Vikings decimated offensive line put in an elite performance against Myles Garrett and the numbers will shock you

The Minnesota Vikings getting a 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns wasn't much of a surprise, as they entered Sunday's game as 3.5-point favorites.

As the Vikings went through the game on Sunday morning, the offensive line played extremely well, especially when you consider they were missing three starters and starting Blake Brandel at center, who had never played the position in either college or the NFL. That wasn't a recipe for success against the best defensive line in the NFL, but it worked.

Minnesota Vikings offensive line stuffed Myles Garrett

The biggest challenge for the Vikings was going to be edge rusher Myles Garrett and the explosive defensive line who have wrecked their other opponents this season, including beating the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.

Per Next Gen Stats, the Vikings limited Garrett to two pressures of 35 pass rushes (5.7%), his second-lowest pressure rate in a game since 2021. They also chipped him on 15 of those rushes, which is the third-highest chip rate Garrett's faced since 2018, his second season in the NFL.

It's not too much of a surprise that the Vikings chipped Garrett so much, especially with Christian Darrisaw having played in the first half. Where things got really interesting was when Garrett was rushing the passer when Darrisaw wasn't on the field. Justin Skule, who had been decimated this year with a 14.3% pressure rate per Next Gen Stats, didn't allow a single pressure in 14 pass blocking reps against Garrett.

You read that correctly. Skule did a great job against Garrett and was very consistent in his approach. The entire offensive line was consistent in protecting quarterback Carson Wentz, who had glowing things to say about the unit.

"I'm so proud of those guys," said Wentz. "For guys to do what they did today in a unique week over here all week, you know, we were down coming into the game. We were down a handful of guys. Blake Brandel starting first game at center. Joe Huber starting for the first time ever. Justin Skule starting at right tackle and then flipping to left tackle against arguably one of the best defensive ends in the world. Those things are not easy to do. For them to keep fighting and battling -- guys make mistakes. That happens. I made mistakes. The way they kept battling and fighting, I'm so proud of those guys."

Being able to do this with an offensive line that struggled that much is a huge win for the Vikings, and now they can go into the bye week focusing on getting everyone healthy.

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