Minnesota Vikings: Week 10 stock risers
By Luke Sims
November 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) intercepts the football intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
1) Terence Newman, cornerback, Minnesota Vikings
Terence Newman was brought to the Minnesota Vikings by head coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer had coached the 37-year old defensive back with the Cincinnati Bengals and new exactly what he was getting in the veteran cover man.
With young guys like Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes set as the future of the secondary, Newman was brought in to provide a veteran presence and help lock down one side of the field.
He had his best game of the season on Sunday and proved why Zimmer’s faith in an older defensive back was worth it.
Newman came away with two interceptions against the Oakland Raiders and almost had a third. He provided excellent coverage on one of the best young wide receivers in the league, Amari Cooper, and he consistently made plays in the run game as well.
Pro Football Focus tracked Newman as allowing just three catches on 10 targets for a meager 21 yards. They also credited him with three pass breakups in addition to the two interceptions he managed.
It was a complete effort from Newman on the day and he deserves high praise for the standard he has set at cornerback for this defense.
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