Chris Reed – C
The game against the Bears was Chris Reed‘s first start at center. It wasn’t a disaster by any means, but it also shouldn’t make anyone feel overly comfortable going into the game against the Giants and a defensive line that overpowered the Vikings’ interior in the first matchup.
Reed was okay in pass protection, and the same could be said for his run-blocking. Dalvin Cook was hit a few times in the backfield on pressure that came through the middle, but for the most part, there was room for the backs to pick up a yard or two.
The problem with Reed and the reason why he’s on the disappointing list is that the timing just seemed off. There were a handful of times when the Vikings struggled to get the snap off in time.
They were flagged for delay of game once, and Kevin O’Connell had to burn a time-out another, but for the rest, the ball was either just snapped in time or a tick or two after, but a flag wasn’t thrown.
Cousins was visibly upset a couple of times as he gestured to the sideline in frustration. Either Reed was slow snapping the ball, or there was some sort of communication malfunction in Cousins’ helmet.
Reed struggling is the more realistic option, and hopefully, another week of practice and reps irons this shaky exchange out.