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Vikings LB Eric Kendricks named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

By Adam Carlson

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The Minnesota Vikings may not be a team that focuses on individual accomplishments, but every once in a while a young man shows enough potential to win an award from the league that has to be recognized.  That’s exactly what happened with rookie linebacker Eric Kendricks this month when he was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for October.

When the Vikings drafted Kendricks with the 45th overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, much of the Minnesota fan base erupted in cheers.  The former teammate of Anthony Barr filled a huge need for the team and showed a great amount of athleticism that excited many people.  Now, heading into week 8 of the NFL season, Kendricks has already cemented himself as the team’s starting middle linebacker and doesn’t look to be loosening his grip on the position any time soon.

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

In Eric Kendricks’ three games during October, he registered 20 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 quarterback hits and defensed one pass.  He is currently tied with Hau’oli Kikaha of the New Orleans Saints for most sacks by a rookie this season.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked by the media about his young linebacker winning the Defensive Rookie of the Month award, and his response according to 1500 ESPN’s Andrew Krammer on Twitter was priceless.

I’d love to see a Vikings Super Bowl victory as much as the next person, but Eric Kendrick’s accompishments should also be recognized.  This young man is playing his heart out on the football field and we at The Viking Age congratulate him on the distinguished award.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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