The Rookie Linemen
Garrett Bradbury once again got the start at center for the Vikings on Sunday, making it 10-straight games for the rookie. He had a bad performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9, but he did a much better job in Minnesota’s win over the Cowboys.
Bradbury excelled in run blocking as he was able to crack down and seal some defensive lineman while also getting to the second level and making some blocks that allowed Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison to scamper for extra yardage.
Bradbury also held his own in pass protection against Dallas. Kirk Cousins did take a few hits, but those mostly came over the tackles. The Vikings’ young center anchored well and he held off the interior big men of the Cowboys defense for most of the night.
What was most impressive about Bradbury’s performance on Sunday was that he didn’t allow the big spot or noise of AT&T Stadium affect him. He had clean snaps all game long and he was able to communicate the Dallas’ coverages to his teammates with little to no problems. Bradbury bounced back in a big way in Week 10 at a time when the team needed him the most.
Against the Cowboys, the Vikings also finally got a defensive rookie some playing time and it was long overdue. With Linval Joseph out with a knee injury, rookie defensive tackle Armon Watts got the call to suit up and he saw his first action of the season on Sunday.
The kid certainly made the most of his opportunity. Watts was in on a rotational basis and he was able to rack up three tackles and half a sack. He played quite well as he was able to provide interior pressure during his time on the field.
His performance in Dallas wasn’t surprising considering how good Watts looked this past preseason. The biggest question that remains about this young defensive tackle is why he wasn’t worked into the rotation earlier in the season.