Five Personnel Questions That Could Impact the Minnesota Vikings' Playbook

While defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams (no relation) were credited as the bedrock of the league’s No. 1 rushing defense in ‘08, the Pro Bowl pair also keyed Minnesota’s ability to pressure the quarterback.

The team’s Tampa 2 base defense relies heavily on the defensive line to rush the passer, and the Vikings’ front four ranked among the best in the business. Of Minnesota’s 45 sacks last season (No. 4 in the league), 34 came courtesy of the D-Line. Just two teams—the Titans and the Giants—boasted lines that got to the quarterback more often.

Williams and Williams accounted for 9.5 of those sacks (8.5 for Kevin, 1.0 for Pat). They also commanded double-teams that freed the rest of the linemen for 24.5 more, led by Jared Allen’s 14.5.

But the Williamses are still trying to dodge four-game suspensions after both tested positive last season for a banned diuretic that doubles as masking agent for steroids. A federal judge blocked the suspensions in December, and a trial date is set for June 15 (although the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports a decision could come as soon as tomorrow, if the presiding judge believes he has enough information).

Given that the NFL’s ability to enforce its own doping policy is at stake, you can bet Roger Goodell and company will come out swinging. If the league gets its way, Minnesota will have to rely on a crop of untested backups—Fred Evans, Leroy Guion and Jimmy Kennedy—that has combined for just two sacks over the past three seasons.

In the event of a Williams shortage, look for defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier to modify his schemes and enlist his linebackers to keep the heat on opposing quarterbacks.

Minnesota’s linebacking corps tallied nine sacks last year, led by 5.5 from outside linebacker Chad Greenway in a breakout sophomore season,. Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson also has flashed potential as a pass-rushing threat, recording five sacks and three forced fumbles in 2007. He added a sack and a forced fumble last year before going on injured reserve after Week Four with two dislocated toes.

The Vikings also snuck cornerback Antoine Winfield across the line for a pair of sacks last year. Winfield forced and recovered fumbles both times, running one in for a touchdown against Carolina. He could get a few more looks on the pass rush in early in the year himself if the Williams Wall shows up late to the party.

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