It hasn’t mattered whether its Carson Wentz or J.J. McCarthy under center for the Minnesota Vikings, which have allowed an NFL-leading 18 sacks so far this season.
There were hopes for an overhaul of the offensive line after the Vikings committed more than $100 million to former Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly and drafted guard Donovan Jackson in the first round. However, injuries have plagued the offensive line as the projected starting unit has not played a single snap together this season.
The Vikings are still weeks away from seeing that happen.
Kelly suffered his second concussion this season on Sunday and is facing serious concerns about his long-term health. Jackson is out until at least Week 7 with a wrist injury and Pro Bowl left tackle Brian O’Neill week-to-week with an MCL sprain.
Matters only got worse on Wednesday ahead of a Week 5 matchup against a vaunted Cleveland Browns defensive front.
Replacement center Michael Jurgens missed practice with a hamstring injury that was not on the Vikings’ radar after a Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him the fourth offensive lineman whose health is of concern this week.
“He’s responding to treatment pretty well,” O’Connell said of Jurgens. “I’m going to try to get him some work on Friday, see how he turns over.”
Even if Jurgens can play on Sunday, the second-year center will have his work cut out for him with Myles Garrett lining up across from him.
Vikings O-Line Surrendering Sacks at a Historic Rate
Behind a patchwork offensive line, the Vikings quarterbacks have been sacked on 13.95% of dropbacks this season, the highest rate in team history the 12th highest in NFL history.
McCarthy and Wentz have the highest pressure-to-sack rate of any quarterbacks in the NFL. McCarthy was sacked on 40.9% of pressures in his first two games, while Wentz has been sacked on 29.0% of pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
While young quarterbacks are prone to taking more sacks, Wentz ranking second behind McCarthy in sack rate shows the system and playcalling are subject to scrutiny.
This has led to the Vikings offense’s struggle to sustain drives — ranking 26th in first downs, 28th in time of possession and 29th in total plays.
In Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Vikings went 4-for-14 on third downs and saw Wentz take three sacks in scenarios where they needed nine or more yards to convert.
“Those downs tend to be the weighty downs, tend to be the hard ones and the most magnified when you’re down some guys because it requires some individual one-on-one blocks at times,” O’Connell said, per The Minnesota Star Tribune. “You’re trying to do everything you can to eliminate or at least contain some of the very familiar names on the other side that can affect the passer.”
Vikings to Face Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Against Browns
This week’s matchup against the Browns has the makings of a defensive gridlock.
Cleveland’s defense has surrendered the fewest yards this season despite its offense’s struggles to be productive and play complementary football.
The Browns are searching for answers at quarterback and named third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel this week’s starter.
That bodes well for Brian Flores and Co., who wreak havoc on rookie quarterbacks.