What will Michael Pierce add to the Vikings defense?
By Dean Jones
What will Pierce bring to the Vikings?
Michael Pierce should fit in well to the Minnesota Vikings’ defense. Although he is primarily a two-down defensive tackle, the player brings a great deal to the table.
He is a stout run stuffer who plugs holes really well on running downs. Pierce is a commanding figure on the interior and represents a significant problem for opposing offensive lineman to shift.
The Minnesota Vikings are not going to get much out of Pierce in terms of pass-rushing. But in truth, they don’t really need to. They already possess some potent weapons to get after the quarterback on the edge, so they do not need this type of production from the former Baltimore Raven.
Pierce is also a high-character individual who plays with the enthusiasm and drive of a man who has grasped the chance to earn a living in the NFL. Head coach Mike Zimmer will be restricted in how he can use the player, but if he focuses on using him in a similar way to that of Linval Joseph then it could be a mutually beneficial move.
At a little over six feet in height, Pierce is on the small side for a defensive tackle. What he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in effort and is a solid tackling presence at the point of attack.
While his limitations are there for all to see, playing to Pierce’s strengths on a talented defensive front will be the key to any potential success the player has in Minnesota.