Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Joe Berger (61) in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings center Joe Berger had the best season of his 10-year career in 2015. He was particularly effective as a run-blocker, as he led the way for running back Adrian Peterson to win the NFL's rushing title.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) named Berger the league's best run-blocker of the season.
Via PFF on Twitter:
Berger was a sixth-round draft pick in 2005 and bounced around between a few teams early in his career. He has been with the Vikings since 2011, spending most of his time as a reserve. However, Berger was forced into the starting lineup when John Sullivan was lost to a back injury during the preseason. As a result, 2015 marked the first season in which the 33-year-old veteran started all 16 games.
The Vikings fielded the fourth most productive rushing attack in the NFL (138.2 yards per game), spearheaded by Peterson's league-leading 1,485 yards. Berger's efforts at center went a long way towards making this happen.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.