Color me surprised on this move, as the Vikings have fired defensive line coach Karl Dunbar. There wasn't a lot to cheer about as a VIkes fan in 2011, and other than Jared Allen, the defensive line was a source of concern for a good part of the season.

Kevin Williams had a somewhat down year, as he served a bogus two game suspension, then dealt with a foot injury for a good part of the season. He seemed to get healthier late in the year, and it was no coincidence that his game picked up towards the end of the year.

His counterpart, though, was nowhere to be found, except on the side of a milk carton. Free agent pickup Remi Ayodele was a waste of a roster spot and had no impact all year long. Rookie DT Christian Ballard had an up and down year, but he showed some potential.

Brian Robison started out strong, but faded badly at the end of the season, virtually disappearing over the last 8 or nine games. Everson Griffen came on strong, though, and it's not like the Vikings defensive line was bad--they were near the top in sacks, and in a disappointing season, it wasn't a terrible performance overall.

But it wasn't good enough, and the first on what will be many defensive whackings has commenced.