Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn redeeming himself

The Minnesota Vikings went out in free agency before the 2014 season and got veteran cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. The signing was a big one for the team, as cornerback was one of their biggest needs going into the season and he had a reputation for making big plays in the secondary.

However, things didn’t go as expected during Munnerlyn’s first season in Minnesota. He just didn’t seem to fit in what the team was doing, and was out of place for much of the season. Because of that and more need at the position, the Minnesota Vikings went out and got veteran Terence Newman and used a first round draft pick on Michigan State’s Trae Waynes.

Recently, Captain Munneryln spoke with Scout.com about his frustration.

"“Last year wasn’t me,” Munnerlyn said. “I had a lot of people trying to write me off – ‘Oh, they’re going to cut Captain Munnerlyn’ or ‘He’s not good enough to be on this team.’ Stuff like that. I know last year wasn’t my best year, wasn’t my best year of football, but I know that I can still play this game at a very high level.”"

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) celebrates his tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

I have to admit, The Viking Age was one of those publications that was unsure about Munnerlyn’s future following his disappointing 2014 season. But it’s great that the Minnesota Vikings stuck with him, as he looks like a completely different player in 2015. He is fitting in the team’s scheme and has helped give the team one of the top pass defenses in the NFL.

"“This year I’m more locked in, I’m more dialed in, I’m more focused,” Munnerlyn said. “I understand the guys I’m playing with even more. I understand the scheme. I understand what Coach Zim wants out of me. I definitely feel like this has been one of my best years of football because I’m so locked in and so focused in. I have a point to prove.”"

You can see Captain Munnerlyn when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Detroit Lions from Michigan on October 25, 2015 at noon central time. Check your local listings for availability.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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