Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph’s good health key to 2015 success
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph is healthy and having a solid 2015 season, proving he can be the player the team needs with a little ‘good luck’.
When the Minnesota Vikings drafted tight end Kyle Rudolph in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, they saw a young man with a big body that could hopefully help out rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.
Although Ponder’s time in Minnesota came to an end this offseason, Rudolph instead received a hefty 5 year, $36.5 million contract extension, showing that the Vikings have faith in their often injured investment to rebound and prove that he can be a security blanket for a young quarterback. Only this time, it’s for Teddy Bridgewater.
With Kyle Rudolph staying healthy, he seems to be becoming a reliable target for Bridgewater, netting 22 catches on 29 targets in the last four games. The tight end gives credit to his hard work for the success, but also enjoys having some good luck in staying healthy according to the Pioneer Press.
"Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass for a 47 yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports“It’s just a product not only of continuing to put in the work in the offseason but also having some things go your way,” he said. “Good luck for a change.”"
Hopefully, that good luck can help propel the Vikings into the post-season and maybe even an NFC North division crown. But meaningful games at this point in the season is something the team hasn’t had recently, and are currently 0-2 this month.
"“It’s been awhile since we’ve played meaningful games in December,” Rudolph said Friday. “In 2012, we had to win our last four to make the postseason. It’s not quite that same situation where you have your backs against the wall. But for us, it’s important to go out and take care of business these next couple of weeks.”"
Kyle Rudolph and the Minnesota Vikings could clinch a playoff spot this week with a victory over the Chicago Bears in week 15. You can watch that game Sunday, December 20, 2015 from TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
*UPDATED 12/19 for a spelling error in the title.