Episode 394

It sucks watching this team sometimes

Hosts	Arif Hasan, James Pogatshnik
Guests	None
Type	Game Review October 2021

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

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