Minnesota Vikings Best and Worst: Week 5 vs. New York Giants

(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 18: Pat Elflein #65 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 18, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Seahawks 25-19. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Pat Elflein #65 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The worst thing

It’s weird seeing a player who was so good at one time struggle so badly. Pat Elflein was an All-Rookie Team choice, but his 2018 campaign left much to be desired and he still doesn’t seem like he returned to form for 2019.

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Garrett Bradbury in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft to take over the job at center for Elflein, but even being kicked out to his more natural position at guard hasn’t seen good results.

This week, he missed some assignments and was flagged for holding on several occasions which resulted in pressure on the quarterback or not getting as many yards on a run play as the team could have gotten.

At this point, it has to be questioned a bit as to what the issue is with Elflein. Is it confidence in his body following the injury? Is it hesitation he might get injured again? Is he not 100%? There are so many factors that could contribute to his disappointing performance that it’s tough to pinpoint exactly what the issues are.

However, if Elflein could come close to recapturing the glory he had in his rookie campaign, the offensive line for the Vikings will look much better going forward.