Minnesota Vikings: Joe Berger not giving up on being a starter
By Adam Carlson
Joe Berger did an excellent job starting at center for the Minnesota Vikings last year, but will face huge competition from John Sullivan this season.
Last year’s injury to John Sullivan opened up a great opportunity for backup Joe Berger. When a starter who is known for playing at a high level goes down, the player behind them on the depth chart is usually a big downgrade, but that wasn’t the case at center last year.
Related Story: Joe Berger is a Swiss army knife
In fact, Joe Berger earned a ton of praise last year for his play. Pro Football Focus singled him out as one of the best players who aren’t getting any respect, pointing out that he was the highest graded player at the center position last year.
This is why it was strange that Berger wasn’t a priority free agent for other teams. After not being swooped up by a team with a major need at the position, the 34-year-old backup returned to the Vikings, knowing that Sullivan could be returning and taking over the starting role.
But Berger isn’t quite ready to hand over the keys to the starting gig quite yet, as discussed in this video from WCCO CBS Minneapolis:
Although he has tons of respect for Sullivan, he is well aware of his excellent play last year and has continued to work hard to prove that he can be considered for a starting job, even if it isn’t at center.
"“John’s a great guy. He’s been a great center here for a long time, and, you know, he does nothing but help the room. So having him healthy is a benefit all around, no question,” Berger said. ‘The good thing is that’s not my job to evaluate it. I’m trying to get better. I think I’ve been improving every day. That’s what camp’s for, and that’s what I’m focusing on.”"
Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview
No matter what happens with Joe Berger, he will be an asset to the Minnesota Vikings. He is a starting caliber player who will be extremely valuable anywhere on the interior of the offensive line, no matter if he is a starter or backup. Either way, the veteran lineman will be an important part of the team in 2016.