So far, this series of favorite Vikings combos has been all about the offense. It's time for the defense. In their 59 years the Vikings have had some terrific defenses. The strength of those defenses has been their defensive lines. Four members of those defensive lines are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A couple more could/should join them. Another is on a Canton path. Throughout Vikings' franchise history the team has fielded terrific defensive end combos. Here are some of my favorites.
Favorite Defensive End Duos
1. Jim Marshall-Carl Eller
I didn't need to put much thought into this one. There might not be a more important player in Vikings franchise history than Jim Marshall. He was the heart, leader, and captain of the great Vikings teams of the late 1960s and 1970s. He was also a damn good football player. Marshall's Hall of Fame argument has raged for decades. Someday. Simply put, Carl Eller was one of the best defensive ends of his era.
2. Everson Griffen-Danielle Hunter
Every one of the listed defensive end duos could be #2. Everson Griffen has been one of my favorite players of the past decade. Danielle Hunter has been outstanding through his first five years in the league. And he keeps getting better. Five years in the league and he's still only 25. Incredible. He has the potential and work ethic to be an all-time great. He's on a path to Canton.
3. Jared Allen-Brian Robison
My goodness, Jared Allen and Brian Robison were a fun duo. Allen and just about anyone would be a fun duo. Allen was great. There were moments, a lot of moments, in which he simply took over games. When he got on a roll he could not be blocked. Allen should have a bust in Canton soon. Robison was an easy fan favorite. He was always gracious and active with fans. He was very underrated on the football field. He played in the shadows opposite terrific pass rushers like Allen and Griffen. Robison was a terrific football player.
4. Chris Doleman-Doug Martin
It isn't right to have a Hall of Famer like Chris Doleman not mentioned until #4. This duo could easily be #2. Doleman was a great football player. Whenever I think of Doleman rushing the quarterback I think of the night that he took apart Anthony Munoz. Doug Martin is one of the most underrated players in Vikings history. His 11.5 sacks during the strike-shortened 1982 season led the league. He followed that with 13 sacks the next season. He also had a couple seasons with nine sacks. Martin, Mark Mullaney, James White and Randy Holloway were high draft picks with the impossible task of replacing the great defensive line that fronted the Purple People Eaters. They were all good players but they had to replace Hall of Famers and legends. Martin came the closest.
5. Jared Allen-Ray Edwards
Jared Allen was great. Ray Edwards was talented but inconsistent. When he was on his game he could be as disruptive as Allen. Those highlight moments earned him a big payday in free agency.
Other Duos Deserving Mention:
Randy Holloway-Mark Mullaney
Doug Martin-Mark Mullaney
Chris Doleman-Al Noga
Everson Griffen-Brian Robison
It's a good bet that another duo, or two, including Danielle Hunter is included in future lists of favorites. Perhaps, Danielle Hunter-Ifeadi Odenigbo or Danielle Hunter-D.J. Wonnum.
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