It wasn’t too long ago that the Minnesota Vikings declined Garrett Bradbury’s rookie option, because they were so unsettled with his performance. Just a couple years later, he’s now entrenched as Kevin O’Connell’s starting center. And in 2024, he’s taking on a whole new level of responsibility.
Minnesota Vikings heavily reliant on Garrett Bradbury
Kirk Cousins is no longer under center for the Minnesota Vikings. While turnover at the quarterback position is straightforward, the ripple effects are not. Center Garrett Bradbury has taken on a more active and engaged role when it comes to pre-snap assignments, now that a new QB has entered the fray.
Worked with Sam Darnold is a lot different. It puts a lot more of the pre-snap reads, defensive tendencies and cadence changes onto the 5th year center’s shoulders. Previously, Kirk Cousins had handled all of that.
Bradbury talked with Alec Lewis of The Athletic, this week. He noted a specific cadence change he made vs the Browns this week, that helped give Darnold more room to breathe in the pocket.
On Wednesday, center Garrett Bradbury suggested to Darnold that the Vikings switch the cadence. He felt like the Browns’ front had timed up Darnold’s snap count, and Darnold agreed. The switch gave Darnold and the offense a bit more time to work
“Before, with Kirk, he knew the calls, the checks, when to change the play, when to change the protection. Now, it’s not so much that I’m running the show, but if I see something, it’s, ‘Hey, yo, Sam, maybe check this.’ We’re kinda just leaning on each other.”
The Athletic
Sam Darnold has been put in the best situation of his career, and the aptitude of his line will largely dictate his success. Bradbury has become the quarterback of that group, and the veteran clearly appreciates the process. It remains to be seen how the guard positions will shake out, but Kevin O’Connell has to love his line continuity.
Garrett Bradbury could set the tone for Vikings Darnold
After a season-ending injury took down J.J. McCarthy , the Vikings are now fully in on Sam Darnold. He was always likely to start Week 1, but pulling the plug on him with haste won’t happen either. If Bradbury can position his line mates in positive situations, then everyone will stand to benefit.
This is quite a stark difference from where Bradbury was just a few seasons ago. Allowed to test the open market and consistently chided for performance, his development has been impressive. O’Connell feeling a level of trust in his center to this extent also speaks volumes.
“It starts with Garrett. He’s giving out all the calls, all the communication. He’s directing everywhere we need to go.”
Christian Darrisaw on Garrett Bradbury’s importance to the Vikings offense ( via The Athletic )
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Facing a fierce pass rush from Cleveland, this week, Bradbury and the Vikings had plenty of looks to see. It will be worth watching how it translates to game speed, on Saturday.
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