The Viking Age
FanSided

Week 2 stock market report: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers

By Jordan Wright

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Fans walk around U.S. Bank Stadium before its inaugural game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Fans walk around U.S. Bank Stadium before its inaugural game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) intercepts a pass in front of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) intercepts a pass in front of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Going into the game against Green Bay, the defense knew it would be in for a long day. The defensive line did their job, keeping Rodgers under constant pressure all game long. Anthony Barr and the rest of the linebackers were able to limit the Packers’ running game and cover tight ends.

Last night, the weak link of the defense was the defensive backfield.

Xavier Rhodes was held out for the second straight game because of a knee injury, forcing Trae Waynes into a starting role once again. Across from Waynes was Terence Newman, the 38-year-old corner who is perhaps finally showing his age.

Both Waynes and Newman were repeatedly picked on by Aaron Rodgers, and both gave up multiple penalties that kept the Packers’ offense on the field.

It’s understandable that at some point, Newman will cease to be the ageless wonder, and it’s possible we have seen the beginning of the end for his career.

Waynes, on the other hand, showed decent coverage last night, but he was unable to maintain his position throughout the route. Waynes is still learning to play cornerback in the NFL, and there will still be some bumps and bruises along the way. He was able to redeem himself with the interception that sealed the game for the Vikings, but overall his stock was down for the game.

It will be hard for the Vikings to continue winning ball games with cornerback play like they got on Sunday. If Newman is nearing the end of his career, it will be important for Waynes to step up his game and become the starter across from Rhodes.

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