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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eric kendricks
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) celebrates after a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Eric Kendricks

Mike Zimmer played it right with Eric Kendricks, working the rookie slowly into the mix early in the season before handing him the starting job week 4 (after jettisoning Gerald Hodges).

Kendricks flashed his great athletic ability early on, racking up four sacks in a three-game stretch from week 4 through week 7.

That early flash changed to frustration in the middle part of the season, partly due to injury and partly due to natural growing pains.

Kendricks’ tackling technique was not good at times and he had issues in coverage. These are the sorts of things you would expect a rookie to struggle with.

Late in the season, Kendricks got healthy and seemed to get more comfortable in the defense. He was very good in the season finale against the Packers and again the next week against the Seahawks in the playoffs.

We know Kendricks has the speed and athletic ability to be a very good linebacker. His performance late in 2015 showed the kind of player he can be as he learns to operate in Mike Zimmer’s scheme.

Next: A running back

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