Episode 241

The Saltiest Kicker

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	None
Type	Game Review August 30, 2018

Norse Code Episode 241: The Saltiest Kicker aired on August 30, 2018.

Overview

The hosts review the Vikings' preseason performance, focusing on first team struggles, quarterback depth questions with Sloter and Siemian, and concerns about the kicking game. The episode also addresses potential roster bubble players and previews the upcoming Titans Thursday Night Game.

Segments

Opening: Promo discussion
First Teamer Struggles: Analysis of successful blitzes against Cousins, Dalvin Cook getting hit, Diggs and Thielen/Rudolph targets, defensive performance, and kicking game concerns
Sloter and Siemian: Discussion of what coaches see in backup quarterbacks that fans don't, Chad Beebe evaluation
Pat Elflein Concerns: Preparation for games without starting center, Brett Jones trade discussion
Titans Preview: Thursday Night Game preview
Mailbag: Fan questions and discussion

Mailbag Questions

Ian - If you had to guess, what 3 bubble guys are essentially playing a make-or-break game Thursday night?
Zencupid - I've heard that Iloka is both better in deep coverage than in the box and also better as an in the box vs deep coverage. Which assessment is accurate?
Zachery - Very unimpressed with Mike Hughes as a returner (still great as a corner, obviously). I think Chad Beebe could be a really good punt/kick returner. What do you think?
Ben Glaseman - PFF and other data models project the under as the O/U bet to make primarily for injury luck and SoS. What's your take? What overlooked detail might push you one way or the other?
Sean Rae - Since roughing the passer is now a regular tackle, have we considered that Spielman's strategy going into the year was to do nothing with the o line that way our offense is based around the penalty yardage?
Observed Idiocy - When will Andy Carlson's brother Daniel stop missing field goals?
Kyle Slaybee - Compare the 4th preseason game to a food. What is your most regrettable restaurant-centric decision?
Delta BC Dad - Is this just the PTSD talking or am I crazy to think that we go 8-8 this year with our OLine and tougher schedule?
DonfromOhio - Fantasy football odds questions about bigmono, Kyle Sloter conspiracy theories, and Infinity Gauntlet hypothetical about Arif choosing between losing half the Vikings team or making certain podcast personalities disappear

Key Bits & Lore

Don from Ohio appears in the mailbag with multiple questions including fantasy football betting odds and elaborate hypothetical scenarios
Reference to Andy Carlson's brother Daniel and field goal struggles, playing into the "saltiest kicker" theme

Production Notes

Timestamps noted: 30:11, 47:22 ("stay shitty?"), 68:33 ("sam bradford of podcast hosts")

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