The Viking Age
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Vikings offensive line: The biggest battle of training camp

By Jordan Wright

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) watches as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates a sack on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Minnesota 17 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) watches as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates a sack on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Minnesota 17 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) greets offensive tackle Matt Kalil (75) before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) greets offensive tackle Matt Kalil (75) before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Blocking

If someone only looked at the rushing production from the 2015 season, it would appear at first glance that the offensive line was serviceable. Adrian Peterson was able to lead the league in yards and rushing touchdowns, and he couldn’t have done that without decent run blocking in front of him.

According to NFL.com, the Vikings were third in the league last season with 4.7 yards per rush. Part of that was because of Joe Berger, who stepped in and played very well when Sullivan went down with another back injury. However, the biggest reason for the success on the ground was Adrian Peterson, who sat out most of 2014 and wanted to come back and show everyone he was still the dominant player he’s always been.

When you start looking at the Vikings’ pass blocking, that’s where things really start to get ugly. The big uglies who are supposed to protect Teddy Bridgewater allowed him to be sacked 45 times, which was the eighth most in the league. When you consider the Vikings were dead last in the NFL in pass attempts, the 45 sacks become even more hideous. Pro Football Reference has the Vikings beating out only the San Francisco 49ers in sack percentage, allowing a sack on nine percent of Teddy’s drop backs (which surely would’ve been a lot higher had Teddy not been a magician in the pocket most games).

I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. Anyone who watched a Vikings game last season could see the offensive line was the weakest link on the team. The Vikings certainly made some changes this off-season, but have they done enough?

Next: Some new faces to the team

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