Post by Purple Pain on Dec 5, 2023 11:25:44 GMT -6
Alec Lewis - Vikings Mailbag
Has the performance of the offensive line been worse in the last few games? Or is it just that teams have been blitzing Dobbs more? — Emet L.
Pressure rates aren’t a perfect indication of an offensive line’s performance, but the Vikings were pressured more in their last two games than in any other games this season.
The blitz factored heavily in the Denver Broncos’ ability to reach Dobbs, but not so much in the case of the Chicago Bears. Chicago opted for a four-man pass rush on 75 percent of its snaps, according to TruMedia. Edge rusher Montez Sweat had a heavy role in wrecking the game, and Minnesota may have underestimated the need to provide chip help to right tackle Brian O’Neill on the edge. Running back Alexander Mattison also whiffed on a couple of snaps trying to assist O’Neill in protection.
The tempo of Dobbs’ drop differs from Kirk Cousins’ as does the consistency of his drops. Both factor into offensive line performance. Dobbs has handled the blitz well for the most part, though. With the Vikings, he only has one turnover against five-man (or more) pressure and he ranks in the top 10 in EPA against those defensive looks.
Is Christian Darrisaw really a $20 million-per-year left tackle? And is O’Neill having a horrible year? — Brad J.
Yes. And no.
Pro Football Focus’ grades are fraught with misses but they serve as a solid benchmark for player performance. Among 63 offensive tackles who have played 50 percent of their team’s snaps, Darrisaw ranks fourth in overall grade. The 24-year-old’s pass-blocking efficiency is a tick below players like Trent Williams and Ryan Ramczyk. Earlier this summer, New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas, 24, signed a five-year, $117.5 million extension ($23.5 million average annual value). Darrisaw’s three-year sample of performance places him in Thomas’ category.
O’Neill has been dinged for 28 pressures this season, compared to Darrisaw’s 19. The right tackle did handle Cameron Jordan and Nick Bosa for the most part, and he is still just 12 games back from a partially torn Achilles tendon.
Pressure rates aren’t a perfect indication of an offensive line’s performance, but the Vikings were pressured more in their last two games than in any other games this season.
The blitz factored heavily in the Denver Broncos’ ability to reach Dobbs, but not so much in the case of the Chicago Bears. Chicago opted for a four-man pass rush on 75 percent of its snaps, according to TruMedia. Edge rusher Montez Sweat had a heavy role in wrecking the game, and Minnesota may have underestimated the need to provide chip help to right tackle Brian O’Neill on the edge. Running back Alexander Mattison also whiffed on a couple of snaps trying to assist O’Neill in protection.
The tempo of Dobbs’ drop differs from Kirk Cousins’ as does the consistency of his drops. Both factor into offensive line performance. Dobbs has handled the blitz well for the most part, though. With the Vikings, he only has one turnover against five-man (or more) pressure and he ranks in the top 10 in EPA against those defensive looks.
Is Christian Darrisaw really a $20 million-per-year left tackle? And is O’Neill having a horrible year? — Brad J.
Yes. And no.
Pro Football Focus’ grades are fraught with misses but they serve as a solid benchmark for player performance. Among 63 offensive tackles who have played 50 percent of their team’s snaps, Darrisaw ranks fourth in overall grade. The 24-year-old’s pass-blocking efficiency is a tick below players like Trent Williams and Ryan Ramczyk. Earlier this summer, New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas, 24, signed a five-year, $117.5 million extension ($23.5 million average annual value). Darrisaw’s three-year sample of performance places him in Thomas’ category.
O’Neill has been dinged for 28 pressures this season, compared to Darrisaw’s 19. The right tackle did handle Cameron Jordan and Nick Bosa for the most part, and he is still just 12 games back from a partially torn Achilles tendon.
... and neither is this Chris guy.