2008 Minnesota Vikings Defense
Will Jared Allen be a Sack Master for Minnesota in 2008?
The Vikings rush defense ranked 1st in the NFL in 2007 The addition of DE Jared Allen should help maintain that ranking. On the flipside, the secondary expects the pressure Allen will create on quarterbacks will help add to more turnover opportunities. Let’s see how the Vikings defense will stack up in 2008.
Defensive Line
Out goes former Vikings defensive end Erasmus James, in steps Jared Allen. Allen, 2007 NFL sack leader (15.5), will have the luxury of playing alongside two of the best (and biggest) lineman in the league. Defensive tackles Pat Williams (317 lbs.) and Kevin Williams (311 lbs.) will help take a lot of pressure off Jared. Both Williams’ are players that demand the double team which will allow Allen 1 on 1 opportunities to get at the quarterback.
In 2007, the defensive line was a big reason as to why the Vikings ranked #1 against the run. The line played very strong for not having a legitimate pass rusher. In 2008, they’ll have one in Jared Allen. Allen may just lead the league in sacks once again in 2008. Defensive ends Brian Robison, Ray Edwards, and Jayme Mitchell will alsoshare playing time on the D-line.
Linebackers
Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson returns to lead Minnesota’s line backing corps. Henderson’s 118 tackles in ‘07 lead the team. After missing all of his rookie year in 2006 outside linebacker Chad Greenway returned in ‘07 with 105 tackles, playing in all 16 games. The ball hawk play of Henderson and Greenway shuts down one side of the field for opposing tailbacks and tight ends.
With DE Jared Allen fortifying an already solid line, E.J. Henderson may improve on his 4.5 sacks in ‘07 as he’ll be able to blitz more often. OLB Ben Leber rounds out the starters at linebacker, Leber will be looking to improve on last seasons 67 tackles and 5 sacks. Rookies Rufus Alexander and David Herron will also see some playing time. MLB Derrick Pope will spell Henderson.
Cornerbacks and Safeties
Highly touted free agent safety Madieu Williams (Bengals) was signed by Minnesota to help Darren Sharper play the outfield. With two solid safeties roaming the field it should relieve pressure off the young cornerbacks on the Vikings roster. Minnesota’s pass defense ranked 32nd in 2007; good for dead last in the NFL.
Veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield has remained consistent in his ten years of NFL service. Winfield missed six games in ‘07 but still managed nine pass deflections. Winfield’s counterpart, 3rd year player Cedric Griffin is a solid tackler (92 in ’07) but needs to improve on catching the ball. Although Griffin managed ten pass deflections a year ago he had zero interceptions. The turnovers need to increase if Minnesota wants to improve itspass defense.
Another free agent safety, Michael Boulware was signed this off-season to relieve Madieu Williams. In the 2008 draft Minnesota traded up to pick Arkansas St. safety Tyrell Johnson. Johnson is believed to be Sharper’s replacement when he retires. Johnson has all the skills of a young Darren Sharper, look for him to make some big plays and hits in 2008 as he is more physical than Sharper. Second year CB Marcus McCauley is expected to play on 3rd down possessions as the nickel corner.
2008 Defensive Outlook
Withthe arrival of Jared Allen, the D-line has become much strongerThe unit should remain tops in the league against the run. The pressure Allen will put on quarterbacks should make for some turnover opportunities; thus helping improve a bad pass defense in 2007. The sky is the limit for The Purple People Eaters defense in 2008.
