Vikings OC Wes Phillips hints at seismic shift on the offensive line that could set the Vikings up for years to come

The offensive line has been the biggest factor this season for the Minnesota Vikings.

Throughout the first five games, the Vikings have already lost nine starts from their offensive line, and the projected starting offensive line going into the season has yet to take a single snap together. That has forced many players to not only get starts, but a lot of snaps for young players that will help their development.

The biggest position with less consistency on the offensive line has been center. Ryan Kelly is on injured reserve for at least three more games, and the backup center going into the season in Michael Jurgens has a hamstring injury he is healing from.

Wes Phillips praises Blake Brandel

When Jurgens missed the game against the Cleveland Browns, the Vikings were forced to play Blake Brandel at center. He had never played center at the college or NFL level, but was tasked with playing the position against the best defensive line in football.

The question is whether or not Brandel could be the guy moving forward at center. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips spoke very highly of Brandel.

"Going back to years past, Blake hasn't played a lot of center, but they're always working those guys because of these situations, the interior backups particularly, have to at least be swing guards. Having some center flex centers that are only centers, kind of limit you with your roster. Generally, they have to at least function at guard. So those guys get worked in throughout the off season," said Phillip.

"Blake's been taking snaps for a long time now, whether it's just QC [quarterback /center] exchange, whether he gets some scout team reps, those things get mixed in. A lot of times, guys don't even notice and they're getting mixed in at different positions, and it's for these types of situations. Blake's had some of that training over time, and he's had practice with the snaps. We felt good about that, but he's, he's at least been trained over the years to be ready for this opportunity when it came and and he really stepped up. The communication was what, I think everyone was really. Press with throughout the week, and then obviously the play in the game."

The last part was the biggest thing about Brandel. The communication aspect is such a big deal for the center position, because you are responsible for protections and making sure everyone is doing the right things. Having that communication out of the gate is a huge deal.

That factor is a big reason why Phillips thinks that Brandel might be at his best playing center.