Episode 384

False Starts

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	None
Type	Game Review

Norse Code Episode 384: False Starts was a game review episode following the Vikings' Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Overview

Episode 384 reviewed the Vikings' disappointing season opener against the Bengals, examining the team's penalty problems, offensive line struggles, and Kirk Cousins' conservative passing approach. The hosts also discussed the NFC North's collective 0-4 start to the season and answered an extensive mailbag.

Segments

Opening: Patreon acknowledgments
Bengals Game Review: Analysis of referees, Cousins' performance, Zimmer/Kubiak coaching decisions
NFC North Roundup: Discussion of division's 0-4 Week 1 record
Mailbag: Extensive listener questions covering team performance and various corners

Mailbag Questions

Bob Marks - How common is it for NFL defensive backs to get injured on every play they get burned?
Christopher Cory - Did Kirk look like a veteran QB in control or a scared rookie?
Professor Poop - OL disaster rating on 0-10 scale; should Vikings blow it up or hire offensive coach for Cousins?
Don Keedik - Did making the clutch field goal remove the kicking curse but add a fumble curse?
Ojibwe Pun - Most positive spin Arif can put on the loss?
Ryan - Does Zimmer blame players more than other coaches, and does it impact the team?
Kyle Slaybee - Which former Viking would have helped most: Reiff, Hughes, Bridgewater, Harris? Is Rodgers tanking the Packers?
Tampa Bay Vipers 4 Life - Better to not blame kicker or is fumbling worse?
Arif's Neglected Resistance Bands - Will Arif hang out since All-22 isn't working?
Euan Dewar - Body horror tolerance levels in media
Bethany - Did you watch Packers/Saints from beginning or switch when Love came in?
Evan T Creed - Butterfly effect: If Zuckerberg didn't create Facebook, would Vikings have won due to no vaccine hesitancy issues?
Different Kevin - How to help kids overcome bee sting trauma?
Kevin Sayer - Am I a sadist for looking forward to the pod more after bad losses?
Bishop Sycamore Alumnist Ryan - Will Norse Code exclusively cover fantasy leagues and corners?
Domain Barrett - Fantasy matchup against James featuring Rodgers' -3 points
Nolan Kehler - Can anything stop the Blue Bombers' Grey Cup defense?
Jack Rackham - Wedding etiquette update on watching games during ceremonies
Don from Ohio - Main reason for Cousins checkdowns: OL, plexiglass, or mask airflow?
Don from Ohio - Internet bullying corner about handling Twitter trolls after Gophers comments

Key Bits & Lore

Don from Ohio makes multiple appearances with characteristic questions about plexiglass and masks affecting Cousins
Wedding etiquette corner update from Jack Rackham
Professor Poop's trademark "Poopiness Inquiry and Surveillance Scale"
Internet bullying corner discussing Twitter interactions

Production Notes

Episode runtime noted as 86:46
All-22 film wasn't working for Arif's analysis

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