Minnesota Vikings: Defense Continues to Shine
By Sarah Bloom
The Minnesota Vikings are just one of two NFC teams that remain unbeaten in the early-going and the defense has been the backbone of the Skol.
It’s no fluke for the Minnesota Vikings. Their offense has been quite good considering their tremendous hardships. However, the other side of the ball is still leading the way. Minnesota’s defense has dehumanized two MVP quarterbacks in the last two weeks. The Vikings continue to prove worthy of being called one of the league’s best unit.
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Let’s take it back to Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. Offensively, both teams split eerily similar numbers with a slight edge to the Titans. If not for two scores coming off a fumble and an interception, it very well could have been a different outcome. Eric Kendricks had a 77-yard pick-six late before Danielle Hunter took a fumble 24 yards to the house.
In Week 2, Sam Bradford stepped up into his new role at QB1 during Minnesota’s home-opener against the Green Bay Packers. But when it came down to the wire, it was the D that protected the house. Trae Waynes’ came up with a huge interception just when Aaron Rogers was knocking on the door in Minnesota territory.
Last week’s win against the Carolina Panthers solidified the defense’s value, handling the league’s former MVP in Cam Newton, snapping Carolina’s 14-game win streak at home. The Vikings were unimpressed and unintimidated by Newton and his “explosive” offense. They held them to 10 points, had three picks and eight—count them, eight—sacks.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against a 2-1 New York Giants team, the Vikings look to continue their path of destruction. Minnesota’s defense looks to shut down one of the league’s most dangerous wideout threat in Odell Beckham Jr.
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The Vikings defense is for real. And the beauty of it all is that it’s not just one or two stud players—all 11 make an impact when it comes to turning on the shut down. Look for Minnesota to continue it’s winning ways.