Linval Joseph named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for week 9
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his week 9 performance against the St. Louis Rams.
The defense of the Minnesota Vikings seems to be firing on all cylinders this season, and much of that success has to be attributed to the fantastic play of defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Joseph is only in his second year with the Vikings after coming over to the team as a free agent from the New York Giants. Minnesota was looking for a big man to stuff the run and hopefully get some pressure on the quarterback when they signed the 6’4″ 324 pound man, but they got much more than that. They got a monster.
Against the St. Louis Rams during week 9 of the NFL season, Linval Joseph could be seen on many occasions stuffing promising young running back Todd Gurley at the line of scrimmage, pressuring and hitting quarterback Nick Foles, or even running laterally to get to ball carriers on the outside.
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) celebrates his tackle against the St. Louis Rams in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Linval Joseph racked up some pretty impressive stats in the Vikings 21-18 overtime win over the Rams. Here are his statistics:
- 10 combined tackles
- 7 solo tackles
- 3 tackles for a loss
- 2 quarterback pressures
- 0.5 sacks
According to Vikings.com, Linval Joseph was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. He joins other great Minnesota defensive tackles such as Kevin Williams, John Randle, and Keith Millard as recipients of this honor.
Congratulations go out to Linval Joseph and the Minnesota Vikings on this honor, and more importantly, finding a way to beat the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.