12-25-2018, 02:09 AM
For such a big fella, Vikings rookie Brian O’Neill sure spends a lot of time focusing on and practicing the smallest details of playing right tackle in the NFL.
For example …
“It can be something as [little] as the difference in two inches where your hands are placed on the backside of a zone play,” O’Neill said. “It can be how your second step hits the ground and at what angle you’re going to come out of your stance. … What are the fine details of [blocking] in terms of footwork, pad level, angles, hat placement?”
His awakening to the infinitesimal details of line play at the game’s highest level was drilled into him by the Vikings’ coaches and is being fine-tuned by new friend and teammate Mike Remmers, the current right guard and former Vikings right tackle.
The result?
O’Neill’s 11th consecutive start since overtaking Rashod Hill will come Sunday against the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Not bad for a second-round draft pick the draft experts labeled a long-term project as a converted tight end coming out of Pittsburgh.
Coach Mike Zimmer said the Vikings expected O’Neill to contribute at some point this year, but thought it would come closer to the end of the season. Already an athletic run blocker who can reach the second level, O’Neill surprised the team in how fast he developed as a pass protector.
“And he probably has a little more toughness than I thought he might have moving from tight end in college to offensive line,” Zimmer said. “He’s really shown a lot of toughness, grit and those kinds of things.”
According to Pro Football Focus, O’Neill has played 488 snaps in pass protection. He’s allowed zero sacks.
In the 25-20 loss to the Bears on Nov. 18, O’Neill allowed only one pressure in 54 snaps as a pass protector. Sunday, the Vikings can reach the playoffs with a win over the Bears or an Eagles loss to Washington.
“I take pride in the fact that I think I’ve been able to help the Vikings win,” O’Neill said. “Obviously not as many games as we would have liked, but I think I’ve been able to help this team. I’m excited moving forward that I’ll be able to continue helping this team.
”http://www.startribune.com/vikings-tackle-brian-o-neill-developed-quickly-as-a-pass-blocker/503453022/
For example …
“It can be something as [little] as the difference in two inches where your hands are placed on the backside of a zone play,” O’Neill said. “It can be how your second step hits the ground and at what angle you’re going to come out of your stance. … What are the fine details of [blocking] in terms of footwork, pad level, angles, hat placement?”
His awakening to the infinitesimal details of line play at the game’s highest level was drilled into him by the Vikings’ coaches and is being fine-tuned by new friend and teammate Mike Remmers, the current right guard and former Vikings right tackle.
The result?
O’Neill’s 11th consecutive start since overtaking Rashod Hill will come Sunday against the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Not bad for a second-round draft pick the draft experts labeled a long-term project as a converted tight end coming out of Pittsburgh.
Coach Mike Zimmer said the Vikings expected O’Neill to contribute at some point this year, but thought it would come closer to the end of the season. Already an athletic run blocker who can reach the second level, O’Neill surprised the team in how fast he developed as a pass protector.
“And he probably has a little more toughness than I thought he might have moving from tight end in college to offensive line,” Zimmer said. “He’s really shown a lot of toughness, grit and those kinds of things.”
According to Pro Football Focus, O’Neill has played 488 snaps in pass protection. He’s allowed zero sacks.
In the 25-20 loss to the Bears on Nov. 18, O’Neill allowed only one pressure in 54 snaps as a pass protector. Sunday, the Vikings can reach the playoffs with a win over the Bears or an Eagles loss to Washington.
“I take pride in the fact that I think I’ve been able to help the Vikings win,” O’Neill said. “Obviously not as many games as we would have liked, but I think I’ve been able to help this team. I’m excited moving forward that I’ll be able to continue helping this team.
”http://www.startribune.com/vikings-tackle-brian-o-neill-developed-quickly-as-a-pass-blocker/503453022/
