Good job as always guys.
I'll second that 
Watch out for Brian Robison, he may be the big benefactor from the Edwards suspension.
Sean Jensen
PIONEER PRESS
Rookie Brian Robison embraced that challenge. Robison, who is second on the team with 4½ sacks, started in James' place at practice Wednesday and said he wants to seize a chance to "step up."
"I'm extremely excited," Robison said. "I'm going to have a lot of reps, regardless of whether I'm starting or whether I'm not, and I get a chance to show these guys that I deserve to be out there more."
Robison has suffered the most as the club has eased James back into the lineup. While active for every game, Robison played about 15 snaps against the New York Giants and less than a dozen against last Sunday Detroit. His last sack was Nov. 18 against Oakland.
Robison admitted that he hit a "rookie wall" before the Oakland game, constantly feeling tired.
"It was every bit as hard to break through as the guys said it was," Robison said.
He made sure to eat right and sleep a lot.
"I feel pretty strong right now," he said. "I feel like I did at the beginning of the season."
Robison said he and second-year defensive end Jayme Mitchell have to make sure there is "no drop-off."
Mitchell had been inactive for four consecutive games, but he had one of the team's four sacks against the Lions. Playing only a handful of downs, Mitchell overwhelmed veteran Damien Woody, starting his first game at right tackle, for a 12-yard sack of Jon Kitna.
"We're just going to have to continue to work and pick up the slack," said Mitchell, who had three sacks as an undrafted rookie last season. "(Ray is) a great player, and it's disappointing. But we've got to keep the train moving."
While James was inactive earlier this season as he worked his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Robison often was the first defensive end off the bench, lining up on the right and left side. The latter position was new to him, but he said that flexibility makes him more versatile. Now, though, he likely will focus on his preferred position (right defensive end) while Mitchell could provide relief on both sides.
Asked if he is more motivated with the loss of Edwards, Robison said, "Me personally, I'm motivated enough, whether Ray is here or Ray is not here.
Minnesota Vikings DEs look to step up while Ray Edwards serves steroid suspension
