Ray Edwards, the vikings leader in sacks has been suspended for 4 games for violating the league's steroid policy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3142614

The DE position on the Vikings has been a week spot for years. Now they found someone decent who is taking the roids. That is a shame.

^^^^^^^

that is certainly a blow to the defense. they do have some guys behind him that can play. erasmus james (if he can stay healthy) and robison are both decent backups.

they get winfield back this week which should be a big help.

James is out for the rest of the season. Reinjured his ACL last week. Link

As a UW grad, it's disappointing to say that James has basically been a bust in the NFL. He was hurt quite a bit in college, but when healthy, he was dominant. Seems that he's been injured more than healthy since he got to the NFL.

Ouch. What is it with the Vikings and defensive ends? I remember Udeze being touted coming out of USC. Funny thing is they put a claim out on Kampman too when he was a restricted free agent, though I'm not sure if that was a legitimate attempt to sign him on their part or just a ploy to drive his price up for the Pack.

quote:

Originally posted by Liam:
Ouch. What is it with the Vikings and defensive ends? I remember Udeze being touted coming out of USC.

I remember that too. The Vikes have a lot of high draft picks on the D-Line. It's amazing their pass rush isn't better.

quote:

Originally posted by Liam:
Funny thing is they put a claim out on Kampman too when he was a restricted free agent, though I'm not sure if that was a legitimate attempt to sign him on their part or just a ploy to drive his price up for the Pack.

The Packers current contract on AK 74 is a complete bargain. Kampy is arguably one of the top 3 DE's in all of football. The Vikings weren't trying to drive up the price. If you believe that, you're giving the Vikings far too much credit. They were attempting to improve their own team while weakening a division foe. It's that simple.

quote:

Originally posted by Erik T. Redman:
James is out for the rest of the season. Reinjured his ACL last week. Link

well in that case, we are basically screwed. it's robison or bust

Udeze was a medical risk coming out of school and the Vikings took a chance on him despite a bum shoulder (if I remember correctly). In reality, he's done nothing in the pros.

Edwards and James have been OK when they've been in the lineup but unfortunately James has been hit with the injury bug ever since he came out of Wisconsin. That's too bad because I think he is a solid player. I also liked Edwards at Purdue but he seems to make bad decisions (like taking the 'roids).