Pat Elflein returns to lead Minnesota Vikings offensive line

All Hands On Deck

In 2018, Elflein returns to a Minnesota Vikings offensive line that has already been considered somewhat ‘makeshift’ in its first two weeks. With starting guard Nick Easton lost for the year to injury and Mike Remmers moved inside to guard, the Vikings have survived on earnest but far from superior play from guard Tom Compton, new center Brett Jones and right tackle Rashod Hill.

The Vikings running game has been nearly non-existent, ranking in the NFL basement in yards, average, and touchdowns.

Elflein will now solidify a Vikings offensive line with more power in its punch as well as one that will move and attack more, as Elflein proved last year that he was as effective in downfield blocking as any center in the league.

Tom Compton will most likely return to backup status as Brett Jones will fill his spot as guard, and with a little luck and some more time in the weight room, rookie right tackle Brian O’Neill will replace Hill and be consistently effective.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have shown they can protect quarterback Kirk Cousins in the throwing pocket. Both they and line coaches Clancy Barone and Andrew Janocko deserve credit for this. They’ve picked up the blitz well and given their offensive leader the chance to deliver big plays in both games this season.

But let’s face it, an offensive line wants to “grade road” when it shows its talent and toughness. What fans’ saw in 2017, when Dalvin Cook was hitting the crease, or choosing his running lane and taking off, is just not there. Cook has the eye, the wiggle, the burst, but he’s never been a power back.

He needs a guy to crack the door a bit.

Yes, it’s true that Dalvin will sit this Buffalo game out. News has also circulated that Elflein may not start the contest at center on Sunday afternoon. But in the case of an out-matched Bills team, this doesn’t seem critical. The young center will play and take his lumps in getting back into game shape.

After that, Elflein needs to take his place back at the head of the Minnesota Vikings offensive line and lead his unit–and team–to ultimate success.