Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier told reporters recently that the Vikings’ practices this month are an opportunity for the newly acquired Allen to establish credibility with his teammates. The Vikings finish the last of their OTA’s (organized training activities) today and then will have a veterans’ camp June 6, 7 and 8.
Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season with Kansas City, has made an impression on coaches and players alike at Winter Park. Frazier said Allen “probably” led the NFL in “batted balls” last year. Known for his high level playing energy, Frazier praised Allen’s effort and said that another of the 6-foot-6, 26-year-old’s attributes is that he’s “so long.”
A new player, particularly one with a high profile like Allen who has achieved Pro Bowl status and was regarded as a team leader in Kansas City, must become comfortable in his new environment and be accepted by teammates. That’s what Frazier referred to when he mentioned the value of the Vikings’ practices this month and next, prior to the team going to training camp in late July.
Greenway was asked what the extroverted Allen will mean to a Vikings’ defense that was the NFL’s best against the run last year but mediocre on pass defense. “Well, I think first of all, he adds great leadership quality about him,” Greenway said. … “He’s a good player. He’s tested. We know what he brings. …Anytime you can add a player like that, it’s going to make our defense a lot better. So we hope he’ll fit in with us well and it seems to be a good fit so far.”
Greenway, a Vikings’ starter, is feeling much better about his own career than a year ago. At that time he was coming off of surgery on his left knee that forced him to miss all the regular season games of his rookie year in 2006. He said playing a 16 game season in 2007 and having the knee hold up was the best test and proof that he’s okay.
But 12 months ago at this time he felt concern. “Last year there was so much anxiety coming into this thing (OTA’s),” he said. “The knee was a year less than where it’s at now. So I had that kind of in the back of my mind. I just feel a lot more comfortable out there. I feel like I belong. …
“I am just trying to become a leader (now) of the defense. You have so many leaders on this defense and so many good veteran players that I am just trying to fit in where I can and help out as much as I can.”
Looks like you will able to count Allen and Greenway among the leaders.