5 biggest disappointments from the Vikings 2021 season
By Adam Carlson
The confusing offensive line situation
Minnesota has invested a lot in their offensive line over the years. Whether it is using top draft picks on linemen or spending a massive amount in free agency to bring in established talent, nothing seemed to get a solid group together.
Brian O’Neill did a great job at right tackle in 2021. When healthy, Christian Darrisaw looked like he could be able to hold down left tackle. Even left guard Ezra Cleveland had times where he had potential.
Things weren’t nearly as solid when it came to the center and right guard. Both those players were consistently thrown backward by larger defensive linemen far too often and it resulted in immediate pressure on the quarterback or contacting the running back in the backfield.
Minnesota can’t seem to get their center position locked down despite using multiple high draft picks over the years. Meanwhile, open competitions at right guard haven’t presented any long-term options.
And don’t get fans started on what could possibly be so bad about rookie Wyatt Davis that he couldn’t sniff the field behind train wrecks like Oli Udoh, Mason Cole, or Dakota Dozier.