There are plenty of issues that have impacted the Vikings’ offense through the first five games of the season. The most obvious was the concussion that QB Kyler Murray suffered in the first quarter of the opener against the Green Bay Packers.
Superstar wide out Justin Jefferson suffered a sprained ankle in Week 3, while tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a concussion, Jordan Addison has had a hamstring issue and running back Jordan Mason had a broken thumb. OT Christian Darrisaw has been out with a concussion and OG Donovan Jackson is done for the year with a torn meniscus.
With the exception of the Jackson injury, the Vikings could have nearly their full complement this week against the Indianapolis Colts. That’s a positive development, but the key to the rest of the season is the offensive line’s performance.
As the season got underway, the thought was that the presence of Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill at left and right tackle, respectively, would serve as the anchors of the offensive line. Darrisaw has had a difficult time staying healthy and O’Neill has been inconsistent.
Joe Huber has taken over at left guard for Jackson, and he has gotten passing grades in his first two games. Center Blake Brandel and right guard Will Fries have stayed healthy. While the Vikings offense played well in Week 5 against the Saints, the offensive line has yet to assert itself, and there are major questions if that will happen.
The Vikings have a relatively simple assignment in Week 7 against the Colts, and they should get through that game. However, the schedule turns to iron in Week 8 and beyond with consecutive games against the Lions, Bills, Packers and 49ers.
If there are any weaknesses, soft spots or ordinary performances with the OL, the Vikings undefeated season will disappear in a heartbeat.
The likelihood of the Vikings winning the majority of those games even if the offensive line performs well is slim. It might take a sensational performance to go 2-2 against that foursome.
The offensive line has been an issue for the Vikings throughout Kevin O’Connell’s tenure. That unit has let the team down at one point or another in each of O’Connell’s four previous seasons, and it would be something of a shocker if that didn’t happen again this year.
The Vikings have the best defense in the league and outstanding special teams. They are expected to have a winning season, but the key to their overall success will be how well their damaged offensive line performs against the toughest opponents.
