3 Vikings matchups to watch in Week 9 vs. the Chiefs
By Chris Schad
Vikings defensive line vs. Chiefs offensive line
The Vikings’ defensive line has long been one of the catalysts for what Mike Zimmer wants to do on defense and on Sunday, it should get a good chance to flex its muscle.
Coming into this week’s game, the Vikings have collected 23 sacks, which ranks eighth in the NFL. While Danielle Hunter has led the way with eight sacks in the first half, he’ll be matched up against the Chiefs’ best offensive lineman in Mitchell Schwartz. The right tackle has allowed just 10 quarterback pressures on the season, so it will be on the rest of the defensive line to step up.
Fortunately for Minnesota, the rest of Kansas City’s offensive line is banged up. Eric Fisher and Andrew Wylie both missed last week’s game against the Packers and that should leave Everson Griffen to go up against Cam Erving, who has allowed 20 QB pressures this season (24th among offensive linemen).
Even on the interior, Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph may have a chance to build off his three sacks this year while going up against Chiefs offensive linemen Martinas Rankin, Austin Reiter, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.
Must Read. Midseason grades for the 2019 Vikings offense. light
With Kansas City’s offensive line in shambles, Minnesota should be able to put pressure on Matt Moore, who was great under pressure last week with a 124.4 quarterback rating, but he only had nine dropbacks under pressure. The Vikings will need more than that and if they’re able to get it, they should shut down the Chiefs’ offense on Sunday afternoon.