Safety Tyrell Johnson started on Sunday against the Giants, and like most Vikings defenders he played pretty well.  Johnson only played for the first quarter, however, as he was replaced by rookie seventh round pick Jamarca Sanford. 

Sanford has been a dark horse to crack the starting roster by replacing Johnson.  Johnson has struggled in coverage and missed all too many tackles this season, leading many fans and hack bloggers to wonder why Sanford hasn’t been starting for the last four weeks.

After being inserted into the starting lineup, Sanford immediately made his mark by leveling Ahmad Bradshaw for a two yard loss.  Sanford ended up notching three solo tackles and one assist in the three quarters in which he played.  Even more importantly, he was never out of position during coverage duties.

Sanford’s stellar play lately will not be enough for him to get the start in the Vikings first playoff game, however.

When asked if Sanford might start the next game, Childress said, “No, just getting him some experience with the first group.”

“We wanted to get Jamarca in there a little bit and get his feet wet,” Childress said. “He has done a good job with the snaps that he’s had. He’s played extremely well and continued to play extremely well today on special teams. He’s a good ball player, a good hitter.”

Sanford appears quite confident on the field but is seemingly humble off the field.

He said, “I know my role. I’m just waiting and being patient.”

Sanford may not get the nod during the post season, but this is shaping up to be a great trianing camp battle for 2010. 

And in fairness to Tyrell Johnson, Madieu Williams may need to watch his back as well.  The best football Tyrell Johnson has played in the NFL was when he filled in for Williams at free safety in the beginning of 2008.  Moving Johnson to free safety and Sanford into the strong safety spot is not an unthinkable option next year, and that would leave Madieu Williams as the odd man out.