The Minnesota Vikings started their two-game road trip in international waters. The team battled through four quarters and came up short against a game Pittsburgh Steelers team, but they bounced back against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. In doing so, they did something that not many people expected, which is that they were able to hold off the team’s defensive line.
Despite their play, the Vikings saw themselves lose more respect in PFF’s Week 6 power rankings. After defeating the Browns, they dropped to the 19th spot in the rankings, three spots lower than their Week 5 ranking.
Within the rankings, PFF’s Zoltan Buday writes, “A decimated Vikings offensive line struggled in pass protection in the team’s Week 5 win over the Browns. The unit conceded 13 pressures, including three sacks, on 41 pass plays. The front’s 80.5 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating ranked 23rd this week. Rookie guard Joe Huber struggled in his first NFL start. The Wisconsin product gave up a team-high four pressures and earned a 41.8 PFF pass-blocking grade against Cleveland.”
This is one of those instances where the PFF grade does not fairly reflect the play of the team itself.
The Vikings had no business keeping Carson Wentz as upright and poised in the pocket as they did on Sunday. The Browns are on a run that, despite their record, has them playing at an elite level on defense. Myles Garrett was contained, breakout rookie Mason Graham couldn’t break through, and yet, they dropped three spots.
Make it make sense.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Where does PFF have the Vikings OL in their Week 6 power rankings?
