Analysis: QB Rodgers & Offensive Line

10/09/09

Senior Writer John C. Redfern

In reading the reactions to the Vikings game, fans inquired about the offensive line debacle and who is to the blame for the eight sacks including the events leading to the fumble and the safety. After reviewing each sack series in the game film, some interesting conclusions are made about the offense team. 

QB Rodgers had a rough game making questionable decisions under pressure failing to use available options. Leroy observed that, "He looked conflicted."  In the two critical game changing offensive series, he held the ball too long and failed to follow field progression with safety values available in the fumble and safety offensive series. 

True, QB Rodgers got awful pass protection, but remember these points: "He deserves partial blame on no fewer than five of Vikings’ eight sacks; he held the ball too long on three of them; two of the eight sacks came on one-on-one losses; & LT Colledge and RT Barbre shared blame in two sacks.  Thus, as another reviewer added: "Rodgers was as much to do with the Vikings eight sacks as his injury-plagued offensive line. Of the eight sacks against the Vikings as many as five of them can be blamed at least in part on Rodgers." 

Looking at the offensive line, a reviewer observed: "The Vikings rushed only four men on six of their eight sacks. That should be a numbers mismatch & a five-sack night is a warning sign of either physical inferiority or a basic schematic flaw."  Specifically, although issues in the blocking scheme were evident, C Wells and RG Sitton played well enough.  LG Spitz was marginal.  RT Barbre and LT Colledge had their ups and downs.
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Commentary:  Fans, you have the answers involving the old issues of physical toughness, consistency, and coaching.  Fortunately, T Clifton will be back after the bye. T Tauscher has been signed.  By the Detroit game, the offensive line should be ready to go to be an improved offensive machine.  Regretfully, rookie T Lang and T Barbre have predictable development issues in the season that only can come with practice and experience.