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In addition to being his usual hard-nosed self against the run, Udeze is tied for the team lead with 5.0 sacks. That production has been a pleasant surprise for the Vikings this year after Udeze went sackless despite starting all 16 games a year ago.
“As hard as he works I think that it’s just a matter of time before he breaks through,” coach Brad Childress said. “He’s a million-mile-an-hour guy and he’s relentless.
“He’s in great physical condition and he tries to do things right to the ’nth’ degree, so you just felt like a guy with those kinds of work habits, something good is bound to happen for that guy.”
Last year was a difficult one for Udeze, who took plenty of grief for his sackless season. When Erasmus James went down with a knee injury, Udeze moved from left end to right end and had to go up against the top lineman on the opposing offense every Sunday.
This year, he is back at home on the left side and performing much better.
“I think naturally he is more comfortable on the left-hand side,” Childress said. He had a couple of rushes from the right-hand side, but he played on the right side primarily because he had to last year. He is, by his own admission I think, more comfortable playing on the left side.”
Udeze said he does feel more comfortable this year, and his steady play has been paramount for a team that has lost three defensive ends this season.
Darrion Scott went down with an injury before the season began, James re-injured the same knee that kept him out all last season and Ray Edwards was suspended two weeks ago for violating the league’s steroid policy.
Rather than move Udeze again to compensate for the loss of James, the Vikings have used youngsters Jayme Mitchell, Brian Robison and newcomer Otis Grigsby on the right side.
“It really is tough. We count on everybody in the room to produce and be there throughout the year, but with football, we understand that injuries come and they play a big part,” Udeze said. “When they come, you have to deal with it and I think we’ve done a good job of dealing with it so far. We just look to keep pressing on and keep playing for the guys that aren’t there and, more importantly, for the team.”
Udeze relishes his role as the elder statesman of the defensive ends and no doubt has benefited as much as anyone by playing next to Pro Bowl tackles Pat and Kevin Williams. And he thinks he has only just begun to show his potential.
“I learn something new every game. This is my fourth year, and it’s a blessing to still be here, still learning and playing on a good team and a good defensive line,” Udeze said. “I have so much more to do. I can’t say that I’m comfortable because I’m not happy with where I am. I don’t think anybody else is, and that’s what we’re shooting for.“
Notes: CB Antoine Winfield (shoulder), WR Sidney Rice (ankle) and LB Dontarrious Thomas (groin) were listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game against Washington. Winfield said he was improving but would test it out prior to the game before making a decision. Rice said his sprain was “the worst pain I’ve ever felt. Worse than broken bones or anything” when he was initially injured, but it was feeling a little better on Friday. S Tank Williams (knee) is listed as probable.
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