Coach Defends Greenway’s Drop In Productivity

Oct 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) celebrates his tackle of an Arizona Cardinals running back for a 4 yard loss in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chad Greenway is usually one of the most solid linebackers in the NFL, but in the first two games of this season he has looked out of place and confused.  Greenway was uncharacteristically out of position and missing tackles that usually would have been automatic for the All-Pro linebacker.

Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier took issues with the criticism of Greenway.   Frazier believes that Greenway hasn’t lost a step or anything like that, but is attempting to take on more responsibility than is needed.  This could be due to Erin Henderson having his first year at middle linebacker for the Vikings.  Here is what Frazier had to say about it:

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier looks on during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

"“He does not have to make anybody else’s plays. Just do your job, calm down, relax and play the way he’s always played. He’s had a lot of success for us. He’s played at a Pro Bowl level. Just don’t feel like you have to do any more other than your job.”"

Chad Greenway was also asked about what is going on. Here is what Greenway had to say about what happened to his level of play:

"Oct 25, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Metrodome. The Buccaneers defeated the Vikings 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports” Any player, they’ve gone through stretches where they haven’t played their best football, and it’s certainly not my first time. I think sometimes when you see too much, you try to do too much. You’ve just got to worry about your job and do your business.”"

Greenway will have plenty of opportunities to step his game up.  He is currently signed by the Vikings through the 2015 NFL season.  His numbers when it comes to tackles have always been impressive.  He is typically near the league leader in total tackles and there is no reason to believe that he can’t return to that level of play this year.