The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting NFL season, with the youngest starting quarterback in the league, J.J. McCarthy. As the team’s newest addition, McCarthy is a rising star in the world of football, and the Vikings are determined to keep him safe at all costs. However, they may run into some challenges with their offensive line, specifically on the blindside, as they wait for their prized left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, to return from injury.
According to insider reports, there is a “rosy expectation” for Darrisaw’s return in time for the season opener. The talented rookie, who suffered an ACL injury during his final season with Virginia Tech, has been making steady progress in his recovery. While it may take some time for him to fully get back into game shape, the fact that Darrisaw is even in consideration for Week 1 is a promising sign for the Vikings.
It goes without saying that the Vikings have high hopes for Darrisaw. After all, they selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the 23rd overall pick. Many experts consider him to be one of the top offensive tackles in this year’s draft class, and the Vikings were quick to snatch him up.
But with Darrisaw’s injury, the Vikings may be forced to rely on another player to protect McCarthy’s blindside in the early stages of the season. The obvious choice would be Rashod Hill, who served as the team’s starting left tackle in 2020 after Riley Reiff was moved to the right side. Hill performed admirably in his role, but he may not be the best option for the team’s long-term plans.
There are other options on the Vikings’ roster, such as veteran tackle Ezra Cleveland or rookie Wyatt Davis, who has experience playing tackle at Ohio State. However, neither player has experience playing the left tackle position in the NFL, which could make them a liability in protecting McCarthy’s blindside.
But despite any potential setbacks on the offensive line, the Vikings are still feeling confident about their chances for the upcoming season. They have a young and talented quarterback in McCarthy, who has shown great potential in training camp and preseason games. He has a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and a natural ability to command the offense.
Plus, the Vikings have a strong supporting cast surrounding McCarthy. With weapons like star running back Dalvin Cook and wide receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, McCarthy will have plenty of options to make plays and score points.
The Vikings’ coaching staff also deserves credit for their ability to develop young talent. Head coach Mike Zimmer has a reputation for being a defensive expert, but he has also helped groom young quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater and Kirk Cousins in his time with the Vikings.
In the end, the Vikings may be facing some early challenges with their offensive line, but there is still a lot to be excited about for the upcoming season. With a young and promising quarterback in McCarthy, a talented supporting cast, and a strong coaching staff, the Vikings are in a prime position to make some noise in the NFC. And with Darrisaw’s return expected in the near future, the Vikings can breathe a little easier knowing that their blindside will soon be well-protected. So, fans should remain hopeful and optimistic as the Vikings continue their journey towards a successful 2021 season.
