The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who came on strong late in 2015

By Dan Zinski

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) and running back Matt Asiata (44) run onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) and running back Matt Asiata (44) run onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates with cornerback Josh Robinson (21) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates with cornerback Josh Robinson (21) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Xavier Rhodes

Xavier Rhodes struggled so much with penalties early in the season that Vikings DBs coach Jerry Gray resorted to putting boxing gloves on him during practice in an effort to curtail his tendency to grab receivers.

Despite Rhodes’ troubles, Mike Zimmer never seemed to lose faith in him, at least publicly. When called upon to step up in the NFC North-deciding game against the Packers the final week of the season, Rhodes rewarded Zimmer’s faith by having his biggest game of the year.

Rhodes made the single biggest play of his career so far when he picked off Aaron Rodgers in the end zone with the Packers trying to tie the game late.

Though Rhodes’ overall season may have been somewhat disappointing, his late performance provided hope that he can still develop into a solid cornerback.

Next: The quarterback

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