Anyone else get just a bit too excited about the potential of the O-line

greediron wrote:

https://www.vikings.com/news/offensive-line-2026-offseason-health-increased-experienceI know those similar hopes we had last year were dashed spectacularly. But health was a major factor. CD just wasn't ready. Fries wasn't ready. And Kelly was a bust because of his concussions. (interestingly because we were in Europe for 2 weeks, his new style helmet didn't arrive and he got his second concussion over the pond, thanks NFL)This year, CD is back and he was one of the best LTs in the game before his injury. Not just in the passing game, but he is a force as a run blocker as well. That might have been one of the biggest impacts of his absence last year. We could not run the ball well without him. Fries is also a bully and I am looking forward to him being full go. Jackson has a year under his belt and will be much better.But the biggest thing might be the attitude brought by the coaching change. Can't say what will happen, but from what I read, the o-line might have a bit more attitude this year. And that is something I can't wait to see.

I was right there with you. One of the things I felt better about JJ taking over was the Oline playing to potential. I expected more.

Im hoping Frank Smith is allowed to do his thing in the running game and that KOC becomes more balanced. He has a Kick Ass passing game but dominant teams have balance.

Darrisaw's never played a full season yet. I'm just waiting for this year's injury. At least the OT depth seems to be better this year.

Excited, but the last decade-plus has my typical cynicism... turbocharged.

I want to believe, but I have to see it.

Not really excited.  We’ve had plenty of years of making changes which still led to subpar to middle of the road Oline play.  More of a “will be pleasantly surprised if they are good” for me.

I’m most excited about Donovan Jackson taking a next step.

medaille wrote:

Not really excited.  We’ve had plenty of years of making changes which still led to subpar to middle of the road Oline play.  More of a “will be pleasantly surprised if they are good” for me.
I’m most excited about Donovan Jackson taking a next step.

I'd say we're due for a mostly-healthy season from this group. The pedigrees are there. LT and LG are 1st rounders, RG is a tier-one FA making $80M. He hasn't yet lived up to his paycheck, but that's not to say he won't with better health and continuity. Aren't many RTs in the game as consistently good as Brian O'Neill. The biggest question mark is Brandel, but I think the excitement is justified.

Zanary wrote:

Excited, but the last decade-plus has my typical cynicism... turbocharged.

I want to believe, but I have to see it.

Yes, but it is the optimism of the offseason. Just hoping we finally have a good o-line coach.

Zanary wrote:

Excited, but the last decade-plus has my typical cynicism... turbocharged.

I want to believe, but I have to see it.

yup

What’s ringing in my ears is the comment about the OL in the OTAs. That the guys are moving with much more urgency. This is while in shorts. Usually it’s not until the pads come on that you can really notice anything about the OL. That’s eye opening.