Vikings' O line focused on keeping Bridgewater safe

MANKATO – Right guard intrigue is not exactly a sexy story line, but the open competition at that position is a portal into the Vikings' high-stakes transformation of their embattled offensive line.

The pressure is immense on the once-reliable unit to redeem itself from a ragged 2014 performance and allow a potentially dynamic offense to thrive under second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and returning running back Adrian Peterson.

"As long as we take care of our business up front, we'll be OK," right tackle Phil Loadholt said this week. "It starts up front. We take pride in what we do. It's all on us to play well."

Season-ending injuries to Loadholt and guard Brandon Fusco eroded protection on the right side last season. Matt Kalil's regression at left tackle and Charlie Johnson's ineffectiveness at left guard disrupted Bridgewater's timing and exposed the rookie to relentless pressure.

Even John Sullivan, normally a bulwark at center, was manhandled at times. All of which made the unit a weekly punching bag for criticism.

"We gave up 51 sacks and (84) hits on the quarterback. You can't win that way," acknowledged coach Mike Zimmer.

Only four teams allowed more sacks in 2014 than the Vikings. In 12 starts, Bridgewater was dropped 39 times, seventh-most in the NFL.

"He's just got to feel comfortable in the pocket, and it's my job to make sure he's comfortable on the back side," Kalil said. "If there isn't a sack I don't want anyone touching him or pressuring him.

It builds confidence to the point where if he does feel pressure he's not rattled."

Added Loadholt: "We're going to have to keep Teddy clean, open up holes for Adrian and just play as a group."

That sounds simple. To fix their problems, the Vikings are fundamentally changing their lineup.

Johnson was not re-signed. Instead of replacing him through free agency or the draft, the Vikings moved Fusco over from the right side. Minnesota's best run-blocker is fully recovered from surgery to repair a torn pectoral he suffered in Week 3.

Fusco is being counted on to bolster Kalil's interior flank and confidence as Bridgewater's blindside protector. The team rewarded Fusco with a five-year, $25-million extension weeks before he was injured.

"Brandon's a great guard," Kalil said. "We both have the same attitude where if a block doesn't go right we both think it's our fault, which isn't a bad thing. He's making me a better player."

Journeyman tackle Mike Harris is taking first-team reps at Fusco's old position, but he faces competition from a rookie who also is learning a new position. The Vikings spent a fourth-round pick to draft T.J. Clemmings, a raw but talented tackle who was one of the country's top college run-blockers at Pittsburgh.

"Right guard is a guy that can play big and function in moving the line of scrimmage inside," offensive line coach Jeff Davidson said. "It's going to be a good, stiff competition going forward. Right now, Mike Harris has a leg up on everyone else."

Meanwhile, Loadholt, who also had pectoral surgery, is getting back up to speed after being limited to individual drills during Minnesota's offseason program.

"I feel good," he said. "The main thing is just building the strength back in it, trusting it and not being scared to throw the punch like I used to. I'm building that confidence now."

Fusco's return should bolster a rushing game that was pedestrian in 2014 during Peterson's 15-game absence. The Vikings not only have a 10,000-yard running back in play but a legitimate threat to challenge defenses, which attacked Bridgewater with impunity.

"We were trying to find it a year ago, that's true," Sullivan said. "We didn't perform up to our best. But I expect us to be better this year with the scheme being more familiar and guys being back and healthy.

"We can be the best in the league if we put the work in."

Kalil's struggles were well documented. He battled a knee injury all season that ultimately required surgery but hardly missed any practices.

Besides Fusco, every offensive lineman earned a negative pass-protection grade from the data-mining site Pro Football Focus.

Scheme also played a factor, according to PFF senior analyst Sam Monson.

"I think it's worth noting that Norv Turner's offense is a tough one for O-lines to deal with, with a lot of deep drops and long holds for the quarterback," Monson said.

"Bridgewater's average time to attempt was 29th in the NFL. That doesn't explain it all, though, because his average time to sack was in the middle of the pack. But it's definitely a factor in the entire line struggling more."

Across-the-board improvement is priority No. 1 for the Vikings.

"Jeff's talked to them quite a bit and they understand a lot of what's riding on this season," Zimmer said. "They have got to perform and perform well. I talked to (tight end) Kyle (Rudolph) about some things he's got to do better too."

The offensive line is charged with keeping Bridgewater off his back. The quarterback certainly has theirs.

"Those guys, we were pretty beat up last year," Bridgewater said. "Ever since we arrived back for OTAs, those guys have been serious about their craft. Nothing has changed. Those guys are going to continue to get better each and every day."