Vikings: Challenge is big, but so is confidence

Vikings defensive end Brian Robison said his goal is to get at least 10 sacks this season. Seriously?

"Yeah, I always set high expectations," he said. "You have to set your goals high or else you're just underachieving. Hopefully I can get enough playing time where I can do that."

Therein lies the rub. After starting five games as a rookie and finishing with a respectable 4 1/2 sacks, Robison now finds himself behind All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen, the NFL's sack leader in 2007 with 15 1/2.

Robison's primary job is to rush the quarterback. He showed some explosiveness off the edge last season, finishing with 14 quarterback hurries and six tackles for loss. But he's playing behind one of the NFL's preeminent pass rushers who plays in virtually every situation and does not like to leave the field.

Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar said ideally Robison would get 25 to 30 plays a game. He said Robison also could move to left end on occasion.

"I know my role is to come in and back up Jared and play when they need me," Robison said.

Robison made a case for more playing time in the preseason finale against Dallas on Thursday. Playing in his first preseason game after having surgery to repair a varicose vein, Robison collected three tackles (including one for a loss), two quarterback hurries and impressed coaches with his energy.

"I showed my ability on pass rush," he said. "I kind of wish they would have run the ball a little bit more because that's the thing that I wanted to have my footwork down. But I was very pleased with the way things went."

Robison does not lack for confidence, and he also does not appear bothered by the arrival of Allen. Robison said he looked at the team's acquisition of Allen as a positive rather than a personal slight.

"I was actually kind of excited about it," he said. "They're bringing in a guy of his stature and the abilities that he has. I just take it as an opportunity to learn from one of the best. A lot of people would probably get upset and feel like, 'Hey, they don't think I'm a good player or whatever.' But I'm just one of those guys who takes it as an advantage. It's a chance to learn from a guy who led the league in sacks, and hopefully I can be that guy one day."

Robison said he studies Allen's approach in practice and tries to pick his brain whenever possible. Robison occasionally asks Allen to stay after practice and work on different moves or techniques.

"I've picked up a few things," Robison said. "Obviously, we're different people. He's a lot taller than me. He's got longer arms and stuff like that. But there are some things I've been able to pick and add to the things I already have."

Robison's progress was delayed by a varicose vein in his left leg. He had two blood clots removed during surgery and missed two weeks of training and the first three preseason games. He said his leg feels strong and he expects no lingering problems.

"I'm feeling great," he said. "It feels normal. Any time you lay off for two or three weeks there's going to be a little rust. But, overall, I feel like it's pretty much the same. I'm ready to go."

Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said he is counting on Robison to make a meaningful contribution, even though he is stuck behind Allen on the depth chart.

"He's a guy that did well for us as a rookie and we felt like he was really making improvements over the summer," Frazier said. "It's unfortunate that he had a setback. But, now that he's back, he'll be a quality guy for us. We lost a little depth losing Jayme Mitchell [to a season-ending knee injury], so it has really raised Brian's stock. If he can continue to improve he'll be a great addition to what we are trying to get accomplished."