Vikings offense has been in sure hands with Pat Shurmur

Published 8:27 am Friday, November 3, 2017

EDEN PRAIRIE — The Minnesota Vikings lost starting quarterback Sam Bradford to an injury right after the opener. Running back Dalvin Cook was hurt in the fourth game and is out for the season.

They’ve even had to use three left guards.

Pat Shurmur hasn’t missed a beat.

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In his first full year as offensive coordinator for the Vikings, Shurmur has helped a unit that lagged behind last year not only pick up the production but maintain it through the first half of the season at a level that’s been more than acceptable next to the team’s dominant defense.

“Adjusting to what’s going on is something that I think he’s really good at,” quarterback Case Keenum said, “and I think he’s a great play caller.”

The first priority for 2017 for the Vikings (6-2), who entered their bye week in sole possession of first place in the NFC North, was to rebuild their offensive line with a pair of free agent tackles and a rookie center. Shurmur and offensive line coach Tony Sparano guided the group toward more zone blocking with a reliance on more mobile players, and the results have been mostly positive.

The Vikings are 13th in the NFL in yards and 14th in points, allowing the second-fewest sacks per pass play and the fourth-fewest interceptions per pass attempt. They’re seventh in the league in third down conversions. Last season, they accumulated the fifth-fewest yards. They were in the bottom 10 in points and sacks.