Former Linebackers Give Blake Cashman His Flowers
Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday’s victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars may not have been pretty, but there was still plenty to celebrate, particularly on defense. At the top of that list was the return of Blake Cashman.
After missing several games Cashman donned the green dot and immediately showed why he remains the straw that stirs Minnesota’s defensive drink.
Just how important was Cashman’s return? “Huge.” According to former linebacker Ben Leber on the popular KFAN’s Power Trip Morning Show. Leber went on to share not only his thoughts on Cashman, but also the compliments of another former purple linebacker, Heath Farewell, who is now on the Jaguars staff.
“I mean, I can’t quantify it with like a number,” Leber continued, “But I can tell you that the feel of him being out there as the green dot guy and not having it be Ivan Pace, the operation and everything just seemed smoother. Everything about it. I mean, I think Ivan Pace played better because of Blake being on the field for all three downs and commanding the defense. Cash can sort of do it all. He can be a first and second down run stopper and a blitzer. He can be a third down dropper. He can also, as we’ve seen time and time again, [be] a third down blitzer. And he’s phenomenal at running some of these blitzes.
There didn’t seem to be a lot of confusion with personnel. The back end of the defense seemed like they were on point. And so I don’t know… who knew that when we signed him he was going to be the catalyst for this defense. But they trust him in that way, and it was awesome to have him back.”
But it wasn’t just Leber who wanted to give Cashman his flowers. Heath Farwell, another former linebacker turned Jacksonville coach, was also impressed according to Leber.
“Farwell and I [were] talking before the game, and he’s like ‘dude, that fifty one that you guys have. He’s like he flies around… He absolutely shows up on tape.’ Their coaching staff had talked about how well he’s playing, too. So it’s being recognized not just by us, but by when they do the cross tape and the scouting and stuff like that. These other teams understand how good he is.”
It’s great to see Cashman getting his due. His ability to lead Brian Flores’ complex defense is a big reason why the Vikings are currently putting a championship unit on the field.
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