Can the Vikings make Houston’s substitutions work?

This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had several defensive holes to fill. Among their most prolific additions were two former Houston Texans. With Jonathan Greenard replacing Danielle Hunter and Blake Cashman to start alongside Ivan Pace Jr., can two former teammates succeed in new digs?

Can the Vikings make Houston’s substitutions work?

Of course, Johnathan Greenard is arguably the most important defensive acquisition of the offseason. Danielle Hunter went to get paid (coincidentally by the Texans), after a career year. Replacing that level of production is by no means easy, and Greenard is looking to replace a fan favorite.

For Greenard, success absolutely includes double-digit sack totals, and paired with Andrew Van Ginkel or Dallas Turner, the Vikings’ Edge Rushers must find a way to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. Brian Flores is a fan of the blitz, and the success of his unit depends largely on the sack masters returning to the house. Greenard experiencing another level in a new program wouldn’t be shocking, but Minnesota needs to see it happen.

Cashman spent the last two seasons with Houston after being drafted by the New York Jets. While he had three sacks two years ago, he established himself at the highest level last year. Starting 13 of the 14 games he played in, the Minnesota native recorded a total of 106 tackles, including nine behind the line of scrimmage. He had two sacks and hit the quarterback five times. Collecting his first career interception, he also defended five passes.

The Vikings saw Pace Jr. step up in a way that couldn’t have been anticipated. While he was a priority as an undrafted free agent, his presence on defense elevated him to unpredictable heights. Brian Asamoah watched the rookie come in and steal the show. Cashman will need to learn a new system and compete immediately if he wants to make his mark as well.

Hailing from Eden Prairie and playing for the Gophers, it’s easy to see how quickly Cashman will be praised. His production can take fan excitement to new levels, though, and that’s what the Vikings are hoping for. Greenard will total sacks, and that will always be a sexy stat.

It remains to be seen how well he can mitigate the loss of Hunter, but the better he does, the more fans will support the new faces. Two Texans arrive in Minnesota. They must be awesome.

Ted Schwerzler is a Twin Cities blogger focusing on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He is active on Twitter and writes every week for Everyday twins. As a former college athlete and sports fan, covering our professional teams with passion always seemed like such a natural outlet.