Packers trading for Micah Parsons makes Vikings path to win the NFC North much harder, but they have something the others don’t
The other NFC North teams don’t havewhat the Vikings do.
The Green Bay Packers shook up the picture of the NFC North when they acquired edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
This is a Reggie White level trade for the Packers, as he will be similar in impact right away for their defense. The gravity of Parsons is going to be the biggest factor, and White was the same way. Where things get interesting is the ripple effect across the entire NFC North.
Vikings have offense to contain Micah Parsons
We’ve seen a top edge rusher get traded within the NFC North before right before the season. In 2018, the Chicago Bears traded for then Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack. The trade happened less than two weeks before week one and he dominated against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears ended up winning the NFC North that season, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on the double doink.
The Minnesota Vikings struggled mightily against Mack and the Bears’ defense. One of the biggest reasons why they struggled was the offensive line. It was rough across the board, especially on the interior. When they sold out to stop Mack, Akiem Hicks would torch them on the inside.
History can show us how the Vikings can mitigate this move and keep themselves in a great position to win the NFC North. Simply put, the Vikings have the horses on the offensive line to handle the Packers’ pass rush.
Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are in a great spot. They are currently the second-best offensive tackle duo in the NFL behind the Philadelphia Eagles duo of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. What they also have now compared to 2018 is an impressive interior offensive line.
Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, and Will Fries give the Vikings a good unit on the interior, and that gives them an advantage over others. Without a true weakness, the Vikings don’t have to dedicate a double team to Parsons, but they can certainly slide his way if they need to for extra help. The Detroit Lions and Bears have some glaring holes on the offensive line.
The Packers’ moving Kenny Clark creates a void on their defensive line that they won’t be able to fix easily. Who is going to be the guy to both generate pressure on the interior and stop the run? Clark was their guy for both elements, and not having him creates a major hole on the defensive line. Without first-round picks and limited salary cap space, will they be able to fix it anytime soon?
We all know that a player like Parsons is going to get his, but he can’t do it alone. Will the likes of Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness be able to capitalize on that? That’s going to be the biggest way for the Packers to take that next step.
Nevertheless, the Vikings have the trench play to maximize that. Get ready for a fun season.
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