The Vikings Shuffle Large Lads as Trench Health Shows Signs of Improvement
Seeing the Vikings shuffle around the large lads points to a basic reality: the trenches are getting healthier.
Recently, the decision was made to move on from offensive tackle Matt Waletzko. The towering tackle — someone who stands at 6’8″ — was shaved off the practice squad. Minnesota then re-welcomed interior offensive lineman Vershon Lee alongside tight end Nick Vannett. Both are back on the practice squad after losing spots on the 53-man roster.
The Vikings Shuffle Large Lads
Start off with possibly the best addition to occur during the season: getting Christian Darrisaw back at LT1.
Mr. Darrisaw generates easy power in his mitts. He’s very nimble and has worked very hard getting back onto the football field. Darrisaw’s return has come with a pitch count, seeing his playing time managed as he works back into game shape. Taking the restrictions off of him will function as a major boost. Presumably, that day is getting closer since he hasn’t experienced any health setbacks.
Whoever is passing the ball — either of J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz — is going to have an easier time with Christian Darrisaw out there as a bodyguard.
Meanwhile, starting left guard Donovan Jackson appears to be trending in an optimistic direction. The rookie has been solid to start his pro career. In time, perhaps, he can ascend toward offering elite play. If so, the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can look back at that draft selection with ample satisfaction (a feeling that has sometimes eluded the GM when using hindsight to evaluate draft picks).
Just restoring those two players on a full-time basis — Christian Darrisaw & Donovan Jackson — is a major deal. The Vikings then get the luxury of shifting the focus toward center and to the right side of the line. Maybe that means keeping a runner like C.J. Ham back to block; maybe that means stapling Josh Oliver onto the right side.
Minnesota will roll with either Michael Jurgens or Blake Brandel in Week 7. Jurgens offers more experience at center, making him attractive as someone to step in for Ryan Kelly. But Brandel is someone with ample experience, a player who has been alongside Kevin O’Connell since the head coach arrived in the Twin Cities. Brandel, quite possibly, could be the center who is best equipped to decode a defense in real time.
Will Fries has soaked up the playing time at RG1 while the RT spot has seen a trio of players worked into the mix. All of Brian O’Neill, Justin Skule, and Walter Rouse are getting chances at that spot. If healthy, O’Neill is the preferred option by a country mile.
To much acclaim, the Vikings invested heavily in the offensive line during the offseason. Partnering the terrific tackle twosome (Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill) with all of Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, and Will Fries was supposed to supercharge the offense, keeping J.J. McCarthy on his feet while the ground game finally found a way of chewing up yards. So far, the desired o-line has yet to come to life due to the buffet of injuries.
In the NFL, actions speak far louder than words. The simple reality that Minnesota is willing to shuffle around players up front is an indication that the preferred options are getting healthy. Look for a minimum of three of the preferred five on the field in Week 7.
The wild card is Mr. O’Neill, someone who is nursing a poor MCL but who isn’t on the IR. He tried to get back into the game that he hurt his knee (Week 4 in Dublin) but one wonders how much adrenaline played a role in that desire.
At the earliest, Week 10 is when the complete five can get leaned on since that’s the earliest that Kelly can be activated. A full offensive line for the final several games of the year would be a huge boost.
The team’s next game arrives on Sunday, October 19th. The Eagles’ impressive defensive front will be flying into U.S. Bank Stadium.
