Offensive tackle Andre Smith is learning a new system after signing with the Minnesota Vikings from the Cincinnati Bengals during the offseason.
Changing teams means a lot more than just getting a new batch of coaches and teammates. Many teams use different schemes, formations and terminology to get their desired results. For offensive tackle Andre Smith, the learning curve during his first year with the Minnesota Vikings is a big one.
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Since being the #6 overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, Smith has been a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Over that time, he’s been a starter for 73 games and earned a spot as a Pro Football Focus All-Pro in 2012. However, he may need to start from scratch after signing with the Vikings.
According a great interview on Scout.com, Andre Smith discussed forgetting everything he knows and trying to absorb everything the coaches are throwing at him.
"“It’s totally different. I’ve got to erase all that. Now everything is coming a lot easier,” he said. “We’re actually on the field and we’re going through it against moving competition.”"
At least there will a few familiar faces on the Minnesota Vikings team to help him along. Smith was at the Bengals when Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, cornerback Terence Newman and linebacker Emanuel Lemur were there. Thankfully, they have been supportive and having them around has made the transition easier.
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"“Zimmer, having a relationship with him and knowing Terence and E-man signed before I did here also, knowing those two guys and having a relationship with Zimmer, it just made the transition easier,” Smith said."
Despite having friends already on the team and help from the players and coaching staff, there is still a lot to learn. New offensive line coach Tony Sparano and assistant offensive line coach Hank Fraley are trying to act as the team’s rosetta stone, to help translate some of the things Smith already knows into practices that work with the Minnesota Vikings.
"“You always have a learning curve learning a new system, but the way they communicate, Tony and Hank do a great job of giving us information. They translate it enough to where it’s easy to put in. It’s been pretty good.”"
Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview
This season, Andre Smith will battle with Phil Loadholt for the starting right tackle position on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line. This could be an interesting battle. If Smith can put everything he learns to use, he could save a solid chance of unseating Loadholt, as an injury may keep from playing like the road grader he was in the past.