The Minnesota Vikings will likely decide after this weekend whether to start Joe Berger or John Sullivan at center.
Joe Berger has worked a lot at right guard with Brandon Fusco hurt but not very much at center. But Fusco is ready to return and this weekend Berger is expected to be back at center.
John Sullivan also is expected to get some reps at center against the Chargers. Sounds to me like the makings of a Center Smackdown.
Offensive line coach Tony Sparano told the St. Paul Pioneer-Press that this upcoming game likely will decide who starts at center.
A quick rundown of the two combatants:
2015 starter Joe Berger
How dominating was Berger as a run blocker last year? PFF chose him as one of their top 50 players. He seems ideally suited to the Vikings’ run-heavy offensive attack.
2009-2014 starter John Sullivan
Sullivan’s 2015 season came to a premature end due to a back injury. Early on it appeared Sullivan might be able to return but the back never recovered enough for him to get back on the field.
For a stretch of years Sullivan was one of the better centers in the NFL and was the undoubted anchor of the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line. Now 31 and coming off a missed season, Sullivan has to prove he can still get it done physically.
The argument for Berger to start: He did a great job in 2015 and should continue doing a great job this year. He obviously works well with Teddy Bridgewater so why mess with that? He’s an experienced vet and you can count on him.
The argument for Sullivan to start: He was a very good player before his injury and could return to that form. He is a veteran leader. Playing him allows Berger to return to being a backup.
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The Vikings already know what they have in Joe Berger, so this weekend’s game isn’t so much about how he plays, it’s more about seeing how Sullivan looks.
If Sullivan appears solid I see no reason why Tony Sparano wouldn’t want him to start. If Sullivan falters, Berger is ready to step in.
Ultimately, the Vikings would be better off with Sullivan in there. Berger has a ton of value as a guy who can backup multiple positions.