Unsung Heroes: EJ & Chad

While much is being made today of the Vikings back in the mix of the NFC North with the rest of the division losing, Percy Harvin’s kickoff return for a TD to start the 3rd quarter, Randy Moss revving up the team with a halftime speech & Brett Favre’s upcoming meeting with someone of the NFL’s front office on a certain activities involving his cell phone; the time has come to give credit to two guys who aren’t being talked about all too much but who’s contributions were every bit as important to our win today. And both of them happen to be LBs: EJ Henderson & Chad Greenway.

Many thought EJ would be doing something else in 2010 after breaking his femur against Arizona in what was one of the most gruesome injuries I have ever seen. Today EJ had two interceptions, both of which were critical. The first came on a Dallas 3rd down where Jared Allen was coasting towards Tony Romo. Romo’s pass appeared to have hit a Ray Edwards helmet putting the defense in a tipped ball drill with EJ being the one to play centerfield for the defense. This gave our morbid offense the ball at the red zone for the only time of the 1st quarter when Favre was able to find Greg Camarillo for 6. EJ’s second interception came with 7:36 left in the 4th quarter as the game was tied at 21. EJ was covering Jason Witten in a spot where Romo couldn’t see him. Without that pick who knows how far Dallas drives the ball. With it Ryan Longwell hits what would be our game winning FG. EJ it is so good to have you back.

Chad Greenway finished the day leading the team in 12 tackles. He didn’t have any game changing interceptions or even come up with a fumble recovery today (unless you count him gobbling up the ball on the last play when Dallas was playing rugby), however he was everywhere to be found defending both the run and the pass. Chad is now 9th in the league in tackles with 51 and very well may be leading the league had the Vikings not already had their bye week. With free agency looming for Chad, it may make sense to give him an extension sooner rather than later.

That’s it for tonight folks. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Skol!

Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig