Who has it right about the Vikings offensive line? The naysayers or the optimists?
The doubters look at that unit and describe it as problematic. A weak link last season and something that hasn’t been corrected for 2010. Sports Illustrated pro football authority Peter King describes the line as “in decline” and a reason he listed the Vikings at No. 13 in his power rankings of NFL teams this spring. https://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/peter_king/05/16/ranking/1.html
Those with an optimistic view acknowledge the offensive line wasn’t a a major team strength last season, particularly its run blocking. However, healthier players and more experience will produce a better unit in 2010, according to the glass is half full folks.
Guards Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera played with injured shoulders last season. The unit also had new starters at center, John Sullivan, and right tackle, Phil Loadholt. Sullivan was a second year player last season, while Loadholt was a rookie.
The complaints of the critics include that Sullivan is too undersized to be effective at center. The critics say Herrera is average and left tackle Bryant McKinnie under achieves. The unit also needs more depth with better reserves.
McKinnie told Sports Headliners healthier players and more experience can translate into a better offensive line. He also had an answer to King’s statement that the line is in decline. “Hopefully everybody on the offensive line knows that you can use that as motivation,” he said.