Shoring up the O-line | By Lindsey Young
The Vikings first preseason game at Seattle featured ups and downs by all three phases, film from the exhibition contest giving coaches and players alike something to build off.
Minnesota’s offensive line struggled especially in the second half, with rookie quarterback Jaren Hall receiving very little protection. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said Hall was put into some “tough circumstances” in the third and fourth quarter, and Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips also commented on the situation.
“As the game goes on, more and more players kind of down the line, whether it’s playing 1s or 2s or 3s, guys with less experience playing NFL football get in the football game,” Phillips said earlier this week. “Sometimes it’s a little messy, and sometimes defense kind of has a little bit more of an advantage in some of those situations. If I’m a rusher, I know I can rush, and particularly when the game gets to be a more pass-happy game when you’re trying to come back from that little deficit. I think that’s kind of normal around the league.”
The setup left a little to be desired in terms of cleanly evaluating Hall. Mullens, who has taken most of the second-team reps and started last week in Seattle, was able to deliver some passes but also took a few hits.
I’ll be watching to see if Minnesota’s offensive line establishes more protection for Hall and Mullens.
The only returning starter from 2022 who played in last week’s game was right guard Ed Ingram. Minnesota opened with Vederian Lowe, Blake Brandel, Austin Schlottmann, Ingram and Olisaemeka Udoh across the line. Lowe played all 66 offensive snaps. Brandel, Schlottmann and Udoh were in for 39. Ingram played 18.
More action for Ivan Pace, Jr.? | By Craig Peters
Undrafted rookie Ivan Pace, Jr., has generated buzz at multiple points this offseason and made his NFL debut by starting and wearing the green dot helmet (equipped with communications device to relay calls from the sideline) at Seattle.
Pace joined veteran Troy Reeder in opening the game at the inside linebacker spots and played 30 defensive snaps. He led Minnesota in tackles with six, showed speed to the sidelines and a particular elusiveness to get through block attempts by Seahawks who had trouble squaring him.
“It’s just, I know I’m not a normal-sized linebacker, so I’ve got to figure out ways to get around them and get under them,” Pace said. “Sometimes, you’ve just got to run through their face, but I’ve just got to figure out my own ways. Some linebackers want to post them up, but I don’t want to do that.”
With Brian Asamoah II still on the mend and veteran Jordan Hicks unlikely to play, Pace could again receive green dot duties and get involved in the action. If last week was an indicator, you’ll likely spot him near the football quite often.
