Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
2. Kyle Rudolph
Let me say right up front that Kyle Rudolph’s issues in 2015 are not entirely of his own making and I understand that.
Rudolph has been less-than-stellar so far this season as an offensive weapon, catching just 14 passes for 104 yards and one TD.
This in a season when Rudolph was expected to emerge. But didn’t we expect the same last season and the season before?
The last couple years Rudolph has had the excuse of injury, but this year he doesn’t have that. He’s been healthy for four games and hasn’t really shown up at all as a receiver in a couple of them.
But, like I said at the start, this lack of production is not entirely Rudolph’s fault. A lot of it has to do with the way the Vikings have been using Rudolph.
I’m sure Norv Turner would love to free up Rudolph to run down the field and become a weapon in his offense but with the struggles of T.J. Clemmings at right tackle, Turner has often had to leave Rudolph in as an extra pass blocker and that has limited how often Rudolph can be targeted.
Until the Vikings get their O-line sorted out, Rudolph is going to have to stay in as a blocker or at least chip pass rushers before he can get into his pattern. That makes it tough for him to get downfield and become a weapon.
That being said, Rudolph has also created some of his own problems. His most memorable play of 2015 so far? A dropped TD in the end zone.
Again, there’s plenty of time for Rudolph to turn it around. But first the Vikings have to get their pass protection sorted out.