Minnesota Vikings vs. 49ers: Four areas of concern

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Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) prepares to take the snap from offensive lineman Joe Berger (61) in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

4. Offensive line a mess

How much do the Vikings miss John Sullivan?

Let’s just say, after last night, it’s pretty obvious that Joe Berger is no John Sullivan.

Berger may be a competent player but there’s a reason he’s a backup. Last night he was brutal, getting no push against the run and missing blocks that allowed 49ers defenders to get free runs at Teddy Bridgewater.

The importance of a player like Sullivan becomes evident when you see Berger out there looking totally lost at times.

Let’s not give a free pass to Brandon Fusco who was also responsible for allowing a ton of pressure to come up-the-middle and right into Teddy Bridgewater’s face.

We knew this offensive line might have issues and last night a lot of those concerns were borne out.

The only man who held up decently was Matt Kalil, who also happens to be the only current starting O-lineman playing in the spot he played last year.

I guess when you have shuffled four-out-of-five offensive line positions, you can expect some struggles.

I don’t know what the answer here is except to hope that those men can begin to gel quickly. Because if they keep playing like they did last night, it’s going to be a very long season.

Next: Colin Kaepernick destroyed by Harrison Smith

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