As Christopher Walken once said in the famous Saturday Night Live "more cowbell" skit, "I like what I'm hearing."
It's always dangerous to read too much into what players do at OTAs. Everyone is improved this time of the year and everyone is on the cusp of a breakout season. But I think defensive end Brian Robison could be a very important player for the Vikings in 2009. The Vikes finally became a complete defence in 2008 and an improved pass rush had a lot to do with it. But what's in store for 2009?
You know Jared Allen is going to be a pass-rushing terror and get 10-plus sacks if healthy. And Kevin Williams is certainly capable of doing the same from the tackle position. But of the other defensive lineman that play a lot, Pat Williams is a run stopper, period, and Ray Edwards is a guy who is probably stronger defending the run than rushing the passer.
Could Robison be that third pass rusher – like Justin Tuck was for the Giants in 2007 – that creates matchup problems for every offensive line? I think he could be.
And if Robison causes opponents as much problems in 2009 as he's creating for his own teammates at these OTAs, the Vikings could have the best pass rushing defensive line it's had since the days of Chris Doleman, Keith Millard, Henry Thomas and Al Noga back in the late 80s.
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2 comments:
How is the Minnesota offensive line lining up against them? I imagine they're putting someone on the outside of Loadholt in pass protection. With the underfront style of the Tampa 2, wouldn't you have Allen looking over McKinnie's left shoulder, Kevin Williams looking over Hutch's left shoulder, Pat Williams swallowing up Sullivan and Herrera, and Robison on Loadholt's RIGHT shoulder, and Robison ought to be able to speed past Loadholt. I imagine an opponent would stick a blocking TE or RB next to their RT to help.
Either DE position is difficult, but for different reasons. Allen has a very good LT to go against (but fewer double teams because of MN's stellar tackles) and Robison's got to deal with the strong side.
In any event, I like Robison and would like to see him succeed. What I've been hearing from the OTAs is that Rice is looking good, which is exciting.
Peter:
Don't know how the Minnesota offensive line is dealing with them but what I envision for Robison this season is he spells Edwards (Allen was rarely off the field in '08 – except for injury breaks) and then moves inside on passing downs to rush the passer.
I really think that knee injury screwed up Rice's 2008 season. In his rookie year he was a bit of a deep threat (remember the Giant and San Diego games?). But after he hurt his knee against Indy(?) all he caught the rest of the season was 10-yard outs on the sidelines and quick slants at the goal line. I think he's capable of more than that.
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