Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Is A Huge Mess

The Minnesota Vikings entered this season with most people thinking the offensive line would be one of the team’s strong suits. All five starters from the previous season returned to protect their quarterback and help block for the running backs. Instead, the Vikings were surprised to find their offensive line being ineffective and decimated by injuries.

When the preseason first started, things looked okay. Aside from a couple players struggling on the offensive line, they appeared to be a decent enough group. But the struggles continued for some and the injury bug began to hit others.

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman

Brandon Fusco

(63) against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

On September 24th, Right Guard Brandon Fusco was placed on season ending Injured Reserve after tearing his pectoral muscle. In his place, Vladimir Ducasse was plugged in to the lineup until he was eventually replaced by veteran Joe Berger. Even Berger has found his struggles, earning a negative grade from Pro Football Focus in the Vikings November 23rd game against the Green Bay Packers.

The right side of the offensive line took another hit on November 24th when it was discovered that Phil Loadholt had suffered a torn pectoral muscle as well. Behind Loadholt on the depth chart is 25 year old offensive tackle Mike Harris, who was an undrafted free agent by San Diego in 2012. Harris has some big shoes to fill, literally, at the right tackle spot.

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle

Matt Kalil

(75) blocks against the Cleveland Browns pass in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns win 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

When you add in the head scratching struggles of left tackle Matt Kalil and the relative ineffectiveness of left guard Charlie Johnson, things are looking rough for the Minnesota Vikings offensive line. Kalil has recently earned the ire of many Vikings fans after consistently giving up pressures and even having an “incident” with a fan that heckled him after the Green Bay game.

The only effective mainstay on the team’s offensive line is center John Sullivan. Sullivan has held down the center position since 2009 when he took over for Matt Birk after he left the team in free agency. Since then, he’s been a reliable player that fans can count on.

Minnesota’s offensive line is something that should be a major concern to the team and their fan base. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is struggling to deal with quickly collapsing pockets during plays that need a little time to develop. Bridgewater has already had to work with Adrian Peterson‘s suspension, Kyle Rudolph‘s injury, and a struggling Cordarrelle Patterson, but when you add that to the struggles on the offensive line it could feel overwhelming for the young passer.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Vikings try to address their offensive line issues and depth problems in free agency or the NFL Draft during the offseason. This team needs to fix their offensive issues, and that starts in the trenches with the big men blocking.

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