Offense had absolutely no rhythm for the first half, couldn’t get out of our own way. Defense was fine but not making any big plays either. Minnesota’s 4th and 1 that turned into a TD felt like a back breaker.
Then something clicked. Pass protection stiffened up a touch, Bryant hit a few passes, then the confidence grew. He made quite a few Big Boy throws while less than fully healthy (I thought Minnesota was taking some liberties on low and late hits, but nary a call). Of course got some help by the face mask, but let’s not overlook how vastly different the offense looked the last quarter and a half or so. Hell, even Bajakian pulled one out of the bag with the throwback call in OT.
Perhaps as interesting as anything, this team seems to have really embraced Braun. I stayed after the last whistle for quite a while (mostly trying to decide if that really happened) and a whole lot of guys genuinely seemed to connect with Braun. He might have cracked open the door for a permanent job just a touch tonight.
More thoughts to come tomorrow. For now, my brain hurts but in a very good way.
Then something clicked. Pass protection stiffened up a touch, Bryant hit a few passes, then the confidence grew. He made quite a few Big Boy throws while less than fully healthy (I thought Minnesota was taking some liberties on low and late hits, but nary a call). Of course got some help by the face mask, but let’s not overlook how vastly different the offense looked the last quarter and a half or so. Hell, even Bajakian pulled one out of the bag with the throwback call in OT.
Perhaps as interesting as anything, this team seems to have really embraced Braun. I stayed after the last whistle for quite a while (mostly trying to decide if that really happened) and a whole lot of guys genuinely seemed to connect with Braun. He might have cracked open the door for a permanent job just a touch tonight.
More thoughts to come tomorrow. For now, my brain hurts but in a very good way.
