Preview: Can Vikings “D” rank in top 10?

By Krupka  |   Thursday, September 07, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Minnesota Vikings
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Key additions: DT Ross Kolodziej (free agency); LB Ben Leber (free agency); S Dwight Smith (free agency), CB Cedric Griffin (second round draft pick), DE Ray Edwards (fourth round pick).

Key losses: CB Brian Williams (Jaguars); S Corey Chavous (Rams); LB Sam Cowart (Texans); DE Lance Johnstone (Raiders); LB Keith Newman (Dolphins).

Biggest strength: The defensive line. Although the secondary could stake a claim, the front four has a chance to be one of the best in all of football, right up there with the Carolina Panthers. There aren't many lines in the league that can boast the talent level the Vikings have. The line starts three former first-round picks - defensive ends Erasmus James (2005) and Kenechi Udeze (2004) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams (2003) - to go along with prolific run-stuffer Pat Williams. This preseason the group showed how dominant it can be, continually harassing opposing quarterbacks. James and Udeze have tremendous speed off the edge, and Kevin Williams is a pass-rushing tackle.

The unit's best player: Safety Darren Sharper. The nine-year veteran brings a mix of athleticism and veteran leadership to the defense. The ball-hawking safety recorded nine interceptions and scored two touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl selection last season, his first with the Vikings.

The main concern: The linebackers. After a strong preseason showing by the unit that was criticized all offseason, the concern of the coaches and fans has subsided some. E.J. Henderson has looked outstanding on the weak side, and free agent acquisition Ben Leber has been solid. If Napoleon Harris can hold is own in the middle, the defense should be outstanding. Still, the linebackers are the biggest question mark on the defense.

Player that needs to step up: Cornerback Fred Smoot. After an injury riddled and unimpressive first campaign to say the least, it's time for the trash-talking shutdown corner to step up and solidify a secondary that looks to be top notch. Prior to last season, Smoot signed a six-year, $36 million deal to leave Washington for Minnesota. In 11 games last season, he recorded 41 tackles and two interceptions; obviously, that isn't going to be good enough this year. This offseason, in an attempt to stay physically ready for 16 games, Smoot added 14 pounds to his frame. The loud-mouthed corner insists he hasn't lost any of his game-breaking speed.

Final outlook: If everyone stays healthy, this should finally be the year that the defense takes the next step from being at the back end of the league to an upper-echelon unit. While that is a big "if," there's no doubt that the instruction by coordinator Mike Tomlin has been beneficial. No longer will the Vikings be knocked for their defense. Instead, the defense will be doing the knocking.

"Together we eat. Rushing (and) coverage works together. At times we get coverage sacks, at times we get pressure interceptions. It's what it's about. That's part of being a member of the unit. They recognize the grunge work that maybe doesn't get recognized a lot of the times. So together we eat," said Tomlin.

This year the Minnesota Vikings' defense may eat itself right into the NFL's top 10.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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