Evaluating Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards has

always been something of a difficult task from the outside - because it’s hard to know just what his duties are - except we know play-calling isn’t one of them.We do know that Edwards has had the title of defensive coordinator since Mike Zimmer came to town Stitched Olisaemeka Udoh Jersey , and had worked with him previously as well.I suspect Edwards takes the lead in game planning for opponents, and implementing what Zimmer wants done.But at some point after five years as DC, Zimmer either needs to give him the full responsibility of a DC - including play-calling - or find someone else.But I suspect the real reason Edwards isn’t a full-blown DC has more to do with Zimmer not being willing to delegate those duties to him rather than his not being capable.And with Zimmer struggling to be both HC and DC without short-changing both roles, the time has come to give George Edwards a promotion:make him the real defensive coordinator and not just the de facto assistant.George Edwards - Zimmer Scheme GuyEdwards is as well versed in Mike Zimmer’s scheme as anyone other than Zimmer himself.But he may also see opportunities for improvement looking at it with a different set of eyes than the master.The main challenge is to continue to evolve the scheme to maximize the abilities of the players running it.And adapt it to changing offensive schemes and tactics.But Edwards make sense to take over all DC responsibilities - freeing up Zimmer to be a full time head coach - while providing continuity to a defense that remains one of the better units in the league.Evolution NeededAs good as the Vikings defense has been - and it remained a top unit in third down conversion % allowed, red zone TDs allowed, and sacks - it has been inconsistent and has disappointed in big games.It can completely shut-down struggling offenses, but can struggle at times against better ones.It also isn’t as proficient in generating turnovers as you might expect from a top unit with talent at every level and pretty much everyone well versed in the scheme.The Vikings will have a wealth of talent returning on the back end next season: Rhodes, Waynes, Alexander, Hughes, Hill Olisaemeka Udoh Minnesota Vikings Jerseys , Smith, Harris and Kearse among them.There is also plenty of talent in the front seven - Joseph, Richardson, Weatherly, Hunter, Griffen, Kendricks, Barr, Gedeon.But they could be made to be more productive and disruptive.Doing so schematically would harness more of the talent there and also make it easier on a very capable back-end to shut things down - and generate turnovers.Edwards can take the lead in evolving the Vikings defensive scheme - and being more aggressive with the talent he has. Weekend Eve Open Thread" />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteDaily Norsemana Minnesota Vikings communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsLibraryVikingsOddsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Vikings 2018 SeasonVikings 2019 OffseasonU.S. Bank StadiumMinnesota Vikings PodcastsFiled under:Open ThreadsMinnesota Vikings News and Links: April 26th, 2019New,1491commentsWeekend Eve Open ThreadCDTShareTweetShareShareMinnesota Vikings News and Links: April 26th Minnesota Vikings Jerseys Stitched , 2019Good Morning!It’s a Christmas miracle!The Viking selected BPA and position of need last night with their first selection of the 2019 NFL Draft.Welcome Aboard Garrett Bradbury.Meanwhile, let’s carry on with our news and links open thread full of beer recommendations, nap strategies, crock pot and smoker recipes. Fire up the mock drafts and drop by for some fan wisdom, snark and have another cup of coffee.Remember, it’s just a little heckling until the pit boss removes you.Around the DN since our last open thread:The Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL Draft: All the picks, all the trades all in one place by Chris, Ted, Eric and Wludford.The Minnesota Vikings select Garrett Bradbury.Vikings news from other sources:From Vikings.com the Minnesota Vikings select North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury No. 18 in Round 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft.League news: From NFL.com they have a live draft pick for each round.We come to today’s media selection: Lil Nas X - Old Town Road (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:-No discussion of politics or religion-No feeding of the trolls-This isn’t a male version of The View Olisaemeka Udoh Jersey nfl draft , so leave the gender hatred at the door-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer-If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away-While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm.With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on. Don’t annoy your waiter, try the Bud Light in the can and as always, Welcome Aboard!