The Viking Age
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Week 5 winners and losers: Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans

By Jordan Wright

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Minnesota Vikings play the Houston Texans in a wide view of U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Minnesota Vikings play the Houston Texans in a wide view of U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Vikings defensive line was able to terrorize Texans’ quarterback Brock Osweiler on Sunday

The Minnesota Vikings once again had a spectacular day on defense, and it all started with the defensive line. The group accounted for four sacks, three tackles for a loss, and 11 quarterback hits. According to PFF, Osweiler was pressured on 22 of 46 dropbacks (48%). When under pressure, Osweiler was only able to complete four of 18 passes for 45 yards and an interception.

The biggest winner along the defensive line was Tom Johnson. Johnson had a sack, a tackle for a loss, and six(!) quarterback hits against the Texans. Shamar Stephen once again got the start with Sharrif Floyd out, but the Vikings may want to think about giving that start to Johnson going forward.

Linval Joseph was the biggest reason the Texans were unable to get anything going on the ground in this game. Joseph was only credited with four tackles and a QB hit, but the value he brings to the team isn’t measured with stats. Linval is consistently double and triple teamed, which frees up the rest of the defense to make plays. Joseph is the anchor of the defense, and perhaps the most important player in Minnesota.

Everson Griffen (or Griffin, according to his jersey on Sunday), Brian Robison and Danielle Hunter all filled up the stat sheet. The trio combined for seven tackles, three sacks, two tackles for a loss, and four quarterback hits. With Linval anchoring the middle of the line, the defensive ends were able to pinch the sides, shrinking the pocket for Osweiler and making him uncomfortable.

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