Leader on Defense

Everyone knows our offense is set. However, our defense has been less than par every season since finishing 13th in 1998.

I believe a very important step in having a dominant defense is having a "defensive leader on the field", who steps up and makes big plays when needed, and rallies the troops when necessary. I think this was lacking last season, especially during our losing streak.

My question to you is, who will be that player this season for our Vikes? Will it be Antoine Winfield? E.J. Henderson? Kevin Williams? Chris Hovan?

I know the defense must play together as a unit to succeed, but my point is not everything is going to go their way this season, especially with all the rookies and other young guys we have. So who do you guys see stepping up during crunch time and changing the pace of the game?

I'd have to go with Antoine Winfield.

Let me know what you guys think!

Well since I haven't seen him play yet I'm going to have to hold off on my answer to that, but I'm hoping he is a strong improvement and think he will be.

Right now I'm going to have to say Chavous is our strongest and my favorite player on D... he plays smart football

I don't think it will be one guy on D. Winfield, claiborne, and chavous seem to be the three that are the type. Sounds like claiborne has been doing a good job so far, of being a leader to the young LB's. EJ & Williams are too young IMO to take that role yet. They can realy only lead by example, or by playing good.

Well each area need a leader the line needs one the lb's need one and the secondary needs one. This is a team sport after all.

I will have to say Williams.. He has the skiils to post big #'s. Last year in his rookie season he posted 10.5 sacks and has the moves to change the game and get the defense pumped.

Id say Chavous

I agree with the comments about leadership within each unit.

My favorites are: Williams DL
Claiborne LB (I think E.J. takes his job eventually)
Winfield DB

Typically, LBs run the D huddle. Claiborne is in Viking's land for one reason to provide experience, leadership, and not let less experienced players get fooled. His best playing days are behind him. The Vikings knew that when they signed him that he didn't have much upside. I think he's too heavy and slow. Look for E.J. to take over by week 6. He was a monster in college.

Hey neo,

Did I miss our appointment?

TexPack, your creditbility went to zero after your alleged, "I played college football, almost went pro" story. Although I do believe you are 300 pounds, I do not believe you are anywhere close to 6'8'. I can't believe some people on this site actually bought that whole story.

However, if you still want meet, I think Lewisville would be a good meeting place, right in between Bedford and Plano. I would kinda feel bad for picking on a fatty such as yourself though.

Leave him alone, Im sure its just a glandular problem. :lol: I think Chavous will be the vocal leader of this Defense. Hopefully somebody in the front 7 will step up and lead by example though.