The Vikings are nearing the half way mark in the schedule
and fans had hoped for more from the offense. Quarterback
Brad Johnson has thrown only four touchdown passes and
the Vikings have two rushing touchdowns, both by Chester
Taylor. Field goals and touchdowns generated by trick
plays (two touchdowns) and the defense (two interceptions
and two fumble recoveries for scores) have contributed
more than expected while the offense has struggled
including near the goal line.
The offense doesn’t have Pro Bowl playmakers at the skilled
positions of quarterback, running back and receiver. Right
tackle Marcus Johnson and right guard Artis Hicks are
developing players. The unit’s stars are on the line’s left side
with tackle Bryant McKinnie, guard Steve Hutchinson
and in the middle with center Matt Birk. This is a group
that fans perhaps thought would push defensive lines all over
the field, creating running and passing opportunities that
could make the team’s skilled position players look better.
The offensive line, including the big three, hasn’t been
dominant so far. However, this is a line that is learning a new
system with new coaches. They are also learning about one
another and how to play together.
Hutchinson is in his first season with the team. Birk didn’t
play at all last season because of hip and hernia injuries. A
major setback such as that can cause a player to take a long
time to fully recover. Vikings fans may not want to hear this
but it could be late this year or even next season that the
offensive line establishes itself. Led by Hutchinson, Birk and
McKinnie it should happen.
Hutchinson came to the Vikings from Seattle having been
recognized as perhaps the league’s best left guard, earning
three straight trips to the Pro Bowl and helping Shaun
Alexander score an NFL best 28 touchdowns while playing
on a line that for four games didn’t allow a sack.
Hutchinson voiced optimism after joining the Vikings earlier
this year. “I know Matt Birk well,” Hutchinson said. “In my
opinion, he is one of the best centers in the game. Bryant
McKinnie at the left tackle spot, I think he is one of the top
tackles in the game. I think I’ll fit in there well between
them and we should have a really good flow and be able to
jell pretty good.”
Hutchinson, Birk and McKinnie are all 30 or younger and
figure to have a lot of football left in them. Hutchinson will
be 29 in November. Birk, a four time pro bowl selection, is
30. McKinnie, 27, has started 61 straight games for the
Vikings and should have his best football ahead of him. At
6-8, 335, he is a human shield providing pass protection.
There is still time for Hutchinson, Birk and McKinnie and
the offensive line to become dominant.