The Minnesota Vikings need their offensive line to be much-improved in 2016, but more-and-more issues keep cropping up.
After two preseason games we can say this with certainty about the Vikings’ new-look offensive line: It’s still a work-in-progress.
Nobody said it would be easy and so far it hasn’t been.
Pass protection issues were the big talker after preseason game one. Starting right tackle Andre Smith was briefly busted down to the second-team after allowing a sack of Teddy Bridgewater.
Smith is a big part of the rebuild but so far he’s been unimpressive.
After game two, lack of run blocking was a bigger story than pass protection.
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The Vikings’ running game has failed to get on-track so far. The line just isn’t getting push and the holes just aren’t opening up.
Jerick McKinnon indicated that changes in the offense have contributed to the problems (via St. Paul Pioneer-Press):
"“No cause for concern,” said McKinnon, a third-year running back. “We’ll come out here and work hard every day on that. We’ve got to keep practicing; there are some new things that we have in that we’re still working our way through, but for the most part, everybody’s doing great and everybody’s making progress.”"
Tony Sparano and Pat Shurmur were brought in to make changes, and it’s going to take time for players to get accustomed.
Injuries also are an on-going concern.
Brandon Fusco has been out for two straight games, and now Matt Kalil’s status is up-in-the-air after a practice injury.
John Sullivan is still battling back after missing all of last season with a back problem and we don’t yet know if he will regain his old form.
Next: Fans have reason to worry about Teddy
Old stand-by Joe Berger has been a steady performer for the Vikings, so there’s a positive if you need one.
Rank these issues however you want. Health has to be high on the list, and pass protection as always is right up there too.
The Vikings’ running game should come around eventually you have to believe, so I don’t think we need worry too much about that.
This weekend’s game will give us a good look at where the Vikings are in getting their offensive line up to speed. Hopefully everyone will be healthy and ready to go.