Will the Vikings surprise the Packers with offensive changes on Sunday? The stagnant Vikings offense has produced no touchdowns in its last two games and for the season quarterback Brad Johnson has thrown four touchdown passes and the Vikings have rushed for two scores (both by Chester Taylor). The ineptness has been a team effort with mistakes and below average performance in multiple positions.
Sometimes a coaching staff will respond with “out of the box” thinking. Like what? Maybe a no-huddle offense to speed up momentum and give the defense less time to prepare for the next play. Perhaps a new offensive formation, unbalanced line or different blocking schemes. Try a change in quarterbacks, or rotating two quarterbacks during the game, capitalizing on the skill sets of both, including ability to run or scramble for extra yards. Even a trick play or two can help get a team out of its funk (Johnson passing to Taylor who passes to Johnson?)
And then if you want to talk way “out of the box,” how about inserting safety Darran Sharper at quarterback for one or two plays? He was a high school quarterback with a 20-9 record in Richmond, Virginia.
Whether the Vikings offer some surprises or just execute their standard stuff a lot better, they know Sunday’s game is more than a “border battle.” Lose and the Vikings and Packers both have 4-5 records and are tied for second place in the NFC North Division. Win and the Vikings take advantage of a home field game against an inferior team.
It might be time to draw up a few plays “in the sand.”