Defensive MVP: Eric Kendricks
After struggling last week against the Giants, Kendricks put together a bounce-back performance against the Texans. Kendricks racked up five tackles and two key pass deflections, leading the Vikings in an all-around impressive defensive performance.
Kendricks’ play of the game came in the first quarter, showcasing outstanding speed to close on the ball and dive to break up a pass to the flat for Lamar Miller on third down.
No task proved too tall for Kendricks today, who excelled in a diverse set of responsibilities ranging from blitzing, to stopping the run, to covering receivers over the middle of the field. Even when going against All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who routinely makes elite cornerbacks look silly, Kendricks managed to stick with him step for step and break up a pass.
In his second year, Kendricks continues to look like a second-round draft steal, as he’s already emerged as a clear leader of the defense.