Storyline: The Vikings’ offensive line didn’t protect Sam Bradford and special teams had a bad day. Written by Nolan O’Hara, Duluth, MN
The Minnesota Vikings lost their first game of the season last Sunday. It was a tough 21-10 defeat to Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sam Bradford had a tough day against the Eagles (photo, Billy Penn)
In the aftermath of the game Vikings’ QB Sam Bradford has been receiving a lot of criticism for his 24/41, 224 yard, 1 TD, 1 INT, and 2 fumbles lost performance. The criticism is ridiculous because he played a pretty good game, especially when you take into account the abysmal play of the Vikings offensive line.
Take, for example, Jake Long’s performance. Long made his season debut at left tackle and it showed. He has only played on eleven snaps in the last two years. Tony Sparano has a tall task ahead of him in the quest to fix what ails the Vikings O-line.
But issues last Sunday weren’t confined to one unit. Special Teams were uncharacteristically sloppy. The Vikings allowed a kick return TD. And Marcus Sherels, who’s usually Mr. Reliable on punt returns, muffed a catch.
Despite the embarrassing loss to the Eagles, lots of positives can be taken from the game.
The rushing tandem of Jerrick McKinnon and Matt Asiata had a combined 98 yards on 23 carries. For a team struggling on the ground that output is a step in the right direction.
Mike Zimmer will get things straightened out (photo, profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
The upside for the offensive line is when Norv Turner calls runs up the middle. Fusco, Berger, and Boone all did excellent jobs blocking.
Another positive is Mike Zimmer’s defense. The defense forced four turnovers. The Vikings have no worries on defense, not with the unbelievably great Mike Zimmer in charge.
The Vikings will hopefully make strides. The linemen need to do a better job. Perhaps a blockbuster trade is in the offing.
No matter what, the Vikings need to protect Sam Bradford.
