Brian Robison Will Stay At Left Defensive End

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) and defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Sounds like the Vikings are going to be trying something new while sticking with something that has worked in the past.

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If that statement is confusing, I apologize, but I’m referring to an article from Chris Tomasson at the Pioneer Press that states that Brian Robison will stay at left defensive end for the Vikings this season.

In a 4-3 defense, a lot of the time you’ll see the more established pass rusher on the right side.  That’s where guys like Jared Allen, Julius Peppers, and Charles Johnson line to to match up against the elite pass blockers that play left tackle.  On the Vikings team, this position will be filled by new starter Everson Griffen.

Instead, Robison will face the bigger, run blocking tackles on the left side. This is what he has done successfully over the course of the last three seasons for Minnesota.  Although he has yet to hit the double digit sack mark in his NFL career, I expect him to hit that number this year.

Expect a heavy rotation of defensive ends for the the Vikings though, with the recently acquired Corey Wooten coming off the bench to keep players fresh and defenses guessing.