Minnesota Vikings LB Chad Greenway shines in win over Rams

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway played multiple roles for the team during Sunday’s win over the St. Louis Rams during week 9 of the NFL season.

Over the last couple weeks, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway found his role within the team being decreased.  The defense was playing a lot more nickel defense and had no need for a third linebacker on the field in that formation.  But with Eric Kendricks missing Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, Greenway knew he’d have a bigger role in this game.

However the Vikings planned on using Greenway had to be changed when a fractured ankle removed Audie Cole from the lineup.  Without missing a beat, head coach Mike Zimmer plugged the wily veteran in at middle linebacker, a spot where he got some looks during training camp, but didn’t end up staying.  However, Greenway did stay there for the remaining game, and was one of the only players on Minnesota’s defense to play all 74 defensive snaps against St. Louis.

Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) enters the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Chad Greenway made the most of those snaps, ending with an impressive stat line.  Here are his numbers for Sunday’s game:

• 74 snaps played
• 10 total tackles
• 8 solo tackles

This effort didn’t go unnoticed by the Minnesota Vikings, who awarded him with the Bridgestone Performance of the Week.

With Audie Cole lost for the season, it appears as though Chad Greenway will be the middle linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings until starter Eric Kendricks can return to the field.  At least it’s comforting to know that the position is in good hands until the team can get healthy.