Defensive line shows its stuff

Three members of the heralded Vikings defensive line lay on the ground in the second quarter Saturday, trying to get their bearings after accidentally colliding while rushing Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Defensive end Jared Allen and defensive tackle Kevin Williams missed Roethlisberger but smashed into each other. Defensive end Ray Edwards was in the same vicinity and got trampled on.

The trio writhed on the ground for a few seconds before heading to the sideline with smiles on their faces.

"That was a big collision," Allen said. "It hurt. I think [Williams] readjusted my spine for me."

The Vikings defensive front wreaked all kinds of havoc in a 12-10 loss to the Steelers at the Metrodome, and that meant even punishing themselves on occasion.

It was the kind of performance that illustrated why many believe the Vikings own the NFL's top defensive line. It certainly was their best performance collectively of the preseason.

Allen, Edwards and the Williams duo (Pat and Kevin) harassed Roethlisberger, created turnovers and choked off running lanes while playing the first half. The Steelers managed only three points and 26 yards rushing on 14 carries in the first half.

"It was a great stepping stone for us," Kevin Williams said. "We got some runs leaked out on us the first two games. Just to [remove] all the doubt about the run defense. It's there."

Allen dominated his matchup with Pittsburgh left tackle Marvel Smith with a relentless pass rush. Allen wasn't credited with a sack or tackle but got constant pressure to collapse the pocket and force Roethlisberger to rush his pass or throw the ball away.

Edwards also got pressure on the opposite side, collecting a sack and quarterback hurry in the first half. Kevin Williams finished with four tackles, a sack, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. Pat Williams added a tackle for a loss when he stuffed an inside screen play to Willie Parker for a 4-yard loss.

The best sequence came midway through the second quarter when Edwards and Kevin Williams notched sacks on consecutive plays, setting up third-and-25.

"I think it was one of those rare occasions where everybody was getting there at the same time," Allen said. "Unfortunately, we didn't get him down all the time. But if we're able to rush the passer like that consistently, we're going to have a lot of success."

The Vikings showed they can get consistent pressure from just their front four, which allows the defense to drop more guys in coverage and lets defensive backs take more chances.

"That makes our job so much easier," safety Darren Sharper said. "Everyone knows the strength of our defense is our defensive line. Our front four can dominate every team that we face when they come to play like they did today."