The Brand New Vikings Starter Who Wants to Avoid the Week 1 Spotlight
All eyes will be on J.J. McCarthy. In all likelihood, LG1 Donovan Jackson is looking to ensure that’s true from the opening whistle to the final whistle.
Quite often, an offensive lineman jumps off the screen for the wrong reason, such as allowing his quarterback to get pummelled. The fresh Vikings starter at left guard — Mr. Jackson — wants to ensure he isn’t going to be shown in a replay where a defender just earned a fresh career highlight. Quiet excellence, very likely, is the goal for his NFL debut.
Vikings Starter Donovan Jackson and the Week 1 Spotlight
Without question, there are times when an offensive lineman gets onto the highlight reel for a good reason.
Just think back to a moment from Jackson himself in practice at TCO Performance Center. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert captured the excellent block in writing: “Rookie G Donovan Jackson pancaked a Patriots DB on a screen that Aaron Jones Sr. took for a TD. Couldn’t get the DB’s number because he was flying through the air.” Folks, offensive linemen love being able to wallop a defensive back; it’s a moment that will get lots of chatter going while watching film in the OL room.
There are then the moments when guards look for extra work in pass protection — always a good thing — leading to laying out an unsuspecting pass rusher who is busy with an offensive tackle. The guard can work sideways, laying a huge hit into an edge rusher’s shoulder to put him into the turf. For instance, the work from Will Fries:
But then one thinks of the preseason moment when Jackson lost his footing, allowing a defensive tackle to get a paw onto McCarthy’s hip. Yes, that’s a moment that can be explained by getting tripped up in his teammate, but it’s still a massive defender getting into McCarthy’s lap. As a rule, no offensive lineman wants to see his man getting after the quarterback.
Getting scooped up at No. 24 means that pressure is coming for Donovan Jackson. That’s part of being a 1st-Round selection, especially at a position like guard. He’ll need to confront high expectations throughout his career. Anything less than being a strong starter will qualify as a disappointment.
The odd part of his career progression, though, is that the games where he offers quiet play are often going to be the ones where he offers excellent play. Normal fans at home and in the stadium will be following the football. The quarterback passes it to a receiver; the running back brings the ball forward for a good gain. Meanwhile, Jackson is operating in the background (sort of), withstanding the d-line’s advances as he allows the skill guys to earn the spotlight.
His perfect world may even involve getting looped into the touchdown celebration, such as when the big fellas get the chance to spike the ball.
On Monday Night Football, Jackson is going to confront a Bears defense that’s better than most realize. There’s talent within that front seven, so he’ll be tested. Shining on the road and in prime time will be a nice accomplishment for him.
If all goes to plan, Christian Darrisaw will be on the field to help ensure that Donovan Jackson’s first NFL game goes smoothly.
