Jan 11, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) and the offense lines up agains the San Francisco 49ers defense during the first half in the NFC Divisional Round playoff football game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings have sought consistency on the offensive line for quite some time. Over the past couple of seasons, they have finally found it. Fast forward to a year from now, and it’s worth wondering if the same group will remain intact.
It wasn’t long ago that Minnesota Vikings starting center Garrett Bradbury looked like he needed to be out of the league, let alone off the roster. He has since turned the tide on expectations from his talent, and Kevin O’Connell’s offensive line has significantly benefited from that. It remains to be seen if he can substantiate that again for another season, though, which may necessitate another move.
On top of just Bradbury, there couldn’t be a bigger question mark than Ed Ingram. Initially expected to be displaced by Dalton Risner, Ingram provided an uptick in performance and wound up hanging onto his guard position throughout last season. Now, in a battle with the aforementioned Risner and Blake Brandel, Ingram could be on the outs due to either player next season.
The only set thing the Vikings have going for them into the future is their bookends. Of course, that’s a great thing to have set in stone. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are among the best tandems in the NFL. The former will get a big extension next season, and the right guard has already been paid handsomely.
What the Vikings do in the middle of their line this season remains to be seen. Bradbury is cemented at the center position but may not be next year. The guard spots aren’t even set now, and the way any of the three play throughout the season will determine their roles a year from now. Sam Darnold needs the group to perform at a high level if he is going to resurrect his career in Minnesota, and J.J. McCarthy needs the unit to give him time to process when he first steps in.
Changes at the quarterback position are those most notable when franchises rip off that band-aid, but it is the group that protects them where consistency is vital. The Vikings have sought a strong offensive line for years, and although they don’t rank atop the league, they are in a much better position than has previously been experienced.
The group exceeding expectations and making an easy decision to run back next year would be a great outcome.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.