Film Study: Ezra Cleveland’s impact against the Packers

Courtesy of Vikings.com

The right guard spot has been a whirlwind for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 season. Pat Elflein has been on the short term injured reserve following the Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers. The Dru Samia experience did not go well. Meanwhile, rookie Ezra Cleveland’s debut in Week 6 wasn’t fantastic, however, his performance against the Green Bay Packers was inspiring at times. In that game, though, Cleveland both helped and made life harder for Dalvin Cook on Sunday. Although, the good outweighed the bad. 

Let’s get the poor play out of the way first. Cleveland (72) on this play matches up with Kingsley Keke. It appears Cleveland was expecting help in some way on this play as he bumps Keke and immediately turns his attention to the linebacker. Nevertheless, Keke nearly blows up the play, but luckily Cook makes a move and turns it into a 37-yard gain. 

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On this touchdown run by Cook, Cleveland’s job is simple. Although the easier assignment, Cleveland executes it perfectly. He seals down on the nose tackle toward the left side. The push opens up the cut back lane to the right that allows Cook to explode through for the touchdown.

The Vikings found another good chunk play later in the fourth quarter, as well. Cook goes to the opposite side of Cleveland, but either way the rookie’s ability to stick with Kenny Clark through the whole play makes you smile.

 

Arguably Cleveland’s best play came on Cook’s receiving touchdown. Cleveland stalls Clark for enough time for Cook and company to get out in space. Then Cleveland swims around Clark to follow Cook into the second level and cuts down a pursuing Darnell Savage in the secondary to give Cook more space.  

The interior offensive line has been an issue for Minnesota for quite some time. Cleveland hasn’t been perfect but he sure does give hope for Vikings fans.

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