Daily Norseman
Big game tomorrow! All eyes will be on the offensive line. KOC is going to have to dial up a master game plan to circumvent the pressures that will be coming.
I am hoping the team bounces back and plays a more physical game this week.
Vikings vs. Browns: Three must-know storylines for Sunday’s Week 5 game in London
Gabriel draws tough assignment for first NFL test
Third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel will start his first-career game on Sunday after head coach Kevin Stefanski decided to bench struggling veteran Joe Flacco. Gabriel will be the first QB in NFL history to make his first start overseas, and what prize awaits Gabriel in London on Sunday? Just a Vikings defense led by coordinator Brian Flores that’s been known to flummox the most veteran of signal-callers with exotic looks and pass rushers swarming the pocket from just about any possible direction. Minnesota enters Week 5 with at least two sacks in eight consecutive games — longest streak in the league, per NFL Research — and how Cleveland’s line holds up will be key for the 5-foot-11 Gabriel. It’s a roll of the dice to turn to Gabriel in London against Minnesota, but the Browns are in desperate need of a spark on offense. Their 14 points per game rank 31st in the NFL, and they’re the only team to fewer than 18 points in every game thus far this season. One thing the Browns can do to help out the rookie QB? Unlock No. 1 wideout Jerry Jeudy, who’s averaging a career-low 45.5 yards per game.
Vikings’ O-line must hold up against stout Browns D
Carson Wentz is set to make his third consecutive start, and it’s been a mixed bag for the veteran in relief of J.J. McCarthy. Wentz was an efficient 14-of-20 passing for 173 yards and two touchdowns in his first appearance (a blowout win over the Bengals), but his play dramatically fell off facing a tougher test in the Steelers. Wentz was sacked six times in Week 4 and threw two picks, as he faced pressure on nearly 30% of his dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats. Week 5 doesn’t get any easier against Myles Garrett and Co. Garrett has four sacks through four games, and his 11 quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds) are second in the league. Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw made his first appearance of the season last week since suffering a season-ending knee injury a year ago. Darrisaw will figure to draw Garrett throughout Sunday’s game and his ability to hold the All-Pro at bay will be key for Minnesota’s aerial attack. The Vikings will have to deal with three starters on the O-line being out, however, with guard Donovan Jackson, tackle Brian O’Neill and center Ryan Kelly dealing with injuries.
Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy: Hasn’t returned to practice
McCarthy (ankle), who has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Browns in London, did not practice Friday due to rainy...
