The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings stock market report: Week 1 at Titans

By Jordan Wright

Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of the coin toss before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of the coin toss before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) picks up a Tennessee Titans fumble and runs for a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Minnesota won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) picks up a Tennessee Titans fumble and runs for a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Minnesota won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: The Defensive Line

Unlike the Vikings’ run blockers, the defensive line apparently got the memo that they needed to step their game up if the team wants to take things to the next level.

There were three defensive linemen who really stood out against the Titans, proving to the rest of the NFL that the Vikings’ defensive line is one of the deepest in the league.

Linval Joseph has set out to prove 2015 was not a fluke, and he didn’t disappoint in the first game of 2016. Joseph filled up the stat sheet, accumulating a sack, quarterback hit and a tackle for a loss to go along with his five tackles. What makes it even better is knowing Joseph was constantly double-teamed by Tennessee.

Danielle Hunter had himself a heck of a game. Even though he didn’t start, Hunter rotated in and saw plenty of snaps. Hunter, like Joseph, had a sack, quarterback hit and a tackle for a loss. Hunter one-upped Joseph, however, when he scooped up a Marcus Mariota fumble and returned it for one of the Vikings’ two defensive touchdowns.

Brian Robison, the player who will eventually relinquish his starting role to Hunter, proved today why the Vikings coaches still have faith in him. Robison had a beautiful tackle for a loss to go along with a pass deflection. Minnesota will eventually move on from Brian Robison to Danielle Hunter, but that won’t be because of a decline in his skills, but rather the impressiveness of Hunter.

Next: Stock down for the kickers

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