PurplePTSD: Tashawn Bower, Andre Patterson, And Some Depleted DL Depth

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

November 25, 2021

The Vikings will be rolling with a thin defensive line on Sunday. Currently, it looks like neither starting DT will be available; Michael Pierce is on the IR and it appears like Dalvin Tomlinson will miss the game due to Covid-19. Danielle is done for the year, and Everson Griffen is taking time for far more important matters. DL coach and co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson has some work to do.

One move the Vikings made to try to solidify things was bringing back Tashawn Bower. At 6’5, 250, Bower certainly looks like an NFL edge rusher. Nevertheless, his role will primarily be to provide insurance.

On the first snap against the 49ers, the Vikings will put together a defensive line that consists of Armon Watts, James Lynch, D.J. Wonnum, Sheldon Richardson, Patrick Jones II, Eddie Yarbrough, and Kenny Willekes. My expectation is that Richardson and Wonnum start at end while Lynch and Watts get the nod at DT.

The DL metamorphosis isn’t pretty. The team had a foursome that was borderline elite; they now have perhaps the least inspiring DL in the entire NFL. Wonnum has had his moments, but he hasn’t been able to sustain that play. Richardson may end up being the main pass rusher. Watts has quietly put together a strong season, though he won’t have the benefit of strong DTs playing alongside him. Ideally, Willekes can show that relentless motor that has made him so intriguing.

Andre Patterson has long been recognized as being among the game’s preeminent DL coaches. He has consistently gotten the most out of his players. Danielle, of course, was a third-rounder. Griff was a fourth. The list can go on. He’ll have his work cut out for him on Sunday. The 49ers ran all over the Vikings a couple years ago in the playoffs. Don’t be shocked if they try a similar strategy. So much of the defense’s success will begin with nullifying SF’s run game.

In a perfect world, one or two of those depth players will step up. If they do, Minnesota’s defense will have a shot.

Last thing, is it finally time to see Anthony Barr more at DE? One can dream. The veteran LB has always been more than capable of getting after the QB. Maybe Sunday will be the day when fans see him do it consistently off the edge.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.