#3: Right tackle battles
If there was one word to describe the right tackle play during the Minnesota Vikings first preseason game, it is “YUCK”.
Andre Smith may have struggled because of familiar opposition and a new system, but he was still less than impressive. Although he was seen making a key block during the long pass from Bridgewater to Johnson, he didn’t show the kind of consistency needed from a player at right tackle.
Smith will likely get another, possibly longer, look against the Seahawks. Minnesota needs to know if they are will be playing the veteran as the starting right tackle for the season or not. This is very important, because the man replacing him was a rookie last year who could use as many snaps as possible if he is going to be starting.
As Mike Zimmer said recently, protecting Bridgewater and creating running holes will be a priority this season, and if the team feels Smith isn’t the man for the job, they’ll have no problem handing over the keys.
Next: #4: Developing Trae Waynes.