Trae Waynes looks like Vikings’ best corner vs. Chargers

Trae Waynes played a great game for the Vikings Sunday afternoon, flashing his coverage ability and his physicality.

Is Trae Waynes finally ready to start?

If Sunday’s game was any indication the answer to that question is yes.

Resoundingly, yes.

Given a chance to play extra reps with Xavier Rhodes out, Waynes showed what he can do on two highlight plays.

First, watch Waynes cover Keenan Allen like a blanket and tip the Philip Rivers pass, leading to a Harrison Smith interception.

Okay so maybe Allen could have done a better job on this but Waynes still had to be in position to make the play. And he clearly has good reflexes.

Later Waynes showed off his tackling prowess by delivering a crushing WWE-style take-down on a Chargers player.

In case anyone doubts Trae Waynes’ willingness/ability to bring the pain.

Eat your heart out Josh Robinson (remember when he did that to Nate Burleson?)

Has Trae Waynes shown enough to guarantee himself a spot as a starter when the Vikings kick off the season September 11 vs. Tennessee?

You’ll have to ask Mike Zimmer and I guarantee he won’t answer.

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To me Waynes has shown enough to earn a chance to start, even if Xavier Rhodes is ready to return week 1.

Terence Newman provides a good insurance policy should Waynes in any way prove himself unready to take on the responsibility of starting on a full-time basis.

It’s hard to think of any good justification for NOT starting Waynes at this point. If Waynes doesn’t get the call against the Titans, clearly Mike Zimmer is just being a stubborn old grouch.