Minnesota Vikings: Week 1 MVPs vs Tennessee Titans
By Josh Zinger
Defensive Co-MVPs: Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter
While normally MVP is an award dedicated to just one player, the stellar performances of Danielle Hunter and Eric Kendricks both merited recognition. In addition to scoring their first career touchdowns, this week’s co-MVPs each impacted the game in a number of ways.
Eric Kendricks stepped in front of a short route to the middle of the field, picking it off and never looking back en route to a 77-yard touchdown, giving the Vikings a 12-10 lead and turning the momentum firmly in their favor. After the interception, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota never seemed to regain his confidence as Tennessee’s offense struggled and the Vikings piled on points. The second-year linebacker’s timely interception was definitely the play of the day, but his contributions didn’t stop there.
Kendricks racked up six total tackles, including a key tackle for a loss in the first quarter to hold Tennessee to a field goal, and added a pass defensed in an outstanding overall day. There are big expectations for the quick and instinctive middle linebacker this year, but if today was any indication he should have no problem living up to them.
Danielle Hunter‘s contributions were simply too crucial to go unmentioned here. His heads-up play on the 24-yard fumble return touchdown essentially sealed the game for the Vikings, giving them a two-score lead that they never relinquished.
Even beyond that, Hunter had a very solid day, recording four total tackles and one sack despite his limited usage as a situational pass-rusher. Hunter’s sack of Mariota late in the game was particularly impressive, as he used crafty hand technique to throw the offensive tackle off-balance and blow past him for the tackle.
If Hunter can continue to make big plays this season, expect the second-year pass rusher to push veteran Brian Robison for even more playing time.
Next: Offensive MVP