Depleted Vikings OL Gets Tall Task on Sunday
On Friday, Kevin O’Connell announced that starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw would be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. That’s unfortunate, but a logical outcome to a season that has essentially failed to launch.
Minnesota’s offensive line issues have snowballed late in the season, and Sunday’s matchup puts that weakness under a microscope against a Giants defense capable of exploiting protection breakdowns.
Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury last year. He was expected to return healthy this year, but wasn’t ready for the first two weeks, and has never been fully cleared since.
A Short-Handed Vikings Offensive Line Faces Pressure
A consistent member of the injury report all year, it’s hard to believe the Vikings’ suggestion that he didn’t suffer a setback or that there isn’t more to worry about.
Beyond just Darrisaw being out of action, it’s possible that right tackle Brian O’Neill may not play either. Currently listed as questionable, and having missed action earlier this year, that is a situation to monitor.
Minnesota paid a boatload of money for its offensive line this offseason. It hasn’t come close to what had been planned, and that’s a problem. Young quarterback J.J. McCarthy will again be down key members of his protection squad on Sunday, but the opponent matters too.
Dexter Lawrence is one of the best interior offensive linemen in football. He is exceptional against the run and can generate pressure up the middle against the pass. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Vikings double him.
The problem is that New York has talent on the edges as well. Brian Burns is an elite pass rusher who can get around the corner. Rookie Abdul Carter has continued to take steps forward all year, and he’s capable of getting home as well.
There’s no uncertainty about availability for McCarthy. He’s sure to be down one key lineman and may find himself down two. He’s going to face a quality pass rush, and he has to put himself in a spot where both he and the offense can succeed. These are tests that present themselves throughout an NFL season. McCarthy needs to rise above and compensate for the hand he’s being dealt.
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