Sep

5

Defensive Player Profile of the Week: E.J. Henderson

Posted by The Jazzy One

September 5, 2008 |

Hey Vikings fans.  It’s been a crazy week, so I’m a little late on some of my weekly posts.  Expect a barrage of posts today and tomorrow as I both catch up on some of my weekly stuff, as well as post some new opinion pieces.

It’s time for the Defensive Player Profile of the week.  (For the offensive player profile of the week, visit http://vikings.sportsbloggingnetwork.com)

I’m going to start doing the player profiles a little different starting this week.  Instead of going out and reading up on the history of these guys and then retyping it in my own words, I’m going to quote some pieces from the wikipedia page, add some pictures of the player, then give my opinion about him.  I think it’ll be more interesting for you as a reader, it will add some opinion (which is why you read a blog anyway, right?), and it will make it more interesting for me to post.  So we’ll try the new format this week.

Vikings fans, meet E.J. Henderson

 

(From wikipedia article found here)

Eric N. Henderson Jr. (born on August 3, 1980 in Aberdeen, Maryland) is a Linebacker who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings. He attended Aberdeen High School and the University of Maryland, where he played college football for the Terrapins. Henderson was selected in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Vikings.

Starting in 2005, Henderson started at Weakside Linebacker. In 2007, he moved back to his more familiar position of Middle Linebacker.

On Friday, December 15th, 2006 E.J. Henderson agreed to a 5-year contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal is said to be over $25 million with $10 million guaranteed.

Entering the 2007-2008 season, Henderson is expected to start at Middle Linebacker for the Vikings vacating the Weakside Linebacker position he started at for the previous two years. Chad Greenway is set to take over Henderson’s Weakside position as Henderson moves over to Middle Linebacker.

In 2008, Henderson’s brother Erin, also a Linebacker, declared himself eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft after 2 years at Maryland. On April 27th, the Vikings signed Erin, as an undrafted free agent.

I think Henderson has turned into an EXTREMELY solid linebacker.  When he first joined the Vikings, I had some questions and concerns about the way he played, but he very quickly proved to me that most of his problems could be chalked up to “rookie mistakes”.  Last year I expected him to be the weakest link in a good core of linebackers.  I really think he ended up being the strongest link.  That’s saying a lot, too, because I think both Greenway and Leber are very very good football players.

I’m looking forward to watching the defense this year.  I really think the whole defense and especially Henderson and the Linebackers will benefit from improved play from the defensive line. As you watch the Vikings this season, expect Henderson’s name to be called a lot by the TV announcers.

(What did you guys think of the new format?  I think it came across better.  Do you agree?)


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