Midseason grades for the 2019 Minnesota Vikings offense

Grading the Offensive Line

If there was one unit that played the biggest role in sabotaging the Vikings’ 2018 season, it was the offensive line. Even though they got off to a rough start this year (outside of run blocking), they have gotten progressively better and have helped make life easier for Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins.

The biggest improvement for the offensive line has been their pass blocking. A year ago, Cousins had 2.54 seconds to throw before contact according to Pro Football Focus. After ranking 16th in that metric, the revamped offensive line has paid off giving Cousins 2.87 seconds to throw — the most time in the NFL.

A big reason for this has been the success of right tackle Brian O’Neill, who actually gave up his first sack of the year in Thursday’s win over Washington. Riley Reiff has also had a solid bounce-back season at left tackle while Josh Kline has been a good addition at right guard.

Despite the improvements, there have been some disappointments, mainly in left guard Pat Elflein. The Vikings had hoped that a move back to his natural position of guard would help, but Elflein is tied for the lead on Minnesota’s line with 16 quarterback pressures allowed this season. Unlike rookie center Garrett Bradbury, who has improved throughout the year, Elflein has struggled, which should be interesting moving forward.

O’Neill Grade: A

Reiff Grade: B+

Kline Grade: B

Bradbury Grade: B-

Elflein Grade: D