3 most disappointing Vikings in the Week 15 loss to the Bears

Ezra Cleveland – RG

The Vikings offensive line has been picked apart and pointed out plenty of times this season and blame can be placed at basically every position.

Minnesota left guard Dakota Dozier has been given plenty of blame for his poor play but maybe it is time we point out the shortcomings of the team’s other guard, rookie Ezra Cleveland.

When Cleveland was thrust into a starting spot in place of the struggling Dru Samia, it gave the offensive line a bit of a boost and they played much better. The line held up well against the Green Bay Packers, dominated the Detroit Lions, and then matched the Bears’ physicality in the first matchup at Soldier Field.

Since the first Bears game, the Vikings offensive line has gotten progressively worse. They have been overpowered by just about every team they’ve faced and this includes struggling teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Cleveland has struggled right alongside the rest of his linemates and some plays he had against the Bears were downright embarrassing.

On the first offensive snap of the game, Cleveland whiffed on his block and then fell to the ground as his assignment sidestepped him and sacked Cousins.

He also was overpowered plenty of times as Chicago defensive linemen Bilal Nichols and Akiem Hicks proved to be too much. Cleveland has had some solid moments this season, but his performance against the Bears was definitely not one of them.