottom of the page too!

The Good – Philly clinches 4th seed in NFC. Will host Seattle during wildcard weekend.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants. Eagles win 34-17.

The Eagles were able to control their own destiny to earn their playoff spot. After conquering the Dallas Cowboys in week 16, Philly had to win their final game against the New York Giants to clinch the 4th seed in the NFC.

This game wasn’t a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. The Eagles didn’t take command of this game until late in the 3rd quarter. The Giants were down 20-17, and had possession of the ball.

Quarterback Daniel Jones was unable to handle a low snap, and the Eagles recovered the ball on the Giants 2-yard line. Philly would punch the ball into the end zone on the following play. The lead would balloon to 34-17 by the end of the game.

The Eagles have been one of the most up and down teams this season. It was good to see them step up and dominate the most crucial quarter of their season.

Carson Wentz completed his first full season this year. He reached 4,000 passing yards, and broke the single season Eagles passing yards record. Wentz is also the first player to record 4,000 career passing yards without having 500 yards to a single wide receiver.

Wentz and coach Doug Pederson have battled injuries and adversity all season. This offense has struggled for sure, but this tandem was able to get the job done over the month of December.

I believe Philly will be able to win their matchup with Seattle over wildcard weekend.

The Bad – Seattle Seahawks lose division title game, drop to 5th seed in NFC.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks. Niners win 26-21.

<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4gD6FVED_oFSBPxkOkgKyqtP3zOjQIF7gwIOrjwTQLZxTGbs8ARTYGiwFDEUJDZpmoa_MmEH9ahRuMl2ijybDKKtqA1e1uWXGeBKi9SFJRtUas_41nEkWdajunE9N0C3tcG774FC" alt="<p>Seattle Seahawks' John Ursua, left, makes a catch at the one-yard line to give the team a first down with less than a minute left as San Francisco 49ers' K'Waun Williams tackles during the second half of an NFL

Stephen Brashear, AP

The NFC West has been a war zone the entire season. The third best team in this division is the 9-7 Los Angeles Rams. The Rams won’t be making the playoffs this year, after losing in the Super Bowl just last season

The two big dawgs in this division are the Niners and the Seahawks. Both teams have had outstanding performances from their respective players and coaching staffs this season.

The Niners were able to travel to Seattle and claim the division title. They played a well-rounded game, and Jimmy Garrapolo made plays in the passing game to get them out to an early lead.

The Seahawks offense took forever to get going. They were down 13-0 until Tyler Lockett found the end zone late in the third quarter. As usual, Russell Wilson still found a way to rally his guys late.

Wilson and the Seahawks were able to scrap back into this game, and give themselves a chance to win on the last drive. With 2:18 left in regulation, the Seahawks worked their way down the field, but were ultimately stopped in the red zone.

The drive would end up covering 72 yards over 15 plays, but the Seahawks were denied on the 1-yard line.

In the red zone, the Seahawks made life difficult for themselves by having a delay of game on 2nd & 1, from the 1-yard line. After two incomplete passes, the Seahawks were faced with 4th & 5.

Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister was able to make the catch, but was stopped short of the end zone on 4th down. The ball was turned back over to the Niners with just 9 seconds left, and the game was over.

The Seahawks had the chance to host a home playoff game and win their division. As a 5th seed, they will be traveling to Philadelphia during wildcard weekend.

The Ugly – Patriots lose home game against Miami. Finishes with the 3rd seed in conference, missing chance for wildcard bye.
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots. Dolphins win 27-24.

The Patriots will be hosting a home wild card game for the first time since 2009. New England has been to 11 straight playoff appearances, and they are a team that usually has the first round playoff bye.

Going into week 17, New England was scheduled to earn the 2nd seed in the AFC if they could beat the 4-11 Miami Dolphins. The Patriots were treating this game as a must-win situation and played all of their healthy starting players.

The Dolphins were able to take care of the defending champions on the road. The Patriots offense started out flat, and the defense kept them in the game. As the New England offense got itself together, their defense began to unravel.

Tom Brady and the Pats offense gave the team a 24-20 lead with 4 minutes left in the game. The Dolphins had nothing to play for in this game, but were determined to get this win.

The Dolphins maneuvered their way back down the field. Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick found tight end Mike Geisecki in the back of the end zone to retake the lead with 24 seconds remaining in the game.

Geisecki did a good job of winning his route against a safety in man coverage, on the 5-yard touchdown catch. The skinny post route from the 6’6” tight end would seal the deal on the regular season, for these two teams.

As the 3rd seed, New England is scheduled to face the Tennessee Titans in the wildcard round. The Titans are a surging team that has found their offensive stride since making Ryan Tannehil the starting quarterback. The Titans defense is also elite, and they threaten to knock New England out in the first round.

The Patriots could have avoided this wild card matchup by beating the worst team in their division. Instead, they have to try and stop the strong running game that the Titans present. I predict the Titans win this game in Foxborough.

No Underrated Performance of the Week this week. Instead here are my wildcard weekend predictions!

Bills over Texans
Titans over Patriots
Saints over Vikings
Eagles over Seahawks

This will be a GREAT weekend of football.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Week 16

Michael Lipscomb

The Good – Packers’ defense stands up on Monday Night Football. Green Bay solidifies themselves as elite team of NFC North.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings. Packers win 23-10.

The Green Bay Packers are the least respected 12-3 team in the NFL. It’s not difficult to understand why. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has shown signs of regression. They have a lack of explosive offense weapons on offense, and their defense has struggled to stop the run at times this season.

With all of that being said, this team is still 12-3, and will clinch a first round bye in the playoffs if they can win in Week 17.

Green Bay held strong against the 10-5 Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. This win secured the divisional crown, and put them in a prime position to make a deep playoff run.

The Packers defensive line overwhelmed the Vikings offense. Vikings’ Quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked five (5) times in this game, and the Vikings offense totaled a measly 132 yards for the game.

The Vikings were without star running back Dalvin Cook, but they did have their two star receivers available to them in this game. Adam Thielen was targeted four (4) times and did not make a single catch, while Stefon Diggs only had three (3) catches for 57 yards.

The Packers defense has continued to play at a high level late in the season. They have not allowed more than 15 points in any game, during the month of December. If this team can keep that momentum on defense, they will be a dangerous opponent to play against, come playoff time.

The Bad – Wounded Seahawks can’t get going against Cardinals. Hawks fall to 5th spot in NFC playoff seeding.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks. Cardinals win 27-13.

The NFC playoff picture will be a toss up until the last week of the regular season is played. The Seahawks are in the middle of a heated race with the 49ers for the divisional crown. After week 16, the Saints, Packers, and 49ers all have a record of 12-3.

The Seahawks missed their chance at getting to 12-3, after losing at home to the Arizona Cardinals. This loss drops them to a wildcard spot in the NFC playoff bracket, which means they would be looking at an away game against the winner of the NFC East as the 5th seed.

The Seahawks still have a chance to win their division, but this loss probably cost them their chance to grab the top seed in the conference. With the amount of injuries they currently have, they would have benefited from having a first round bye in the playoffs.

The Cardinals pass rush gave Russell Wilson problems all game, as he was sacked five (5) times. The pass rush, along with good coverage from the Arizona secondary, limited the Seattle passing attack. Wilson completed just over 50% of his passes and gained just 169 yards through the air. He ended the game averaging just 5.5 yards per attempt.

Running the ball wasn’t an option either for the Seahawks. During the second quarter, running back Chris Carson suffered a hip injury. Later in the same quarter, backup running back C.J. Prosise exited the game with a broken arm. After the game, Pete Carroll announced that both players were done for the season.

The Seahawks run defense was also exposed on Sunday. The Cardinals ran for a total of 253 yards on 40 attempts in this game. The Seahawks will have to stop the run, no matter which team they face in the playoffs.

Seattle has a chance to bounce back after a subpar effort against Arizona. They have signed running back Marshawn Lynch in hopes of replacing the injured members of the backfield. They face the 49ers next week, and the winner takes the division title. The Hawks need to win this game and save themselves from a road trip, on wild card weekend.

The Ugly – Cowboys come out flat in battle for NFC East. Prescott and the offense gets grounded in Philadelphia.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles win 17-9.

Cowboys fans set themselves up for heartbreak if they had hope in this football team. The team suffered its 8th loss of the season at the hands of their bitter division rivals in Philly.

The Cowboys continued their trend of not showing up in big games. The team looked unmotivated, uninspired, and most importantly, unprepared.

Compared to Philadelphia, Dallas was relatively healthy in this football game. Their quarterback, Dak Prescott, was injured last week during their win to the rams and was clearly affected in this game. Outside of Prescott playing injured and an injury to linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas had most of their star players available.

I predicted that Dallas would win this game, and I wasn’t confident that it would be a close game, either. The Cowboys had just come off of a strong performance against the Los Angeles Rams, and racked up 44 points in the blowout.

They must’ve left their offense in Dallas, because they were unable to find the end zone against the Eagles. This same Eagles defense had trouble stopping Redskins’ rookie QB Dwayne Haskins, the week prior.

The Eagles played with a different level of intensity than the Cowboys in this game. Credit Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson, for having his guys ready to play. The winner of this game was most likely making the playoffs, and the better coached team came away with the win.

How many more seasons will Cowboys’ fans have to endure the Jason Garrett era?

Underrated Performance of the Week – Daniel Jones, Quarterback, New York Giants

From a national standpoint, I’m sure no one was paying attention to this lousy game.

The two basement dwellers of the NFC East faced off on Sunday afternoon, but the Giants rookie quarterback was able to catch fire.

Daniel Jones finished the game completing 28 of 42 pass attempts, for 352 yards and five (5) touchdowns. The biggest takeaway was the lack of turnovers! No fumbles, no picks thrown.

Watch all five of his scores, here!

Daniel Jones 28/42 352 yards
5 TD 0 INT

All 5 TD’s including a walkoff win for Daniel Jones! pic.twitter.com/guXBIsD7Rd
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 22, 2019

NFL Breakout Players 2019 – NFC North Edition

Michael Lipscomb

Breakout players emerge every season. A new coaching staff, new schemes, or rehab from an injury, are a few valid reasons to see major improvement in an athlete. I will be giving you 32 names to watch for the 2019 NFL season. One player per team.

Do you agree? Disagree? Think I should have picked another player? Let me hear your opinions by tweeting at me: @TFINS_

Follow that twitter account for more articles and content! Follow us on Instagram too: thefutureisnowsports

Chicago Bears
Roquan Smith – Linebacker
6’1” 236 lbs
2nd year pro – University of Georgia

*(Sept. 8, 2018 – Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images North America)*

2018 Statistics – 121 tackles (89 solo), 5 sacks, 5 passes deflected, 1 interception, 16 games started

Drafted 8th overall in the 2018 draft, Roquan Smith had high expectations for his rookie season. His first year in the league got off to a rocky start, as Smith held out of training camp due to contract disputes. Smith eventually signed, and had an instant impact on the regular season. Many of the traits that scouts fell in love with during the draft process, showed up on Sunday’s. His athleticism, instincts, and intensity made him a tackling machine, proving to be a force in the middle of that great Chicago Bears’ defense.

Despite the strong rookie season, Smith is often left out of the conversation for best linebacker in the NFL. It’s easy to understand why, with names like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Eddie Jackson already on the Bears defense. I believe Smith will force more turnovers, improve in coverage, and gain respect as a top tier linebacker in 2019. Expect big plays (and big hits) from this inside linebacker this season.

Detroit Lions
TJ Hockenson – Tight End
6’5” 247 lbs
Rookie Season – University of Iowa

*Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Putney, Associated Press)*

Drafted 9th overall by the Lions. Winner of the Mackey Award, which is given to the best Tight End in college football.

I normally will stay away from listing rookies as breakout players. TJ Hockenson is an exception to this rule due to his position. Historically, tight ends get off to very slow starts in their pro careers. If you take a look at names like Zach Ertz, George Kittle, and Tyler Eifert, you will notice that their rookie seasons weren’t too inspiring. I think Hockenson avoids that trend and has a strong rookie season catching passes from Matthew Stafford.

Hockenson is one of the most athletic tight ends I have ever seen at the college level. He is an extremely versatile player that can line up in tight or flexed out at receiver. He is phenomenal after the catch, and a matchup nightmare for defenses. I believe Head Coach Matt Patricia will make it a point of emphasis to get Hockenson the ball in as many ways as possible. I predict Hockenson will catch around 60 passes, and find the end zone at least 4 times in 2019.

Green Bay Packers
Josh Jackson – Cornerback
6’1” 196 lbs
2nd year pro – University of Iowa

2018 Statistics – 49 tackles (39 solo), 1 fumble recovery, 10 games started

The Packers had a lot of very good options to highlight as potential breakout players. They have one of the most talented, young rosters in the league. Second year cornerback Josh Jackson has the potential to shine as a playmaker in Green Bay’s secondary this season. Jackson is a lengthy, athletic corner who was a superior playmaker at the college level.

Although not the most technically sound in coverage, Jackson’s sheer athleticism makes him a strong corner in “off” coverages (5-7 yards away from the line of scrimmage). After leading the NCAA in interceptions in 2017, Jackson didn’t record a single interception during his rookie year. Following a full offseason in the NFL, I am confident we will see Jackson back to making plays in coverage. Quarterbacks beware, as Jackson has the speed to take those interceptions the opposite way for a touchdown.

Minnesota Vikings
Mike Hughes – Cornerback
5’10” 190 lbs
2nd year pro – University of Central Florida

2018 Statistics – 22 tackles (19 solo), 1 interception (returned for touchdown), 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 3 passes deflected, 6 games played (2 games started)

Second year cornerback Mike Hughes was off to a great start to his rookie campaign. Hughes had seemingly earned his spot as a consistent starter for the Vikings, even recording a pick-six in his first regular season game against the 49ers. Unfortunately, Hughes tore his ACL during a 27-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals.

With an extended period of time to recover and a full offseason in Minnesota, I think we see a strong comeback for Hughes this season. Head coach Mike Zimmer likes to leave his corners in press-man coverage, where Hughes finds success. I expect Hughes to emerge as the clear No. 2 corner for the Vikings this season.