Brinkley to start the opener

Vikings LB Jasper Brinkley will start the opener against St. Louis at MLB.  HC Mike Zimmer said, however, that doesn't necessarily make him the guy for the season.  “Jasper’s a little bit more of a thumper in the running game," Zimmer said, per the team website.  "I think this week, they’ve got a good running game. I think their offensive line does a nice job in run blocking, I think it will be a good match for him."  Brinkley entered training camp as the leader in the MLB competition but failed to completely nail down the job.  Don't be surprised if Vikings coaches play the matchups with this spot going forward, as Audie Cole plays much better in pass D.  Neither player makes for an attractive IDP target at this point.  If you need 1, though, favor Brinkley.

Arizona signed former Vikings MLB Jasper Brinkley to a 2-year deal on Thursday. Brinkley is expected to take over the strong ILB job from Paris Lenon. It wasn't a big-number spot in the old scheme. The stats went to the other ILB, Daryl Washington. Expect more of the same even though DC Ray Horton moved on to Cleveland. Brinkley is a big, hard-hitting LB but struggles in coverage. His departure from Minnesota could help OLB Erin Henderson regain 3-down duties.