Analysis: Can Pierce Replace Linval?

[purplefaithful]

Film: Can new Vikings anchor Michael Pierce mimic Linval Joseph's path?Replacing Linval Joseph will be easier said than done, but new Vikings nose tackle Michael Pierce started off on the right foot last week when describing his style of play.Replacing Linval Joseph will be easier said than done, but new Vikings nose tackle Michael Pierce started off on the right foot last week when describing his style of play that in its best moments during his four-year Ravens tenure mirrored Joseph, a two-time Pro Bowler.

Like when Joseph was Mike Zimmer’s first free agent addition during the 2014 defensive overhaul, the 27-year-old Pierce is also entering his fifth NFL season. Co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson told him the Vikings envision a similar trajectory as Joseph, who as a premiere run stopper also delivered crushing blows to quarterbacks during his prime with 27 hits in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
“I love to stop the run. That is my calling card,” Pierce said during a teleconference with Twin Cities reporters. “But at this point in my career, it’s time to blossom and try to make some strides. [Patterson] expressed to me how he helped Linval grow his game and how he was in a similar position when the team signed him.”
Injuries took a toll on Joseph, who turns 32 in October after undergoing three surgeries in two years. During that time, the run defense dropped below its leading standard. Enter Pierce, who played at 345 pounds last season, as a colossal reset button in the middle of the Vikings defense.
Part of what lured the Vikings to sign Pierce, who first considered them in February when the team hired his friend and assistant defensive line coachImarjaye Albury, was how he maneuvered as the heaviest player on the field. Pierce likely can’t match Joseph’s legendary pursuit from sideline to sideline. Vikings defensive backs were wary during practice while running toward ball carriers, because Joseph was often trailing like a rock slide.

But Pierce was equally immovable at times in Baltimore. He thrived as a cog in the Ravens’ deep rotation, which prevented him from playing more than 53.4% of defensive snaps in a season to this point. When he did play, Pierce’s quick feet and power to fight momentum of offensive linemen stood out to the Vikings.
Those traits were evident during the Ravens’ AFC Divisional playoff loss to the Titans in January. Pierce was mostly a bright spot in a forgettable game for the Ravens defense, leading Baltimore with four run stops. Only the Packers’ Kenny Clark had more run stops in the entire postseason among defensive tackles, per Pro Football Focus.
http://www.startribune.com/film-can-new-...569053782/

[Guest]

JMO, but I liked Joseph....but I didn't love him. Overrated to some aspect. Injured or played with injury limitations for a lot of games. Both strong men for sure. When Joseph was on, he was a force. But again in my opinion, I didn't see it enough, especially on run D.

[Guest]

I know there has been a lot of talk about upgrades needed this offseason,  but IMO this will prove to be one of the most important changes and additions if he is successful.  Our run d was pathetic which made Zim put more resources at the LOS to account for that and it was another reason for big plays hitting the back side of our D.  Zim was forced to be defensive with his play calling on D and attacking where his D sets the tone for what the opposing O tries to do.

[Guest]

When Pierce is "on" he is one of the best run stuffers in the NFL. The big thing is that the Vikings need a guy who can take on two guys in the middle of their defense, which Pierce can do easily. He isn't as good as Linval in his prime since he hasn't shown the ability to get after the QB. But overall he is a better player now than Linval has been in the past year or year 1/2. 

[Guest]

@JimmyinSD said:
I know there has been a lot of talk about upgrades needed this offseason,  but IMO this will prove to be one of the most important and additions if he is successful.  Our run d was pathetic which made Zim put more resources at the LOS to account for that and it was another reason for big plays hitting the back side of our D.  Zim was forced to be defensive with his play calling on D and attacking where his D sets the tone for what the opposing O tries to do.

Yes, we missed the old LJ in the middle.  Before the leg injuries, he set that tone in the middle.  Since the knee injury a couple years back, the defense has struggled.  The run defense starts a the NT and the pass defense starts with stopping the run.

[Guest]

Two men couldn't get Phat Pat off his spot. He was my measure of what the nose tackle should be in Zimmer's defense. When Joseph first came in he occasionally would get moved but was mostly solid, even against the double team. That past year and a half, that hasn't been the case. The Vikings have been playing on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage for the most part. On early downs they struggle to stop the run up the middle even when they know it is coming. The Bears simply man handled them the last two years.

If Pierce can shore up that part of the defense, It will result in more second and long plays for the offense and better linebacker play as well. It should also allow Zimmer to dial up more pressures due to more second and third and long plays.
Let's hope Pierce is up to the task. Run stopping is one of the foundations of Zimmer's defensive scheme.

Thanks to LJ who was a very good player when he was healthy.

[Guest]

I think it's more important that we have two DTs we feel good about than whether or not Pierce can replace or outplay Joseph.

[Guest]

@"Geoff Nichols" said:
When Pierce is "on" he is one of the best run stuffers in the NFL. The big thing is that the Vikings need a guy who can take on two guys in the middle of their defense, which Pierce can do easily. He isn't as good as Linval in his prime since he hasn't shown the ability to get after the QB. But overall he is a better player now than Linval has been in the past year or year 1/2. 

It was the right time to move on from Joseph. He didn't seem like he was 100% last year and while maybe he has a bounce back year, it's nice to have Pierce in place as the anchor for the next few years. Having him there to take on double teams, stop the run, and protect the linebackers is something we were missing. What do you think the Vikings will do about the other DT spot? I feel like our other DTs are rotational players or fringe starters at best and I'd really like to see them add someone who is capable of generating quick pressure up the middle. I was hoping that we could use a 1st rounder on a DT, but I assume that gets murkier now that WR has become an urgent need.