4 reasons why Adam Thielen could struggle in 2020
By Nik Edlund
Offensive line could be worse
The Vikings have upgraded many positions this offseason, but one where they arguably got worse was at guard.
Minnesota cut Josh Kline and look set to start unproven Dru Samia in his place at right guard in 2020. Opposite him is Pat Elflein, who despite being God awful for the last season and a half, continues to remain employed by the Vikings.
Minnesota is taking a huge chance by banking on Samia and Elflein. They are hoping Samia is ready for a starting job and he can play up to the high bar that Kline set a season ago. They are taking a bigger chance at letting Elflein start again and just thinking he’ll be better for no apparent reason. If these two struggle in 2020 as many expect them to, the interior pass rush could get to Kirk Cousins.
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If Cousins is indeed running for his life because his guards can’t handle anchoring against interior pressure, it will result in rushed throws or even worse, throwaways. These lost plays will result in lost targets for Adam Thielen and that could lead to lowered production from this star player in 2020.