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Pat Williams and the defense keep the Vikings sailing along

Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2005 by Brian Baldinger

They traded their best player in the offseason, lost their center and quarterback to injuries and had an embarrassing incident involving players and strippers on a boat. Halfway through the season, the Vikings looked like they were about to implode.

But they somehow picked themselves up, battled back and now have a legitimate chance of making the playoffs. With their win over the Rams on Sunday--their sixth victory in a row--they improved to 8-5 and moved within a game of first-place Chicago in the NFC North.

You certainly could credit quarterback Brad Johnson, who has won all six of his starts since replacing Daunte Culpepper. Or Koren Robinson, who might not be Randy Moss but has come up big as a receiver and kick returner.

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But to me, what has fueled this turnaround has been the defense. It has forced turnovers (five interceptions and one fumble against the Rams), shut down running games and allowed few big plays. And the Vikings have done all that while playing without two of their best players for chunks of time: Cornerback Fred Smoot returned Sunday after missing four games, and defensive tackle Kevin Williams has missed the past two games.

The one player the entire defense has taken its personality from is Pat Williams, the 6-3, 317-pound tackle who was a free-agent addition from Buffalo. He was brought in to be a run stuffer; he understands that role, and he has embraced it. This guy has manhandled centers, been a disruptive force and kept opponents from sustaining any kind of consistent running game. To a man, the defensive players say Williams is the reason--the big reason--for the unit's turnaround.

Now, the Vikings need to pick it up on offense. They have a lot of playmakers in the passing game--Johnson has five good receivers, any of whom could be a go-to-guy-but running backs Mewelde Moore, Michael Bennett and Clatrick Fason have struggled. None is big enough to be a feature back, and they all have been nicked up. That's keeping the offense from sustaining drives and scoring consistently.

After the boat incident, it would have been easy for this team to completely unravel. But Mike Tice has done a great job of keeping it together. He never has wavered in his belief in the players, and they are playing just as hard for him as they are for their own jobs.

A few weeks ago, the Vikings looked like a sinking ship. Now, they have a chance to sail into the postseason.

DRAFT DISH

Alabama S Charlie Peprah plays with great instincts and isn't afraid to deliver punishing hits. He's better suited as a run stopper than as a coverage back but should be a valuable Day 1 pick. ... Expect Minnesota C Greg Eslinger to be selected late in the first round or early in the second. A powerful run blocker, Eslinger has good footwork and is quick off the line. ... Georgia's Tim Jennings is a physical cornerback who plays bigger than his size (5-8, 182). Jennings has blazing speed (4.33), is a tough tackler and has outstanding ball skills. He immediately could fill a nickel role in the NFL and should be selected in the second round. ... Oregon State OLB Keith Ellison is a playmaker whose stock is on the rise. At 6-1,228, he needs to add bulk. Expect him to go off the board in Round 3. ... Virginia Tech DT Jonathan Lewis has the potential to start early in his rookie season. A hard worker on the field and in the weight room, Lewis is a valuable playmaker who uses his strength well when attacking opponents. Look for him to be a second-round pick.

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Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sportlng News Radio and seen on FOX Sports. Listen online at radio.sportingnews.com.

Pat Williams and the defense keep the Vikings sailing along

Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2005 by Brian Baldinger

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