Goat of the week: TJ Clemmings
Even in a lights-out performance from the Vikings, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Second-year tackle TJ Clemmings, who has been forced into action at left tackle due to Matt Kalil’s season ending injury, was downright awful.
In pass-protection, often seemed to be a step slow getting off the line, allowing Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to blow past him for two sacks. In run blocking, which is supposed to be more of a strength for Clemmings, he failed to get much push at all, allowing Jadeveon Clowney to stuff runs in the backfield all day.
While many didn’t think it was even possible, Clemmings has been a clear step down from resident draft bust Matt Kalil.
Just how bad was Clemmings? The Vikings are reportedly considering bringing in veteran Jake Long, who has played a grand total of 11 snaps since 2014.
Clemmings’ poor play didn’t significantly impact the Vikings today, but if he can’t find a way to rapidly improve – or the Vikings can’t find anyone better – it could spell major trouble for the Vikings down the road.