Vikings Midseason Awards: Rookie Of The Year

The Minnesota Vikings are entering their bye week with a record of 4-5.  While success has been hard to come across for the team as a whole, the team has accumulated many individual honors up to this point in the year.

To honor the members of the Vikings who are doing a great job this year, The Viking Age will be handing out their own midseason awards.

This week, we discuss the Rookie of the Year.  There are several Vikings players that have made their mark during their first year in the NFL, including quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, linebacker Anthony Barr, and running back Jerick McKinnon.  Sadly, only one player can win the award for the Vikings.  So, without further ado, here is the winner!

The Minnesota Vikings Midseason Rookie of the Year is:  Anthony Barr!

Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For a player that was supposed to need time to develop into an effective linebacker, Barr has surprised many fans and experts with his immediate impact of the Vikings defense .  The most impressive of all Anthony Barr’s attributes is his ability to destroy screens by penetrating the blockers and getting to the ball carrier for a loss.  His ability to use his size, speed, and strength when rushing the passer or dropping back into coverage has been a huge asset for the Vikings.  Here are his statistics through 9 games according to ESPN.com:

  • 58 combined tackles
  • 11 assisted tackles
  • 4 sacks
  • 3 fumble recoveries
  • 3 passes defended
  • 2 stuffs

Anthony Barr is looking to be a player that the Minnesota Vikings hit a home run with in the draft.  He has been one of the major factors in the team improving their pass rush and overall pass defense from the previous year.

Congratulations to Anthony Barr on winning The Viking Age’s Midseason Rookie of the Year award!

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