Dakota Dozier – OL
The Vikings’ offensive line against the Eagles’ defensive line will be one of the biggest matchups of this Sunday’s game. On paper, the advantage would go to Philadelphia’s stacked defensive line and the loss of Minnesota starting guard Josh Kline is a big reason why.
Kline has been having a huge season for the Vikings. He has been excellent in both pass blocking and opening up holes in the running game. Kline has been better than expected and it’s rare when anything bad happens on the right side of Minnesota’s offensive line when he’s in the lineup.
Unfortunately, the Vikings won’t have Kline this week as he’s already been ruled out with a knee issue. That puts Dakota Dozier into the starting lineup for Minnesota this week.
The last time Dozier started, things didn’t go very well. He was in there against the Bears and Khalil Mack. Not only did Chicago’s front seven torment Kirk Cousins all game long, but they also were able to shut down Dalvin Cook and the Vikings’ rushing attack. That can’t happen against the Eagles on Sunday and Dozier has to step up his play.
Dozier has shown the ability to be a quality NFL lineman. He played well in the preseason and he also performed well when he filled in against the Raiders in Week 3 when Kline went down with a concussion.
Dozier needs to trust the scheme and his technique to try and slow down Fletcher Cox and the Philadelphia pass rushers. If he plays the way he did against the Bears again on Sunday, Cousins and the Vikings’ offense will likely be in for a long afternoon.