Minnesota Vikings vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch
By Dan Zinski
Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) looks on during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
2. Anthony Barr
Barr seems fully recovered from the knee problems that plagued him late last year and again during the offseason program and preseason.
And we’re not talking about just one knee, we’re talking about both knees.
Barr showed tremendous promise in 2014, flying around the field and making big plays, but he also showed that he has a lot of learning to do before he becomes a polished NFL linebacker.
Barr struggled at times in coverage last year and also had problems with missed tackles. He needs to clean up those areas of his game and become more well-rounded.
Expect Barr to get more action as a pass rusher as Mike Zimmer implements more varied defensive looks in year 2 of his program.
It will also be a lot of fun watching Barr run around with fellow former UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks when the Vikings go nickel. Unfortunately we still have to watch plodding old Chad Greenway in the base.