Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) lines up behind center John Sullivan (65) for a play against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
A second Vikings offensive lineman pops up on Pro Football Focus’ run down of the top 101 players of 2013.
Phil Loadholt was #98, and John Sullivan is #87.
Here’s what PFF had to say about the Vikings’ big man in the middle:
"He wasn’t able to match his 2012 season as he battled back from offseason surgery. A strong finish to the year showed that Sullivan was more than a one-season wonder and worthy of a spot in the Top 101. After turning his first eight games into a +4.5 grade, he was much stronger down the stretch as he finished the year with six grades in the green (something he replicated with his run blocking)."
This is why I like the PFF list way better than the NFL Network annual top 100 list. It’s a list for true NFL wonks. True NFL wonks realize how good a player John Sullivan is.
The guys who do the dirty work in the trenches deserve some appreciation from time to time. So give it up for John Sullivan.
So, two Vikings in the top 101 so far. Will there be any more later on? I can think of another Vikings offensive lineman who got a lot of love from PFF last year. Let’s see if he can make it three Vikings big uglies in the top 101.
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