Episode 290

The Fall Guy

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	Lorin Cox
Type	Preview

Norse Code Episode 290: The Fall Guy was a preview episode focusing on the Vikings-Bears matchup.

Overview

This episode featured a comprehensive preview of the Vikings' upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, including extensive mailbag coverage and a guest appearance by Lorin Cox to discuss the Bears. The hosts also announced an upcoming live show taping.

Segments

Opening: Introduction and listener support acknowledgment
Live Show Announcement: November 29th taping at Pet Ah Skeys (Petoskeys)
Bears Preview: Analysis with guest Lorin Cox (@coxsports1)
Mailbag: Extensive listener questions covering team analysis and hypotheticals

Mailbag Questions

JHS - Should the Vikings get Boone more involved in the passing game given his WR history, his athleticism, and the lack of WR depth? Boone seems like a dangerous short passing game threat w/ home run potential.
Luke Braun - Will the Vikings ever pay attention to the black magic accursing their franchise and bring back the 1970s throwback unis to use against specifically the Bears?
Eddie - would u participate in a fantasy league that scored entirely on finalized pff grades
Galileo - The Bears dominated the Rams offense last year, and their scheme is similar to the Vikings. What adjustments do the Vikings need to make to counter?
Kai - Does the team need Cousins to win the game with his arm or will either the running game or the defense win the game for them? (If they win at all)
John Belk - Seems like there's always some short side note about O' Neill is playing well at the end of discussions about how disastrous our line still is. How well is he playing exactly? Are we looking at a potential franchise left tackle, or just a pleasantly decent tackle? How has he improved so far from being a pretty unheralded day 2 pick?
Matt Nelson - What has been the difference for Kendricks this year? There was grumbling last year that he was underperforming despite splash plays, but this year he's been doing great. Has something changed?
Anonymous - Vikings Twitter likes to act like Zimmer is some old school curmudgeon that would prefer to run a Wing T offense, never pass and lean on his defense. He clearly understands offense considering how well he schemes to stop it. Why does he absolutely refuse to get involved with the offensive side of the ball? Why doesn't he use his defensive knowledge to help improve the offense?
Bryan Jellerson - Do you think the NFLPA will bite on this 17 game season or is this more of a bargaining chip? Also, would you guys prefer a 17 game season or 18 weeks with 2 byes?
Matt Myrick - Who would've thought that this could be a contest to determine sole possession of last place in the division? Have both of these teams taken a significant step back from last year or have the Packers just improved?
Kyle Slaybee - Arif would you rather: Wentz looks awful and Packers win. But Trubisky looks good (esp passes to his left) and the Vikings lose. Or vice versa?
Anonymous - What is more likely: The Vikings gain more yards rushing than passing or Trubisky by himself rushes for more yards than he passes.
Raul - Coin toss question. What is the evidence for deferring possession until the 2nd half? Does this strategy work against the Vikings strengths? The Vikings give up points early but adjust well as the game goes on. Early deficits limit a run first philosophy on offense.
Joe Jestus - In honor of this week's news what can I make with peaches and mint? I was thinking ice cream or moscow mules. Any suggestions?

Guests

Lorin Cox (@coxsports1) - Bears preview analysis

Key Bits & Lore

Don from Ohio question about Arif, Dusty O'Connell, and bigmono as potential whistleblowers
Live show announcement for Pet Ah Skeys (Petoskeys) venue

Production Notes

Episode runtime timestamps: 38:28, 57:48
New Patreon donors acknowledged: Casey and Noah
Noah's donation message: "I love the show and enjoy hearing whatever optimism is in you be crushed by the crushing reality of being a Vikings fan. Keep up the good work and take my money."

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