Fansided

5 burning questions the Vikings must answer in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

EAGAN, MN - JUNE 11: Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watched his team work out during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp. (Photo by Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
EAGAN, MN - JUNE 11: Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watched his team work out during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp. (Photo by Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ade Aruna (61) and Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) look on during an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons on December 3, 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ade Aruna (61) and Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) look on during an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons on December 3, 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Will the offensive line rebound in 2019?

On the way to 13 victories, a division title and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, Mike Zimmer’s team clicked on many regards in 2017. The Minnesota Vikings ranked 11th in total offense and passing yards per game and only six teams in the NFL ran for more yards per game. The team’s offensive unit totaled 40 touchdowns and the club committed only 14 turnovers. Starting quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Case Keenum were sacked a combined 27 times.

It was a different story this past season. The Vikings’ offense slipped more than just a few notches. Only two teams in the league ran for fewer yards. And new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked 40 times. While the Minnesota offensive unit did reach the end zone 39 times, this was a team erratic at best when it came to this side of the football.

And a big issue with the play of a line that failed to get the job done. General manager Rick Spielman addressed this unit in the first round of April’s draft with the first-round addition of North Carolina State pivot Garrett Bradbury. In fact, the Vikings addressed the offensive front a total of three times in the process, adding guard Dru Samia (4-Oklahoma) and tackle Olisaemeka Udoh (6c-Elon).

Bradbury is expected to be the Week 1 starter, while former starting center Pat Elflein and free-agent addition Josh Kline take over at left and right guard, respectively. With tackles Riley Reiff and promising second-year pro Brian O’Neill, it’s important that this group gel quickly.

Next: No. 1

Home/Minnesota Vikings