Luft’s Locker Room

Posts Tagged ‘Ray Edwards’

We all knew, that sooner or later there would be interest in the Vikings restricted free agents, and the first to get high profile sniffs turns out to be Ray Edwards.

This makes sense for teams that want to upgrade the DE position and feel a first rounder for 25 year old better than average and getting better defensive end is worth it, especially when that pick is in the later part of the first round.

Ray had 8.5 sacks last year and 4 in the playoffs. As long as he has been healthy, he has steadily improved as the “other” DE on the line. If I were the Eagles or Saints [the first two teams reported to be in pursuit] I would look to sign him for a decent multi-year contract, throw in a little poison pill and give the Vikings my #1 pick.

Kevin Brown of VikingBuzz BLOG put it best.

Analysis: The Vikings have thought this through and it’s no accident they tendered Edwards at the first-round level. They know full well that will not necessarily scare teams away from making a run at him. So this scenario is not unexpected for them.

The most preferred option would likely be to retain Edwards at that $2.521 million level. However, the Vikings do have a lot of confidence in Brian Robison as a potential replacement for Edwards, especially on passing downs. They also like Jayme Mitchell, who has the tools to be an effective base end in their scheme.

Expect to see Ray Edwards playing against The Vikings next year. Look for Rick Speilman and crew to draft a DE for depth and development. The question is what and who will we be getting excited over with that second #1 pick?

What is your opinion?

Are you really looking forward to the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers opener?  Me too.  Even Zygi Wilf and his family have a new found appreciation for what is the premier rivalry in the division and one of the arguably all time best in football.  This season version was heightened by the Brett Favre saga and the immediate [and acquitted] charges of tampering leveled against the Vikes by the Pack.  Feel the love Baby!

The preseason has ended and the games are starting to count.  A few things came out of the games in the preseason that Vikings fans will look forward to.  First and foremost was the improved play by Tarvaris Jackson in the first two games prior to his knee sprain.  The sprain is easily at a point now, that not 100% will be fully functional and not impair his play.

Tarvaris this year also has an improved group of receivers led by Bernard Berrian and second year player Sidney Rice.  The big case of dropsies was traded off to Jacksonville earlier in the year and I don’t anticipate its return.  Even the under-achieving Visanthe Shiancoe has shown improvement at catching the ball.  This ability to throw should give the Vikings the ability to strike from anywhere on the field and compliment the run.  It will also be necessary to pull the safety from the box that will surely be there to stop the run.

Running the ball is what the Vikings of ’07 did best.  With the Rookie of the Year, Adrian Peterson, and the Chester Taylor providing a league leading tandem at running the ball, the only way that teams could stop them was to shut down the passing game and throw 8, 9, and sometimes 10 guys in the box.  The Vikes still drove the ball, but it eventually lowered the offensive output.  This year, Adrian Peterson has been learning patience and following his linemen, then when a hole opens up to break free instead of trying to force it.  Plus, he should be in on more passing situations either blocking or getting open in space where he is absolutely deadly.

If opposing teams, and by that I mean Green Bay this week try to fill the box, Jackson with weapons and confidence will beat them over the top.  The Vikings will be a run first team with the stable of backs they have but this year with the acquisition of Berrian and the improved play of receivers and more importantly Tarvaris Jackson, there should be more of a balanced attack with each facet of the offense feeding off of what the defense is trying to stop.

Monday night’s game, the Vikings will see an injury recovering Packers defense lead by linebacker A.J. Hawk and his sprained chest (questionable) and a slower Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila with a gimped knee not practicing Friday, but listed as probable.  This should help Artis Hicks who will be making his start at left tackle for the suspended Bryant McKinnie.

Artis Hicks should have help from Steve Hutchinson on his right and Jimmy Kleinsasser on his left.  The only thing I’m concerned about is that Childress will show which direction the play [run] is designed to go by which tackle is getting help from Kleinsasser.  Last year the left side of the line had a 5+ yard per carry average and the right side of the O-line had a league leading 7+ yards per carry average, and though Ryan Cook contributed, it was probably more due to the help of Kleinsasser’s and somewhat Tony Richardson’s blocking abilities.  This year Thomas Tapeh will be at full back, and along with Jimmy be helping more now no matter which direction the play is designed.

On the defensive side of the ball the Vikings will be testing the first season starter Aaron “I’m want my Mommy” Rodgers like he has not been tested before.  Just think, he’s named the starter and future of the franchise after Brett Favre’s retirement, Brett has a change of heart and a fight with the club, and the poor backup who is to be the new leader is stuck in the middle.  Even the young Packers fans where giving him grief.  All I can say is expect more.

Jared Allen was one of the best free agent acquisitions in the league this year and has bonded with the Williams Wall and the forgotten Ray Edwards to form the best defensive line in football today.  They will be busting through a highly suspect line due to injuries; Josh Sitton (G) is out with a knee, Chad Clifton (T) is listed as not participating with some sort of knees and chest problems, but is listed as probable, and Scott Wells (C) with back issues and only listed as questionable.  That lineup of wounded and substitutes will have all of the front four licking there chops in anticipation of many meetings in the backfield.

Take a first time starting QB, a busted line and throw in for good measure a starting running back in Ryan Grant that sat out most of the preseason, then once finally showing up tweaks a hamstring.  He did not participate Friday, but is still listed as probable.  Pat Williams is sure hoping he will be there, because he is the only back last year to gain over 100 yards against him [the Vikings run D] and he takes it personally.

Such a strong defensive line will command double team blocking from the opposition whether it be the Pack or the rest of the league.  This leaves the Vikings linebackers lead by E.J. Henderson in the middle to reek havoc and fill holes in the running game and hunt for receivers in the passing game.

In the passing game, a sore spot from ’07, pressure on the QB from that defensive line [thank you Zygi for getting Allen] should shorten the time Rodgers has to throw the ball along with mess with his mind causing bad decisions and wounded ducks that Darren Sharper will eagerly gobble up.  The Vikes only rookie starter, Tyrell Johnson will be playing next to him and should be holding his own.  He will be targeted for sure, but with help from Sharper, has shown throughout preseason that he is up to the task.

There were a few things that came to focus during the week.  This defense looks to be very, very good and the offense has greatly improved.  Leadership in the front office and coaching staff has made it possible, but what gets me psyched is the chemistry of the players.

Jimmy Kleinsasser, my favorite player also thinks so, and thinks it is unique because the closeness is for the team as a whole. He credits players such as defensive standouts Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams and offensive stalwarts Peterson and Steve Hutchinson with setting a good tone in the locker room.

“This group is probably the closest team I’ve been on in the NFL, that’s for sure,” he said. “And that’s across the board, every position, offense and defense. We’re not just having guys sitting as a position group or hanging out with the offense. We’re all for each other.”

And we as fans are for them too.  I expect the Vikings to go into Lambeau Field and start something special.  This is the ticket I’m voting for in ’08 and it will start by defeating the NFC North champs.  Skol Vikings!

Vikings vs Ravens

The Purple have sailed east to Baltimore to meet and discuss issues with the only other team to wear purple. It is week 2 of the preseason and we should be privileged enough to see more of the starting line ups.

On offense, the Vikes will and should allow Adrian Peterson to get some touches running the ball. This should be interesting in two aspects; first has Adrian learned the patience that he has talked about to allow his blockers to do the work and then hit the hole when it opens, and secondly, will he hit Ray Lewis before Ray Lewis hits him.

To keep the 3-4 defense of the Ravens honest and not blitzing linebackers all of the time, the running backs must make it to and through the linebackers. Get them sitting on their heals instead filling gaps. Doing this delays the pass rush by the linebackers making for easier pickups in blocking assignments and more time for Tarvaris Jackson to make good decisions and throw the ball.

A point of emphasis for the Vikings fan to watch will be to see that Tarvaris continues to make good decisions, on time and on target throws. In week 1 of the preseason, we saw an improved Jackson and there is no reason to doubt that his progress will not continue.

The Vikings stated earlier in the week that the starters should be playing almost 2 full quarters. That will be good for us fans, but also for the defense, that was spotty last week against the Seahawks.

The defense will have their main run stopping energy source in the middle, big Pat Williams. Ray Edwards has been practicing, so we should be able to anticipate the starting front four of Edwards, P-Will, K-Will and Jarred Allen on the field and in action for all of us to see. And just think, new Ravens starter at quarterback, the former Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith will get the same opportunity. [Haha!]

There are backup battles that need watching tonight as well. Will Fred Evans improve on last week’s performance at nose tackle, or Leger Douzable especially since Jayme Mitchell is done for the season. Who will step up as the special teams ace now that Heath Farwell is done, and how will the rookies do in the kick return department this week.

Again this is only preseason and the coaches will be putting in specific players into the game during certain situations so as to get their play on tape for evaluation. That is the goal, show progression towards honing skills as a team and to evaluate players. Winning is nice, but not a goal. We should see better play by the defense against a much weaker offense this week, if not; worry will start to creep in. The offense should show continued steps in production, especially out of the 2’s and 3’s. One last goal… STAY HEALTHY!

I envy you all that will see the game tonight, for those of us out of the local broadcast area, the first re-broadcast on NFLN isn’t until Monday at 3 PM, then again on Wednesday at 5 AM. Enjoy as always, and SKOL VIKINGS!

Both Heath Farwell and Jayme Mitchell are out for the season with torn anterior cruciate ligaments suffered in Friday’s preseason loss to the Seahawks. Heath tore his right and Jayme his left.

Heath Farwell was special teams MVP two years running, runner up in Pro Bowl voting as a special teamer and this year was competing for the #4 linebacker [primary backup] spot. He is a man with heart, slightly undersized for a typical linebacker, but with a motor and ability that will just not quit. He was in a “contract” year after signing his restricted free agent tender earlier in the off season. Being out will not help him in that regard, but hopefully the Vikings will remember this outstanding individual for next year.

His play on special teams will be missed but leaves the door open for one of the other special team aces to step up and take over. Possibilities include Vinny Ciurciu, Derrick Pope or even rookie Tyrell Johnson.

Jayme Mitchell had been backing up Ray Edwards at left defensive end. Jayme had been given the majority of reps during training camp as Edwards heals from his back spasms. He was definitely going to see playing time in coach Dunbar’s rotational system. Now it is left to rookie Leger Douzable. Let’s hope his described “quickness and explosion” makes him a factor, especially against the run.

With Kenechi Udeze out battling leukemia, Ray Edwards having back problems and out, Brian Robison on the right side has just undergone minor surgery for a varicose vein problem in his leg, and now Jayme Mitchell done for the season, the Vikings who once had decent depth at the defensive end position, now are in desperately thin. Expect the Vikes to bring in someone this week. Former Viking Darrion Scott might even be a possibility.

There are reports with the now two open positions on the roster, that the Vikings are looking to fill Farwell’s with an offensive lineman. I guess the Vikes felt they were deep enough at linebacker and valued the extra lineman more. Brock Pasteur formally of the Tennessee Titans is a 24 year old 6′5″ 300 lb OG/OT that will help with depth on the O line is being brought for a physical Monday. Coach Childress likes especially backup O lineman that are versatile and can be moved around the line.

The Vikings and the fans are hoping both Farwell and Mitchell have full and speedy recoveries.

The big news of the weekend was Ray Edwards stated goal of getting the NFL single season sack record.  Channel 5 reported yesterday the story. 

[H]e is stalking the NFL sack record, held by NY Giants star end Michael Strahan. “I look up to Strahan. I learned a lot from him watching and studying his film.” Then Edwards threw in another eye-popping statement: “This year I definitely plan on going out here and breaking Strahan’s record of 22 and 1/2 sacks this year.”

There are indicators that he wasn’t joking.  He has been working on his new boxing training regiment that will help with his eye and hand coordination, his punch against offensive tackles, and the speed and agility of his footwork.  All of that combined with increased shoulder and upper body strength on top of an added 5 to 10 pounds should spell a warning for opposing right tackles and blocking tightends.  But that is not the best of it… Ray will be lining up with three Pro Bowlers in the Williams Wall [Kevin and Pat] and the 2007 sack leader and newest Viking Jarred Allen.  What that means is that Edwards should be seeing one on one blocking all season as offenses try to figure out how to double team everybody else with not near enough blockers to do it.

Will Edwards achieve 23 sacks?  Time will only tell, but it is good to have goals.

Good luck Ray!

Please indulge me a second… Can you just fantasize for a second if that becomes true?  Edwards with 23, K-Will 11, P-Will 4, Jarred Allen 12 and that equals 48 just from the starters.  There will be a linebacker or three with one and maybe a DB or two, Then Robison jumping up and down screaming to get playing time anywhere, begging to relieve these guys so he can get some of that QB lovin’. 

That is down right scary, especially for opposing quarterbacks and the guys that must block for them.  Offensive coordinators will be keeping guys back to help, leading to Sharper and the rest of the DBs eyeballing the QB for the lame duck throws and the opportunities to pick 6.  Every defensive step would feed on the previous one to make a category 5 Purple torrent of destruction.

The only questions are…

Who will be more fun to watch, Adrian Peterson and his supporting crew on offense or what looks on paper to be an exciting and aggressive top rated defense?  Plus, who’ll get the Vikings D for their fantasy team?

The disappointing news leading into the weekend was Friday’s waiving of Erasmus James.

As a fan, over the last few days since the announcement of James being released and put on waivers, there have been numerous reasons speculated over in the press and on the web.  James, a first round pick in 2005 was a dominant defensive end in college and showed everything necessary to continue that in the pros but it never materialized in his first three seasons, due to a holdout as a rookie causing him to be behind the learning power curve.  Then not reporting in shape to compete compounding it.  But he did show glimpses of the explosive rush that could dominate.  He later picked a fight with Chester Taylor sure to sour his impression amongst the rest of his teammates.  Those actions were fully under his control and those poor decisions resulted in hurting the team.  Then came his first knee injury and surgery followed by the sequel injury and additional two surgeries to follow.  Three surgeries in 13 months and poor production over the three may have spelled his doom.

A lesser known explanation caused me to wonder if the 80 man roster was the reason for Erasmus James getting a pink slip?  Coaches have been complaining at almost every owners meeting that they want to grow their training camp rosters to over 100 players, but this with the dissolution of NFL Europa and other exemptions, the roster are now fixed at 80.  Peter King at SI.com has reported,

“Because teams are not allowed roster exemptions for players who played in NFL Europa or various other restricted lists, you’ll see every team, in all likelihood, go to camp with fewer than 80 able-bodied players. (Players on the Physically Unable to Perform List count against the 80-man limit.) So if you have five or six players unable to practice because they’re returning from offseason surgery or from various rehab stints, you’ll have a comparatively bare-bones team starting training camp.”

With that in mind, did the Vikings make their decision based on wanting to have a live, 100% healthy and productive player in camp?  Did they view Erasmus as a PUP candidate that would take that needed spot and not be able to practice at 100%?  This changes what in previous years what was a legitimate way to carry along players that were rehabbing.  Teams could keep all of those players on the rosters under exemptions just to bring them to the active roster later or to eventually place the player on IR until the following season.  This may not have been the sole reason James was unceremoniously told to take a hike, but it may have been the proverbial final straw.

Good luck Erasmus…

Mirror Image: 69 and 96

I just read where “a source familiar with the situation” said that the trade talks with Kansas City for Jarred Allen were a little contentious, not just for the kings ransom demanded by king Carl [Peterson], but by the asking for DE Brian Robison in return. The denial of the Robison trade is what supposedly drove up the pick count. (Not that Greed had anything to do with it.)

This just points to how talented and tenacious the Vikings think Robison is. He is expected to be the first DE of the bench this season. He, and the rest of the Vikings world, hope to see that significant jump in level of play that comes from “getting it” after your rookie season. Last year with limited time playing, he compiled 18 tackles, 5 assists, 4.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Not a bad place to start. Then let’s throw Jarred Allen into the mix giving pointers and spurring competition from not only from Robison, but from Ray Edwards [the presumed left starter] and Jayme Mitchell. This group combined with the Williams’ Wall [Kevin and Pat] should be a blast to watch.

Does anybody else see the scary potential of sacks this year?

(I’ll bet Aaron Rodgers does.)