Episode 291

The Power of CJ Ham

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	None
Type	Game Review

Norse Code Episode 291: The Power of CJ Ham was a game review episode focusing on the Vikings' loss to the Chicago Bears.

Overview

This episode reviewed the Vikings' disappointing loss to the Bears, with extensive discussion of Kirk Cousins' performance and offensive struggles. The hosts addressed numerous mailbag questions about the team's offensive strategy, coaching decisions, and quarterback play.

Segments

Opening: Listener support acknowledgments and new donor recognition
Bears Loss Review: Analysis of the Vikings' performance against Chicago
Live Show Announcement: November 29th special live taping from Petoskey
Mailbag: Extensive listener questions covering offensive strategy and quarterback play

Mailbag Questions

Chris - If Cousins lost $100,000 for every open receiver he missed, either by virtue of pass or read, how much of his salary would be left by the end of the season?
Michael - How's CJ Ham shaping up for FedEx player of the week?
Raul - If play action alone won't encourage aggressive throws from Kirk, are there other schematic methods? For example, keep the running back in to protect instead of releasing on a typical check down route so Kirk won't have that option.
Kenneth Allen - Is there anything to the idea that in their meetings Nagy has consistently out-schemed Zimmer? Why is the offense unable to play at a faster pace, even when the game depends on it?
Kyle Slaybee - Seriously, what can Kirk Cousins hang his hat on as a Viking and does his performance in Purple give you any reason to expect things will change.
Caleb - Has Bradbury improved at all since week 1?
Ben - What will it take for the Vikings to reconsider their offensive strategy? Right now if game script isn't in their favor they become a sack & fumble power hour in pursuit of long developing check downs. Is that good?
Mick - Are third down shots down field safer because a pick is just an arm punt? With contested catch receivers should this be a strategy looked at often?
Damian Barrett - Is the success of backup QBs a blip or sustainable? We've been conditioned to think that without their #1 QB a team has zero chance and yet week after week, an understudy comes in and performs just as well. Will this impact long term strategies about overpaying QBs in the future?
Luke Braun - Would you trade franchises with the Dolphins right now? Coach, owner, GM, everything
Maceo - Better movie trilogy: Matrix or Mighty Ducks
Don From Ohio - More perplexing decision: Zimmer taking a timeout before the 2 minute warning or a fantasy football league owner leaving a star running back on the bench and losing over 31 points?

Key Bits & Lore

Don from Ohio makes an appearance with a mailbag question comparing coaching decisions to fantasy football blunders
Live show announcement for Petoskey taping

Production Notes

Intro burp noted at timestamps 39:37 and 97:11
Editor note to remove "transexual flippant reference" from intro
DeltaBCDad donor message references "The twitter user formerly know as DeltaBCDad"

─