Run D upgrade is nice, but pass D is the real key

March 13, 2014 at 3:05AM
Logo 1 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

I'm all for the Linval Joseph signing. If he can be a run stuffer in the mold of Pat Williams — a lofty expectation, but let's think big — it will no doubt help the overall product.

That said, this signing will not mean as much as maybe it would have a decade ago if the Vikings don't also address the secondary in a major way. The Vikings gave up 4,595 yards passing and 37 passing TDs last year. The league averages were nearly 1,000 yards and 12 TDs fewer than that.

Going from middle of the pack to above average as a run defense wouldn't be nearly as meaningful as taking one of the league's worst pass defenses and making it average.

A SMART PICK?

Oklahoma State point guard Marcus Smart is the best non-freshman NBA prospect, according to ESPN.com.

control The NFL made EA Sports take several features out of its "Madden" football game, including the ambulance, reports SI.com.

Logo 2 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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