MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — It might be the least glamorous position switch in all of football: Moving from right guard, to left guard.

That’s what the Vikings asked Brandon Fusco to earlier this summer, and he’s embracing his new role.

“Really, it’s not that big of a change,” Fusco said. “Really it’s working on my balance out of my stance, my sets. Everything’s just flipped, footwork-wise.”

The Vikings reason for moving Fusco to the other side was largely to help left tackle Matt Kalil, who struggled last season through injuries and other issues, one of which was the uneven play of Charlie Johnson, who they released in the offseason.

On the offensive line, there’s nothing more important than chemistry and communication with the guy next to you. So building a rapport with Kalil has been a priority for Fusco in training camp.

“Playing next to Phil (Loadholt) for three years, me and him, really didn’t have to say anything,” Fusco said. “We were so (in sync), just knew each other’s movement, (without) communication. We were so gelled, and had good chemistry together, it’s like we didn’t have to say nothing. That’s the way I want to get with Matt, and that’s why we have training camp. And we’re gonna get to that point. It’s still early, there’s things we need to work on…. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re going the right way, (making) the right progress.”

The Vikings gave up the fifth-most sacks in the NFL last season. And they’re hoping that this move, albeit a rather minor one, will make a major difference.

For the line itself, it’s a major point of pride.

“That sack number last year was way too high,” Fusco said. “Coach Zim harps on us all the time – protection, protection, protection … And that’s something we’re going to take pride in this year and protect the quarterback.”