Minnesota Vikings undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer will make his first career start in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks — and it’s looking like it could be a tough go for the 24-year-old.
Brosmer was already slated to face a Seahawks defense that leads the NFL in pressures (140) and has allowed the fewest yards per attempt in the league. He will also have to do so in a hostile road game, and he may be without potentially two starters on the offensive line.
Rookie guard Donovan Jackson was ruled out of the game with an ankle injury and is considered. Meanwhile, star left tackle Christian Darrisaw is considered a gametime decision with a foot/knee injury designation.
The Vikings offensive front has rarely fielded its first-team unit this season with injuries impacting every spot but Will Fries at right guard.
According to NFL Net Gen Stats, Minnesota has played 13 offensive line combinations for at least 10 snaps this season, the most in the NFL.
Brosmer, replacing J.J. McCarthy (concussion) could find himself under duress, especially if Darrisaw is not protecting his blindside.
Who is Max Brosmer? Vikings Rookie Prepares for First Career Start
Undrafted out of Minnesota, Brosmer is slated to become the first former Golden Gophers quarterback to start an NFL game.
Brosmer played just one season at Minnesota after five seasons at New Hampshire. He set Minnesota’s single-season record for completed passes (268) and posted 2,828 yards, the third most in a single season in program history.
After going undrafted, Brosmer impressed at Vikings training camp, winning a roster spot and has been a snap away from playing with injuries impacting Carson Wentz and McCarthy’s availability.
“I pride myself on being the most prepared guy on the field at all times,” Brosmer said. “That’s just something that I feel caters to my strengths. I was never the most athletic guy, never the strongest guy, but I felt like I could do it better with my mind on the field. And that’s playing NFL quarterback.”
Former Vikings Player Sets Expectations for Max Brosmer
The expectation this season was that McCarthy could slot into a loaded offense that was ready to roll to the postseason.
However, Kevin O’Connell’s offense requires much from its quarterbacks, and McCarthy has struggled to consistently run the offense this season.
That will be the bar for Brosmer.
Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber laid the gambit for Brosmer, who won’t be tasked to play hero, but simply protect the football and let his playmakers handle the rest.
“My expectations are no turnovers,” Leber said on November 29. “That is the No. 1 thing, like, I just don’t want to see him throw the ball away. I know that Mike Macdonald is going to try to light him up. I think we all expect that there’s going to be some pressure. Let’s see how the young guy handles the pressure. I’m actually really excited to see him play.
“I think that we really like this very small sample size that we saw at the very, very beginning of the season, the preseason. You know, he gets the ball out quick. He is accurate. They applaud him for his cerebralness and how smart he is and how prepared he is. So my No. 1 thing is just take care of the football. Don’t turn it over.”
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