Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's Moneyball approach to the OL pays dividends in Week 1 win vs. Giants
The Minnesota Vikings came out in week one of the NFL season and made a statement to the rest of the league with a 28-6 win over the New York Giants. They thrived in multiple situations but it was the trenches that made the day for the Vikings. The defense played really well, especially the […]
The Minnesota Vikings came out in week one of the NFL season and made a statement to the rest of the league with a 28-6 win over the New York Giants. They thrived in multiple situations but it was the trenches that made the day for the Vikings.
The defense played really well, especially the four edge rusher packages that defensive coordinator Brian Flores used. However, it was one player on the offensive line that stood out in a major way.
Blake Brandel proves Kwesi Adofo-Mensah right
The first game of the season usually begins to prove whether you were right or wrong about a decision. The Vikings went into the offseason by giving fourth-year offensive lineman Blake Brandel the starting job at left guard. It was a curious move since he was a tackle by trade and had just signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract extension, something that is usually given to a swing lineman.
Nevertheless, Brandel didn't just look solid in his debut, he looked really good. He didn't just look good, he was the highest-rated player on the Minnesota Vikings according to Pro Football Focus grades.
Overall grade: 91.2
Run blocking grade: 87.4
Pass blocking grade: 87.3
Those are outstanding numbers for any player but to see them come from Brandel is even more spectacular. There were many questioning the methods of Adofo-Mensah with this decision to Moneyball the interior of the offensive line, but Brandel is proving them right so far.
One of the reasons why he was thought to be successful at guard is his technique. When he needed to step in for Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, he was just fine. The only real cause for concern was lack of foot speed out of his set to handle speed rushers. Kicking inside eliminates that and makes a big difference in his effectiveness.
We only have a small sample size, but it's a really good one thus far.
Impressive play in the trenches highlight Minnesota Vikings Week 1 victory vs. Giants
The trenches were key for the Vikings on Sunday
