The NFC North is stacked like never before this season. While everybody expected the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to set the pace, the biggest surprise has probably been the Minnesota Vikings. With journeyman Sam Darnold at quarterback, they jumped out to a 5-1 start, tying for the division lead. The Chicago Bears still have two games against them in the coming weeks. Unfortunately for Minnesota, their momentum is in serious danger of being disrupted after a significant incident on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams.
Right at the end of the first half, a defender landed on the left leg of star left tackle Christian Darrisaw, appearing to cave in his knee. He immediately left the game and was declared out shortly after. Initial analysis from experts suggests he suffered an MCL injury. The hope is the knee didn’t suffer any damage besides that, which means he might be able to return in a few weeks. Otherwise, he could be looking at a long absence.
The Chicago Bears see the Vikings in November.
That is five weeks away. David Chao, a former NFL doctor, says it looked like mid or high-grade. That would mean Darrisaw could miss 4-6 weeks or seven or more. It means there is a possibility the Chicago Bears may not play against the Vikings left tackle in their first meeting. That could be a huge advantage in their efforts to stop such a potent offense. It doesn’t even account for Minnesota’s upcoming games against teams like Jacksonville and Tennessee, who have potent pass rushes. No matter how you spin it, this injury could benefit the Bears in a tight division race. Replacing players like Darrisaw is almost impossible. Kevin O’Connell is a great coach, but even he is at the mercy of the talent available to him.
Even before that injury, I think the Rams had a solid plan to stymie the Vikings offense. I believe the Lions gave the rest of the league the format on how to beat the Viking’s blitzing D and how to bother Darnold. He looked like the Darnold from years ago, which isn’t good.
The LT loss is a major deal. I try not to wish injury on anyone but if he’s out for the year then Minnesota is not going to the SB. If you watched the game you noticed that the Rams won because they were able to stop the Vikings offense… which was made possible by getting pressure through that Left Tackle replacement. It was night and day. The Bears D is predicated on QB pressure. The Bears D can now squarely stop the Vikings when we play them… if he is still out. As Slip Knotz wisely said “Durability is… Read more »
And do not worry Bears fans, if something should happen to Caleb, they Baguette to back him. If LT Jones goes down, we have Kiran. No Shelton, no problem. Bring on Bates or local Kramer (vs. Kramer). Enough said! So rest easy.
I reckon the LT injury is significant even if for only two weeks. Who are the possible replacements? Just do not trade LT Jones to them even for a 2nd RD draft choice, hear?
Will the real Melhus please stand up and speak out. I will only allow you to touch my kebabs when hot.