The Minnesota Vikings offensive line did a good job last week at protecting their rookie quarterback. In the contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team allowed Teddy Bridgewater to only be sacked once on the day.
Things won’t be as easy for the Vikings this week. The Washington Redskins visit Minnesota this week and bring a potent pass rush with them. That crew is led by linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan currently leads Washington in sacks, notching 7,5 sacks in this season and has adding two forced fumbles.
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota will have problems containing Kerrigan’s pass rush. Kerrigan will most likely be rushing at the right side of the Vikings offensive line, where Phil Loadholt has been struggling pretty badly in pass protection this season. In fact, Loadholt has given up more sacks, hits, and total pressures on the year than Matt Kalil, who has been the scapegoat of this offensive line for most of the season. The Vikings will have to be aware of his location at all times.
Other than Kerrigan, the Redskins don’t have a player how has more than 3 sacks on the year according to ESPN.com. If the Vikings can take away his effectiveness, they have a pretty good chance containing the Washington pass rush.
The Vikings play the Redskins on Sunday at noon CT live from Minnesota. Both teams are coming off underdog wins in overtime last week and look to keep their momentum going. This should be a closely contested game, so don’t miss it!