5 best pairings on the Minnesota Vikings roster in 2022
By Dean Jones
What are the best pairings available to the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2022 season?
The Minnesota Vikings will need everyone singing from the same hymn sheet if they want to make a big splash in 2022. There seems to be a better mood around the organization after a fresh injection of life thanks to the appointment of head coach Kevin O’Connell, who comes to the franchise on the back of a Super Bowl triumph with the Los Angeles Rams and has a fine reputation in league circles.
O’Connell has his work cut out in the NFC North, so it’s vital things go well during the preparation period. If everything goes according to or better than anticipated, then it’s hard to look at the Vikings roster and think significant progress cannot be made.
It’ll take a collective effort across all phases of play. But Minnesota has some nice depth across the board that can be put to good use throughout what promises to be a fascinating campaign.
With this in mind, here are the five best pairings for the Vikings in 2022.
Pairing No. 1
Brian O’Neill & Christian Darrisaw – OTs
This is something that the Vikings will be hoping for. A consistent bookend tackle presence that can give quarterback Kirk Cousins additional time in the pocket and pave the way for running back Dalvin Cook to gain significant yardage off the edge.
Christian Darrisaw certainly looked the part on occasions. But his rookie campaign was frustrated by injury and it remains to be seen whether or not the 2021 first-round pick can hit the ground running this time around.
There are no such complications with Brian O’Neill. The Pittsburgh product gave up just one sack from 1,140 snaps last season and is widely regarded as one of the best right tackles in the league.