vikings/nfl

I remember Letroy Guion being drafted back in 2008 as a fifth round pick out of Florida State. He came out of college pretty young, but seemed to have a good core value system of family to back him. The team had a plan to stick with him, nurture his football skills, and with time and committment he would pay dividends. Now he is 25, and has learned what it takes to approach his profession seriously, and to flourish in it. In a society that wants instant results, this method is quite contrary. It's hard to be patient, and to wait for someone to learn and develop. Nice to see it pay off, especially in a position that isn't necessarily very deep. Another positive step for a team that is "growing" in the right direction...

Frazier knows that the defensive line can carry a lot of the weight for this team to be successful. It's a big reason why Ponder can focus on being a game manager while the Vikes pound the ball with Peterson. The defense is tough while led by a great defensive line. Take a good look at this d-line. As the article states, the only dead weight from last years front four (Remi Ayodele) is now being replaced by a player like Letroy Guion who is turning into a monster at nose tackle. Rotating Everson Griffen into this assault and you have the best defensive front in the NFL (including better than the NY Giants). The Vikes were able to lead the NFL with 50 sacks last year even though Ayodele was starting and there was no help from the coverage. Now quarterbacks will know that they're throwing into much better coverage while the pocket is collapsing. This should create more hesitation to throw the ball. It's a great time to be wearing purple.

I figured since Jared Allen has started out so slow with his sack total he would start giving up like he did 2 years ago. Unless Allen starts getting sacks and he got most of them against weak teams last year Allen will give up. He is all about getting attention. I think he would be more dominate if they tried to move him around once in awhile. Line him up in up stance say in one of the gaps. Still have a four man line but him being a stand up move him before the snap into different gaps. Let the Qb worry where he is coming from. Like the Cowboys use Demarcus Ware. They are similar in rush styles. If I was the defensive coordinator I would at least try it. Who knows it may make the defense even more harder to block.

Unfortunately you have to get paid in this league before you perform.

Guion is one of those kids, ok 300 plus lbs, kid, who came out of college with the tag, "Raw with a big upside". He, for the last couple of seasons, has been looking like the odd man out. Always seemed headed for the practice squad, or cut. This season, he was one of the big question marks, of a very questionable Vikings middle. I didn't think for a minute that he would be as productive, as he has been. I'll admitt that I thought he was one bad game away from being replaced by Evans. But We can say the same about Brinkley, and the Safeties. This kid has some kick in him, and has played very well. Remember he is only 25, and still has alot to learn, and will keep getting stronger. The training staff should get a big pat on the back, for Guion's success. Last season, he seemed to get pushed around, and now is holding his own against bigger O-Lineman. He may not be the typical 350 plus lb Nose tackle, but has played well with Williams, and Brinkley in the middle. I have heard the negetives that he is not the "Big Run Stuffer", but after playing against 2 of last years top 5 running teams, the Vikes are 8th against the run, and 9th overall defensively. Playing next to Williams, is big for Guion. Williams has been a better coach, than any D-Coach, could possibly be. The big upside of Guion is his quickness. In this pass happy league, teams don't run on 1st down, like they used to. Having the Big run stuffer, is a disadvantage against the pass. He seems to have the ability to hold up well against the run, while being able to push in the pocket on passing plays. Glad to see the kid starting out so well. His play has made an already strong front 4, better. This should not be over looked. When the Vikings front 4 can dominate the line of scrimage, without help, this gives, the D-Coord. more players to help a very young, and inexperienced D-Backfield, all the help it needs. If you look at the last 2 games, you will see the Vikes being able to play cover 3, as well as cover 2. Their zones are cutting off the crossing lanes, while still being able to double team the deep routes. You can't do this if you are forced to bring a 5th or 6th player to help get pressure. One game at a time fellas. Its nice to see a young team starting to gell, and play like a Unit. GO VIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stories like this show the quality of both the players and coaches on this Vikings team. I don't think Kevin Williams gets enough credit for the leadership he provides on the defensive side. Anyway, this Vikings team is shaping up to go deep into the playoffs this year. They really have what it takes.

Having a 5th round pick develop into a quality starting nose tackle is huge. It'll be great if Guion can keep this up and we don't really need to worry about the position for a couple years.

agree with wludford... the coaches are pretty underated nationally (and i like that). I think alan williams and singletary are both really helping with the d and in my opinion frazier carries himself alot like dungy. I heard him on colin coheards show the otherday and listening to him talk, i just couldnt get that comparrison out of my head. Lets hope he follows along the same coaching arc and can be the guy to bring the vikes a championship

tjtwinsfanOct. 4, 125:51 AM..."I figured since Jared Allen has started out so slow with his sack total he would start giving up like he did 2 years ago." Umm... if Allen "gave up" in 2010, then how did he manage to have 10 sacks in the last 9 games of the season?

As for the topic of the article, it's great to see Guion finally start to develop, but I can't help thinking about what might happen next year if they let Kevin Williams leave. Williams may not be quite the player he was 2-3 years ago, but I don't think the current group can be nearly as effective without him.