5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers – Week 6
By Chris Schad
Darrisaw will make his first career start
One of the positive developments from the Lions game was the performance of Christian Darrisaw. The Vikings’ first-round pick didn’t allow a single pressure in 16 pass-blocking snaps against Detroit and didn’t look overwhelmed in his first game action along the offensive line.
Meanwhile, Rashod Hill continued to struggle as the team’s starting left tackle. In 22 pass-blocking snaps, Hill allowed a pair of pressures and was pancaked on a sack by Trey Flowers in the third quarter.
Zimmer told reporters on Wednesday that he would evaluate whether Darrisaw will get more playing time in Carolina, but the answer should be obvious. The Vikings didn’t draft Darrisaw 23rd overall just to have him sit behind Hill, and now that he’s healthy, it’s time to throw him into the fire.
Like any rookie, there will be mistakes whenever Darrisaw is inserted into the starting lineup. But with Hill holding the fourth-lowest PFF grade among all offensive linemen, it’s not like Darrisaw could do worse.