Ezra Cleveland – LG
Ezra Cleveland is a name not seen on this list very often, especially this season. The dude just quietly does his job and does it extremely well. He holds his own in pass protection, opens up holes in the running game, and rarely gets flagged for a hold or false start.
Last Sunday, however, just wasn’t Cleveland’s day. Ezra was beaten many times, often getting pushed back into Cousins or just not being quick enough off the ball to beat his man to the punch. The Vikings stalled after their initial drive in this game and the offensive line not being able to open up holes in the run game or protect Cousins in the pocket was a big reason why.
Credit does have to be given to Washington’s defensive line. They have some studs there in Da’Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen, and those two dudes made Cleveland and the Vikings’ interior look foolish.
Cleveland has been very solid this season and is rarely on the disappointing list. Things won’t get easier next week against the Bills, but let’s hope he doesn’t make it two in a row.