Minnesota Vikings: Week 12 stock risers
By Luke Sims
Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) intercepts a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Williams (15) in the second quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
4 & 5) Terence Newman & Captain Munnerlyn, cornerbacks, Minnesota Vikings
Lumping together these two cornerbacks would be lazy if they weren’t so integral in such similar ways for this Minnesota Vikings victory.
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Stepping up again, the two veteran defensive backs are proving their value repeatedly for this team. Terence Newman is 37 years old and Munnerlyn is 27, making some assume that they are simply placeholders until the younger Trae Waynes (23) can step up and be a dominant duo with 25-year old Xavier Rhodes (who also had a decent game, by the way).
These two players are more than just placeholders, though. They are critical members of this defense.
Just how critical was on display again in Week 12. Newman and Munnerlyn both had interceptions in this game, continuing a rough stretch of the season for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Those interceptions were timely for the Vikings defense and shut down drives by the Falcons.
Munnerlyn’s came first, striking in the second quarter as Ryan and company were putting together a nice drive that started on their own 15 and was already in Vikings territory. He kept the 7-3 and stopped that eight-play drive from becoming something more.
Newman also halted a big drive by the Falcons, stepping up to intercept Ryan in the end zone. His interception halted a 13 play drive that began on Atlanta’s 20-yard line and ate up over seven minutes in time of possession. The Falcons were still down just 7-3 at that point.
Both of those interceptions led to scoring opportunities for the Vikings. Munnerlyn’s resulted in a missed field goal by Blair Walsh and Newman’s for a successful field goal.
Next: The Minnesota Vikings are for real
The Minnesota Vikings defense is deep and full of playmakers. Newman and Munnerlyn stepped up and continue to be crucial in victories for this team.
Who else do you think saw their stock rise in this one?