How Patriots’ offensive line fared vs. talented Vikings defense

EAGAN, Minn. – For the Patriots offensive line, Wednesday marked the biggest test we’ve seen this summer.

Last season, the Vikings defense finished tied for the fourth-most sacks in the NFL with 49.Led by Pro Bowlers Jonathan Greenard (12 sacks) and Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks), the Minnesota pass rush is made more complicated due to defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ defensive scheme.

That was seen in this joint practice session.

In the third 11-on-11 period, Flores got creative with his blitzes. All of a sudden, the Vikings were sending a flurry of pass rushers in a variety of ways. For example, on one play, it appeared as though the Patriots thought Dallas Turner would drop into coverage. Instead, he blew by Will Campbell, who was looking at a different defender.

That was during a time when the offense gave up three sacks in four snaps. Players said it was a good learning experience.

“They have a lot of different pressures. Coach Flores does a great job of building that,” receiver Mack Hollins said. “It’s a great challenge for us as a unit and a team to see those things. Being able to pick up different pressures and the o-line learning to communicate. I think that’s one of the hardest things as a football player… This defense does a great job of, ‘Hey, if you don’t communicate, you’re going to look bad.’”

The Patriots starting offensive line played well against the Vikings defensive line during the 1-on-1 period.

Campbell had an impressive showing, going 1-0-1 against Greenard. Wilson won both his reps against Javon Hargrave. Morgan Moses beat Turner both reps. Garrett Bradbury went 1-1 vs. Harrison Phillips. Michael Onwenu went 1-1 against Jonathan Allen.

During the full-team period, however, things were more difficult. Drake Maye was sacked six times overall. That included four times in his first 14 pass attempts.

It appeared as though Campbell and rookie left guard Jared Wilson allowed at least two sacks each (although it’s difficult to completely assign blame when we don’t know the play call).

The offensive line settled down, allowing two sacks in the final 15 pass plays. It was noteworthy that Campbell had some big blocks later in practice.

“I think the guys, at times, up front, I can help them out by being more demonstrative about where I want to send them and where I want them to go,” Maye said. “We blocked it up when we got it right, and there are times where they are going to get us. That’s what (Flores) does. He creates chaos. I think it’s good for us to see and know… It’s great for us to learn from.”