Monday Morning Mailbag: Vikings Struggles on Special Teams & Remaining Margin for Error

[Viktor]

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Our special teams are still weak and inconsistent and make boneheaded plays and/or give up big plays to the opponent. We didn't convert a successful fake because we weren't set on the end of the line? We should have learned over and over again that small things matter a whole lot when executing special teams and frankly, it is a season-long trend of poor play and poor results on special teams. We continue to have the worst punt return average in the league, and a terrible net punt average, and recurrent poor punt return coverage.


I remain very concerned about our special teams in general, and the ability of our defense to stop offenses when the game is on the line. And, our offense's continued inability to seal the deal with a drive to run out the clock with a lead of 8 or less at the 4- or 5-minute mark. Overall, a disappointing and wasted opportunity against the Cowboys. Looking forward to the Panthers.


— Jeff L.


Might as well begin with a sore spot, especially since it feels as if most of the air has been let out of the Vikings after their three-game win streak came to a halt Sunday evening.


Minnesota's special teams play has been lacking for most of the season, but the group has been thrust into the spotlight with a handful of bad games in a row.


There were the blocked punts against the Lions and the bevy of errors against the Bears. The Vikings underwent a bit of a shakeup against the Cowboys. Long snapper Austin Cutting was benched and replaced by Andrew DePaola, who was added to the practice squad and activated on Saturday. And Dan Chisena was also inactive after some recent rough outings.