NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons the Minnesota Vikings still make it

4. Tony Sparano

So much turnover and inconsistency of offensive players creates a difficult situation not only for the players on the field but also for the coaches attempting to prepare a makeshift lineup for the field. A lineup operating behind an offensive line devoid of quality depth and with numerous backups forced to start at unfamiliar positions. An offensive line which severely limits the Vikings offense.

The job of piecing together a competent offense was made even more difficult when offensive coordinator Norv Turner abruptly resigned halfway through the season.

Much of the responsibility for creating a competent offensive line, and thereby a functional offense, has fallen to Tony Sparano. Following stints with the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders after a fairly successful run as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Sparano landed as offensive line coach of the Vikings.

Sparano knows how to coach. He has brought a new attitude to the Vikings offensive line. He has an eye for talent and has improved the performance of the lines he has coached in the past. And while his line has surrendered 29 sacks on the season and ranks as one of the worst in the NFL according to Football Outsiders, Sparano has done a nice job in steadying a unit which has been constantly turning over.

Given the remaining quarter of the schedule with a line which remains the same, there is little reason to believe Sparano will not be able to make a consistent performer out of the Vikings line and help turn around their moribund offense.