Minnesota Vikings offensive line learning from Sparano
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings brought in Tony Sparano to help with the team’s offensive line, and they appear to be getting their money’s worth with the new coach.
Finding a reliable group to work along the offensive line for the Minnesota Vikings has been a challenge. Decimated by injuries last year and players in new positions, the team struggled to protect quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and create running lanes for Adrian Peterson.
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To help correct this, the team went out and picked up free agent guard Alex Boone, but it was a different addition to the team which may have the biggest impact of all on the Vikings offensive line.
Tony Sparano brings a different attitude and mindset to Minnesota. According to an article on 1500ESPN.com, the former Miami Dolphins head coach and offensive line specialist is sending this offensive line in a different direction.
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"“I knew that we had to get some things going in a different direction with that group. And it wasn’t a complete group,” Sparano said. “In studying them, I felt like it’s a group that if they can make another jump here, we’d have a chance to be pretty good.”"
Before hiring Sparano, head coach Mike Zimmer spoke about wanting a change in attitude on the offensive line. He was looking for players with a mean streak who can take control of a game and meet their potential. Getting Boone in free agency was a big step in the right direction, but Sparano is attacking the offensive line problems in a different way.
"“It’s different – I mean the way they work, the way they do things, everything is different,” Zimmer said. “It’s a different mentality, a different work ethic…So all of that stuff I like, I like it.”"
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Tony Sparano will be working hard to help a struggling Minnesota Vikings offense improve. Last year, they were near the bottom of the league in passing statistics and could do a lot to help the NFL’s leading rushing Adrian Peterson be even better. But, for now, it’s good to see Sparano has this offensive line focused and ready to work.