Minnesota Vikings 2015 quarter-season awards

September 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) its tackled by Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) during the second quarter at Levi

Defensive MVP Award

Harrison Smith

There were a few guys that were considered for this award, but Smith has proved himself as the most consistently dominant player on the Vikings defense. He’s been a force all season not just in coverage, but also in run support. This season may finally be the season that Smith gets some of the recognition he deserves as one of the best, if not the best, safety in the NFL.

What I’ve been most impressed with is Smith’s contributions in run support. In the first clip below, watch how Smith recognizes, reacts, and then makes the play on Melvin Gordon. In the second clip, Smith fights off two defenders and makes a ridiculous tackle on Danny Woodhead.

These are just two examples of his excellent run support this season. To sum up his play this season, he’s been everywhere. It’s not such a crazy statement to say that he’s the best safety in the NFL.

Honorable Mention: Anthony Barr, Everson Griffen

Next: Pleasant Surprise Award