Vikings DE Danielle Hunter sacks Cam Newton for a safety

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter exploded through the Carolina Panthers offensive line for a sack on Cam Newton, resulting in a safety.

The Minnesota Vikings had their hands full with the Carolina Panthers offense. Cam Newton appeared to be hitting on all cylinders but not everyone was struggling to get their assignments done during the September 25, 2016 contest.

One of the best plays of the game belongs to young defensive end Danielle Hunter of the Vikings. With the Panthers backed up against their own goal line, Hunter showed off amazing power, speed, and athleticism to bring down last year’s NFL MVP.

Here is the play as shared by the NFL on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/780099635025022976

During the play, Danielle Hunter shoved the Panthers offensive tackle to the ground and jumped over him. Making his way to the quarterback, he was chipped by another offensive lineman hoping to steer him away from Newton. However, that didn’t work.

Hunter used leverage and balance to lean into the push and stay on track, grabbing Cam and pulling him to the ground for the sack in the end zone.

Not only was this a big play for getting the defense going, but it was essential to get some points on the board. At this point in the game, it was starting to feel like the Panthers were going to be able to push the Vikings around at their will, as the Minnesota offense was stalling on every possession and the team was getting torched in the passing game.

Next: Full game-by-game 2016 Vikings season preview

Hunter has been a shining spot on the Vikings defense since he was drafted. Originally thought to be a raw project player, head coach Mike Zimmer has turned him into one of the most promising defensive linemen in the National Football League. Odds are that he will earn a massive payday when it is time for him to get a contract extension.