Tag: Austin Schlottman

Vikings offensive line will be tested Saturday vs Giants defense

The Giants defense could give Cousins fits with the blitz

When the Vikings take on the New York Giants this Saturday, they will be without starting center Garrett Bradbury for the third straight week. Although backup center Austin Schlottmann has filled in decently well in Bradbury’s absence, this weekend might be a different story.

The Giants’ defense is one of the worst in the NFL, but they blitz at the highest rate in the league, which could mean that Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins could be in for a long day.

Kirk Cousins under pressure 87/173 (50.3%) 1,311 yards seven touchdowns  four interceptions

Kirk Cousins kept clean 268/371 (72.2 %) 2,507 yards 17 touchdowns seven interceptions

This likely isn’t new news for the Vikings coaches and Kevin O’Connell has likely built a game plan around this information. Regardless, the Vikings offensive line will certainly have their hands full if the Giants continue to blitz at this rate in Saturday’s matchup, and it’s something to monitor as the game plays out.

Could Austin Schlottman Earn the Starting Center Job?

Could Garrett Bradbury have some competition?

The center position has been a thorn in the Vikings side for quite a few years. Ever since releasing John Sullivan, the position has seen quite a few different players at the position.

Garrett Bradbury is the current center but his pass blocking has been so bad at times that he has been the worst pass blocking center in the league per PFF.

In Saturday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, he might have found some competition in Austin Schlottman.

He was truly impressive, albeit against mainly backups. He and Ed Ingram did team up to pave the way for the only Vikings touchdown scored by Ty Chandler. While he has his own issues with anchor and strength, another good performance like this from Schlottman could prompt the Vikings to consider a change.