The bye week is a natural time for teams to rest but also evaluate performances through the early part of the season.

While there are perhaps more glaring issues facing the Vikings — offensive line play and perhaps even the continued struggles of Blair Walsh fit this category — it's worth noting that their run defense still needs work.

Overall, the Vikings rank 28th in the league in both rushing yards allowed per game (125.5) and yards per attempt (4.7). It's been better since the 49ers debacle, but they're still giving up a middling 4.0 yards per carry since then.

takedown Katie Nolan of foxsports.com had a thorough evisceration of the Cowboys' Greg Hardy and the NFL. Find the video on her YouTube page.

foreshadowing I saw Jake Arrieta throw a two-hitter while clubbing a homer of his own at Wrigley in July. He was just as dominant Wednesday.