Josh Kline – RG
It was alluded to earlier in this article, but the Vikings’ offensive line is coming off a tough game against the Broncos. They struggled protecting Kirk Cousins and they couldn’t open up holes for Dalvin Cook and the other backs to run through. Simply put, they were physically outmatched by the Broncos defense.
Things did get better in the second half for Minnesota’s offensive line. Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski decided to go no-huddle a lot of the time and that leveled out the playing field a little bit. Still, it was disheartening to see the Vikings’ offensive line get beat up by Denver and things aren’t going to be any easier on Monday against the Seahawks.
One thing that was missing for Minnesota last time they played was starting right guard Josh Kline. He missed the Broncos game due to his second concussion of the season and not having him in the lineup really brings the entire offensive line down.
Reserve offensive lineman Dakota Dozier has had his promising moments for the Vikings when he’s filled in for Kline, but there is a reason he is a backup. Kline has been a beast opening up holes for Cook and when the veteran guard and Brian O’Neill are manning the right side of Minnesota’s line, pressure rarely comes Cousins’ way.
Getting Kline back healthy for Monday is huge for the Vikings and, hopefully, it will result in the team’s offensive line playing much better than it did in Week 11.