The Minnesota Vikings entered their Week 7 Bye Week with a 5-1 record. It’s a fine start. Some have questioned that fine start. They question how the Vikings got to that mark as if there’s some scripted way that a team should get to a 5-1 record after six games. Winning games in the NFL isn’t easy. “Any given Sunday” and all that. Through their first six games, the Vikings won five games and lost one. They are a legitimate 5-1 because they are 5-1. The Vikings have stressed the “we” of the team since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell were hired as general manager and head coach. Everyone has played a role in the 5-1 start. Here’s a look at a few of them.
Most Valuable Player
Justin Jefferson, WR
Other than a couple games, Justin Jefferson has been the best player on the field for the Vikings. He’s been one of the best players in the league through the first six weeks of the season. The Vikings offense played sedated against the Miami Dolphins and Jefferson still had over 100 yards. He’s a fantastic football player.
Offensive Player of the First 6 Games
Christian Darrisaw, OT
This is probably Jefferson as well but I’m going to spread out these awards. Christian Darrisaw is developing into an excellent left tackle. Some of his blocks have been so dominant to the point of being hilarious. He’s already playing the position better than Matt Kalil did as a rookie and as reliably as Bryant McKinnie ever did. Maybe Todd Steussie too. Darrisaw might be the Vikings best left tackle since Gary Zimmerman.
Defensive Player of the First 6 Games
Dalvin Tomlinson, DL
Other players have been more splashy. Other players have made bigger plays. Dalvin Tomlinson has probably been the most consistent defensive player. He’s routinely in the opponent’s backfield. He’s routinely part of the tackle. Through six games, the Vikings defense has been one that bends a bit through most of the game but makes plays and stops when needed most. Tomlinson has been the best, most consistent player on the defense.
Special Teams Player of the First 6 Games
Ryan Wright, P
Ryan Wright’s 10-punt game against the Dolphins was ridiculous. He banged a 73-yarder from the back of his own end zone. Tyreek Hill was standing at about midfield planning for a game-changing return. Instead of that return, he had to race back to his own 20-yard line to catch the punt. Only a player with his insane speed could race about 30 yards while the ball was in the air. He ran so far to catch the punt that he was easily tackled inside in his 20-yard line. From Wright’s foot to Hill’s hands, the punt carried about 80 yards. Other than a shank against the Chicago Bears, Wright has been punting brilliantly. He even completed a pass on a fake punt to convert a first down.
I hope that Ryan Wright never again has to punt 10 times in a game.
Newcomer of the First 6 Games
Za’Darius Smith, OLB
Za’Darius Smith has been everything hoped for when he was signed as a free agent. Through six games, he has 5.5 sacks and impressive pressure numbers. He’s made big plays in the run game as well. His incredible versatility allows him to line up anywhere on the defensive line. An added bonus has been his engaging, outgoing personality. He’s partnered well, on the field and off, with the very quiet Danielle Hunter.
Rookie of the First 6 Games
Ed Ingram, RG
Ryan Wright and Ed Ingram are the only rookies that currently hold starting roles. Ingram has had rookie moments. Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins made him look silly on one snap. That play didn’t end well. He’s already better and more consistent than any right guard since…..Brandon Fusco? It’s a low bar. Ingram has shown potential. I like seeing his awareness during a play. I’ve seen him help linemates on blocks. I haven’t seen a lot of that on recent Vikings offensive lines. I like his physicality in blocks. I like the trajectory of the team’s offensive line and Ingram’s place in it.
Play of the First 6 Games
Cam Dantzler’s Theft
Cam Dantzler prying the ball from Bears receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette sealed a big division win. The Bears were driving to tie the game, potentially win the game, and Dantzler literally stole the opportunity from them. A key to the Vikings 5-1 start has been a consistent tendency to make a big play when it’s most needed. Dantzler’s play was one of the biggest.
Offensive Play of the First 6 Games
Dalvin Cook’s 53-yard TD
Dalvin Cook had played well to start the season but he hadn’t gotten loose. He got loose late in the Dolphins game. His 53-yard burst made it a two-score game and essentially sealed the win.
Defensive Play of the First 6 Games
Patrick Peterson’s plays against the Dolphins
Patrick Peterson has played 19 games for the Vikings. His best game may have been his 19th game. Against the Dolphins dangerous receivers, he made several big plays. He knocked passes away and intercepted one. The Vikings made several big plays at the end of that game. Harrison Smith’s forced fumble, Camryn Bynum’s recovery, Dalvin Cook’s 53-yard TD burst. Peterson’s late interception was huge.
Special Teams Play of the First 6 Games
Josh Metellus’ Fake Punt Stop
Ryan Wright has had several big, field-flipping punts. He also passed for a first down on a fake punt. Patrick Peterson blocked a field attempt by the Eagles. I’ll go with Josh Metellus’ brilliant stop of a fake punt by the Dolphins. It might’ve been a very different game if the Dolphins had succeeded. Metellus was on an island and he did what he had to do. He got the ball carrier on the ground. It was a brilliant, individual play.
Coach/Staff of the First 6 Games
Tyler Williams, Executive Director of Player Health and Performance
Back in the early days of Kevin O’Connell putting together his staff, I saw the hiring of Tyler Williams. I assumed that he was being hired to replace Eric Sugarman as the Vikings trainer. Then around draft time, Uriah Myrie was hired as the trainer. If Myrie is the trainer, what’s Williams doing? Since OTAs, I’m starting to get an idea. Williams is doing everything on the health and science to make the Vikings better on the field. Actually, his title pretty much says it all. I just wasn’t paying attention. Williams oversees the training staff and strength staff. He’s the man with the plan. From the handling of offseason and in-season practices to overseas travel to dealing the Miami heat, Williams strives to put the players and coaches in the best position to succeed. The Vikings have managed to avoid injuries. Harrison Smith is the only starter to miss a game. That was for a concussion. They won in London and in Miami with a preparation script written by Williams. If the Vikings are playing through January, Tyler Williams will be a big reason.
No comments:
Post a Comment