Blake Brandel Proved He Belongs vs Giants

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Blake Brandel
Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

All offseason the Minnesota Vikings offensive line has been a point of conversation. Dalton Risner took a while but returned to the franchise. He hasn’t yet earned a starting role though. Blake Brandel moved over to a guard spot, and he showed out in a big way on Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings saw Blake Brandel show out

The Minnesota Vikings have been steadfast in their belief that Blake Brandel would work just fine as their left guard. He had never previously played the position, but it is easier than operating as a tackle. After Week 1 it turns out the franchise was right to believe in the offensive lineman moving spots.

Brandel graded out as the top performer among Minnesota Vikings offensive players on Sunday. Sam Darnold often had time to throw, and that allowed him to put together a near-perfect performance. Brandel was aided at the tackle position by star Christian Darrisaw. The ability to solidify the interior offensive line is something that should benefit both Darnold and running back Aaron Jones as the season goes on.

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A tough test against the San Francisco 49ers is up next week. Brandel shouldn’t be concerned about losing his job any time soon, but that can’t be said about the other guard position.

Ed Ingram needs to be more Blake Brandel for Minnesota Vikings

If Blake Brandel was the standout on offense for the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, then Ed Ingram was the problem. The right guard posted abysmal grades from Pro Football Focus and his ineptitude continues to be a sticking point. It stands to reason that Risner could have taken his job during training camp had he been healthy. If things don’t turn around for Ingram quickly, he won’t last the season.

Ingram is multiple years into his professional career, and consistency continues to elude him. He has been unable to perform at a quality level on a weekly basis, and that is why he was pushed so hard during the preseason. Risner is eligible to return this season after Week 4, and that will give Kevin O’Connell enough time to evaluate his offensive front.

Center Garrett Bradbury also graded out poorly on Sunday. He has previously put up poor performances but turned a corner after having his fifth year option declined. The Vikings brought him back with the uptick in reliability, but they can’t afford regression now.

Related: Is Ed Ingram Delusional?

The guard position is trending in opposite directions depending on which side of the line you look at. O’Connell needs Ingram to figure it out, and quickly.

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