Vikings’ Line Did the Thing against Cleveland
The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line came into their contest against the Cleveland Browns with more questions than answers.
The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line was in a bad way against the Cleveland Browns, but Christian Darrisaw and company held down Myles Garrett.
Down three starters, Blake Brandel was also acting as a center for the first time in his life. Despite the difficult task ahead of them and the menace that is Myles Garrett opposite them, they more than got the job done.
Alas, the Vikings’ OL Held Up in the Face of Adversity
Christian Darrisaw was out of action for the first two weeks of the season, and his presence was missed. It was clear that Justin Skule was hardly a good option as a replacement, and this remains evident each time he is asked to fill in.
Sunday, though, Darrisaw was among those active, and it was his presence that kept Myles Garrett at bay.
The Browns’ superstar got pressure on Carson Wentz just twice on 34 dropbacks. He didn’t record a sack, and despite the state of disarray for the line as a whole, Cleveland got home just three times. Wentz limited the losses to only 16 yards, and the Vikings never found themselves substantially behind the chains.
If there was an opportunity for Minnesota to get bludgeoned by a good defense going up against their depleted offensive line, this was it. Garrett had four sacks through the first four weeks of the season, and he has been an absolute menace in the league for the duration of his time as a professional. It wasn’t as though the Vikings could solely key in on him given their injury situation, but they certainly kept him at bay.
Had the Vikings lost on Sunday, and the outcome dictated by a pressure-packed performance by Garrett, no one would have been surprised. As the injury reports for Minnesota grew clearer, Garrett’s status clearing up for the Browns continued to draw excitement for both him and Browns fans alike.
Ultimately, though, the Vikings group of misfits banded together and found a way to come out on top. Garrett wasn’t a difference maker, and the makeshift offensive line was hardly a problem. Kevin O’Connell called plays to get the job done, and Minnesota heads home feeling good about what they just accomplished.
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