Orlovsky Shares One Thing Holding Vikings Back From Contention
. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
At 8-2 with the 4th best DVOA in the NFL, it’s hard to find issues with a Minnesota Vikings team most picked to finish last in the NFC North. But as the team’s offense sputters through the middle of the season, ESPN’s Dan Orlvosky believes he knows the main thing that will hold them back from true contention.
“October 24th.” Orlovsky responded when asked what was wrong with Minnesota’s offense on NFL live. “That’s the day that Christian Darrisaw, their essentially All Pro left tackle, got hurt. They tried to replace him… It’s just not the same offense…Look at the difference since he got hurt. We’re talking about a touchdown less! Sam Donald is significantly less quarterback, he’s thrown less touchdowns. They are significantly worse running the football. They used to be able to run the football to the left side of their offensive line whenever they wanted. Sam has to leave the pocket much quicker than he used to with that security on the left side.
That’s why I have a little hesitation with Minnesota, more than I did at the beginning of the season. Minnesota was a stone cold lock for legit contender against Detroit but that Darrisaw injury and the way this offense looks without him it gives me hesitation.”
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but ultimately the team has a chance to prove Orlovsky wrong. It’s only been three games since they lost Darrisaw. Kevin O’Connell and the offense may just take some time to adapt to a new identity. Teams spend an entire off-season trying to build their identity and if this squad has to switch to a faster style with different blocking that doesn’t happen easy. We think there’s still reason to believe this team can compete against the Lions.
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