Minnesota Vikings gamers huddle earlier than a snap throughout a street matchup in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Discipline. Christian Darrisaw stands at left because the offense organized assignments and communication earlier than the play. On Nov. 23, 2025, Minnesota navigated one other essential NFC North battle whereas making an attempt to strengthen its postseason place. Obligatory Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures.
The Vikings carry on singing the praises of offensive line coach Keith Carter. An assistant final yr, Carter has taken over for Chris Kuper, who had been main the entrance 5 since 2022.
Kevin O’Connell has been optimistic about what he’s seeing. Actually, he was moderately outspoken in his reward the final time he chatted with the Minnesota media. “Keith’s done a phenomenal job with that group,” O’Connell stated, “both in the meeting room and on the field. It feels, every single day feels like there’s such a purpose to what they’re trying to do.” O’Connell’s phrases proceed what has been fairly constant reward for Coach Carter.
The Vikings Hold Praising OL Coach Keith Carter
For the reason that ’22 season, the Vikings’ offensive line has been good however not nice. Fixing that actuality is lengthy overdue.
Think about a primary element: a ton of sources are being sunk into the offensive line. Per Over the Cap, the Vikings are sitting at fourth within the NFL by seeing $76,190,410 of the staff’s cap house dedicated to the big lads within the trenches.
Each of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are homegrown abilities working underneath meaty second contracts. LG1 Donovan Jackson is taking part in on his 1st-Spherical contract and RG1 Will Fries obtained stolen away after a free company bidding battle. Solely Blake Brandel could possibly be deemed low cost among the many starters.
Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Will Fries celebrates in the long run zone after a landing throughout second-quarter motion on Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The scoring play highlighted Minnesota’s offensive execution in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers and gave the Vikings one other memorable second in a rivalry matchup late within the common season. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Pictures.
Gone are the times of saving cash up entrance. PFF however walked away unimpressed, placing the collective group down at 18th general.
“The Vikings’ offensive line disappointed in 2025,” the evaluation begins, “especially considering pre-season expectations. The unit, largely hindered by injuries, posted an 82.8 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating, which ranked only 27th in the NFL. They gave up 173 pressures, including 26 sacks, on 578 pass plays.”
A concluding thought: “Free-agent acquisition Will Fries was unable to replicate his breakout 2024 season. Whereas Fries conceded pressure on 3.9% of pass plays during his last campaign with the Colts, he allowed a 6.2% pressure rate in Minnesota in 2025.”
So, room to enhance, particularly since a lot has been invested financially and by way of the draft.
O’Connell sees a crew that has “very, very high expectations of themselves and Keith [Carter] is driving that.” Not lengthy afterwards, there’s a point out of a pair gamers — Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill — as doing excellently when main the big lads. So, too, did Frank Smith (the Assistant HC who used to work for the Dolphins) get reward.
“They’ve done everything to have me really excited about their potential when football comes around,” O’Connell stated to finish his reply.
Sep 29, 2024; Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings security Josh Metellus (44) celebrates with offensive sort out Christian Darrisaw (71) after catching a landing move in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Discipline. Obligatory Credit score: Tork Mason/USA TODAY Community by way of Imagn Pictures.
On the threat of being a contact apparent, the Kyler Murray v. J.J. McCarthy battle is at present the highest story within the Twin Cities. Truthful sufficient.
There may be nonetheless knowledge, although, in taking a look at what’s going down round these passers. Seeing the Vikings’ o-line go from humdrum to hulking can be a serious increase for whoever is passing the ball. Even higher will probably be if the entrance 5 are allowed to run block extra, additional permitting the QB1 (whoever it finally ends up being) to shine.
Keith Carter has been having a superb offseason however a lot work stays. Search for him to proceed main his crew in late July because the Vikings return to TCO for coaching camp.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. E mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
