Minnesota’s Offensive Line
The Vikings made a few moves in the past offseason that really improved their offensive line from what it was in 2018. They drafted Garrett Bradbury and signed free-agent guard Josh Kline. Those two moves have made a huge difference and the line is much better as a whole as Minnesota’s rushing attack has been one of the best in the NFL this season.
While the Vikings’ offensive line is definitely better this year, it still has its issues. It seems to play well one week and then not so great the next. Consistency has been an issue and it’s not even as a whole either.
Some weeks the pass protection is crap, but the run blocking isn’t. Other times the run blocking is poor, but the pass protection is decent. Some of this has to do with Kline being out with concussions. But for the most part, the up-and-down play of the line has just been part of who the 2019 Minnesota Vikings are.
The only thing consistent about the Vikings offensive line this year is that it struggles against good defenses. Minnesota couldn’t move the ball against the Chicago Bears early in the season and against the Denver Broncos in Week 11, especially in the first half, there was little room to run and Kirk Cousins was sacked five times.
If the Vikings are going to advance far in the playoffs, the offensive line is going to have to hold up against some good defenses. The Saints and 49ers both have stout front sevens and Minnesota’s line already faltered against the Seahawks big men in Week 13.
The Vikings have to be able to run the football and keep Cousins upright against any defense they face in the postseason this year. If they can do that against the best teams in the NFC, then Minnesota could still be playing in February. If not, they’ll be home in early January.