4 ways the Minnesota Vikings can make Sam Darnold’s life hell in Week 6
By Dean Jones
Use Griffen and Hunter on the interior
Remember that memorable playoff win at the New Orleans Saints?
It might be worth the Minnesota Vikings adopting a similar approach in Week 6 to further complicate matters for Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers are struggling in pass protection on the interior. Darnold is under duress almost constantly and the Philadelphia Eagles proved last week that pressure can be generated with just four guys if the right scheme is in place.
Mike Zimmer will no doubt have a trick or two up his sleeve. One potential option is switching Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen into the defensive tackle spots in obvious pass-rushing situations.
This is something that bamboozled Drew Brees once upon a time. And there’s nothing to suggest the Pro Bowl tandem cannot have their way with the likes of Dennis Daley, John Miller, and Matt Paradis.
All three players are suspect blockers. Putting Hunter and Griffen on them is only going to make matters worse for Darnold, who is prone to mistakes when the pocket collapses quickly around him.
Minnesota might not need to switch the duo. But this is a nice possibility to call upon if Zimmer sees fit.