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
The Giants (40.5%, per @pfref) blitz more than any team in the league. The Dolphins and Cardinals are the only teams to blitz #Vikings QB Kirk Cousins more than 40% this season.
Worth watching how this plays out tomorrow with Austin Schlottmann starting his 3rd game at center.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2022
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.
Probably something to keep an eye on.
Ed Ingram (51) and Ezra Cleveland (43) are number 1 and 2 in the NFL at the guard position for pressures allowed according to PFF.
The #Vikings are also without starting C Garrett Bradbury https://t.co/qjGNLHYTgd
— Matt Anderson (@MattAnderson_8) December 23, 2022