Editing Episode 394

<!-- ═  Episode 394  -->
{{EpisodeInfobox
| number      = 394
| title       = It sucks watching this team sometimes
| date        = October 2021
| hosts       = Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
| guests      = None
| type        = Game Review
}}

'''Norse Code Episode 394: It sucks watching this team sometimes''' aired in October 2021 following the Vikings' game against the Carolina Panthers.

== Overview ==
The episode focuses on reviewing the Vikings' performance against the Panthers, with particular attention to Christian Darrisaw's development as a tackle. The hosts address numerous mailbag questions covering conservative playcalling, fourth down conversions, and the team's inability to close out games.

== Segments ==
; Opening : Episode title discussion and show notes
; Panthers Game Review : Christian Darrisaw film analysis and performance evaluation
; Mailbag : Extensive listener questions covering team philosophy, player evaluation, and season outlook

== Mailbag Questions ==
* Sean - Why the sudden shift to a conservative playcalling philosophy compared to Zimmer's recent aggressive approach?
* Drunken Vike - If the Vikings had won those two extremely close games in weeks 1 and 2, would outsiders see them as title contenders at 5-1?
* Kevin - How big of an impact can Darrisaw have on this season?
* Kyle Slaybee - Were the Vikings actually stopping the run better than Twitter thinks against the Panthers?
* Real HG - What is the main driver behind the team's inability to close out games?
* Rahul - True or false: Kirk Cousins is the team's best player? Case Cookus or Kirk Cookus?
* Jonathan - When does it actually make sense to attempt 2-point conversions?
* Jack Rackham - With Patrick Peterson on IR, what panic trade will the Vikings make?
* Cory Ruegg - Are unlikely 4th down conversions a new way this team teaches fans disappointment?
* Dr. Aaron Matson - Is this season a microcosm of the Zimmer era? Writing advice for overcoming procrastination?
* Josh - What's the bigger offender for blown leads: missed kicks or predictable offense?
* Andrew - Does measuring "winning teams" by record at time of play vs. end of year change the narrative?
* Ben - Does this season remind you of any notable historical NFL seasons?
* Hey-Man Glisek - Why can't defenses stop the hurry-up offense?
* Sohn-dra - Do the Vikings always play not to lose when they get a lead?
* Luke Braun - Who is most likely to goad Kirk Cousins into a real fist fight?
* Nolan Kehler - What should be sent to Jonathan Vilma for his slight on Chuba Hubbard?
* Kurt - Is now the time to trade Cousins?
* Kirk Cage - Which Nick Cage character should Kirk Cousins dress up as for Halloween?
* Vikings Wales - Entertainment recommendations while recovering from work injury
* Justin - Will Norse Code release a statement on @DrawPlayDave's dolphin/Urban Meyer depiction?

== Key Bits & Lore ==
* Case Cookus reference in Rahul's mailbag question asking "Case Cookus or Kirk Cookus?"
* Arif's Neglected Resistance Bands appearing as a mailbag questioner noting Arif's computer crying from too many spreadsheets

== Production Notes ==
* Arlington edit needed near end
* Show title at 1:13
* Ending needs tightening up, Arif messed up URL
* Referenced film analysis from trenchwarfare.substack.com

[[Category:Episodes]]
[[Category:Season 2021]]

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