Episode 399

Stick to Sports

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	Michael Peterson (Bolts from the Blue)
Type	Preview November 2021

Norse Code Episode 399: Stick to Sports aired in November 2021.

Overview

The episode previews the Vikings' upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers with guest Michael Peterson from Bolts from the Blue. The hosts also discuss Dalvin Cook, Dakota Dozier, and other Vikings news before diving into an extensive mailbag segment covering topics from coaching philosophy to special teams strategy.

Segments

Opening: General discussion and news
Chargers Preview: Analysis of upcoming matchup with guest Michael Peterson
Dalvin Cook: Discussion of running back situation
Dakota Dozier and News: Roster moves and team updates
Mailbag: Extensive listener questions covering coaching, playoffs, and various corners

Mailbag Questions

Ryan Mensen - If success as a playcaller/coordinator isn't a good indicator of success as a head coach and success as a college head coach doesn't necessarily translate to the pro game, what should teams actually be looking for to find a successful head coach? Is there anything that does seem to correlate to success as a head coach?
Tim - Would the Vikings be better off, long term, losing as many of the remaining games as possible since that should force changes to the coaching and management while securing us higher draft picks?
Michael LaCoste - Can you square this with the eye test and how fans generally feel about this team's time management issues? (regarding Twitter analytics)
Kenneth Allen - It looks like a number of different people and analyses still have the Vikings making the playoffs, despite the loss of Hunter and to the Ravens. Do you agree? Also, if you could start an unaccredited football college what would you teach, and who else would be on the faculty?
Rahul - If the Vikings allow AlphaGo to make play calling and game management decisions, how quickly do they win the Super Bowl? Is there a future for this technology in the game?
Damian Barrett - With the breakout success of Nwangwu in the Ravens game, should the Vikings go all in on special teams in 2022 by drafting Matt Araiza in the 1st round?
Nolan Kehler - For Arif's Toxic Positivity Corner: are the constant down-to-the-wire games specifically meant to give fans their money's worth for interesting football games?
Bishop Sycamore Alumnist - Can Arby's Curly Fry vodka become the official drink of the podcast? For Arif's alma mater corner, does the Sunbelt know they're just stepping stones on the way to the SEC?
Evan Creed - More likely position for Aaron Rodgers next year: Packers QB or Dean of the Medical School at University of Austin?
Jack Rackham - For Arif's psychoanalysis corner: we know what's in the comment section, we know it will make us mad, but we read it anyway. Why do we do this?
Arif's Neglected Resistance Bands - The fans are not in control of this team. I wonder if the team is even in control of this team. And Arif needs to return my calls.
Delta BC Dad - For collegial cream cheese consumption container corner: what is the best type of packaging to get cream cheese in?
Kyle Slaybee - Which is the most underrated X-Men? Also, what is the most appropriate ending to a Chargers field goal attempt given these franchises' histories?
Dr. Aron Matson - For passive-aggressive corner: What would be a good passive-aggressive response to neighbors putting up Christmas lights the day after Halloween? Which Viking put up their Christmas lights the day after Halloween?

Guests

Michael Peterson serves as editor in chief of Bolts from the Blue, an SB Nation blog covering the Los Angeles Chargers.

Key Bits & Lore

The episode features multiple recurring "corners" including Arif's Toxic Positivity Corner, alma mater corner, psychoanalysis corner, and passive-aggressive corner. The resistance bands bit continues with a question from "Arif's Neglected Resistance Bands."

Production Notes

Cut made at 24:52 (Josh Palmer content). Additional timestamps noted: 49:16, 56:19, 64:46, 73:51, 80 (silence), 111.

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