The Viking Age
FanSided

Team leaders from the Minnesota Vikings 2016 NFL season

By Adam Carlson

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer yells at his offense as they come of the field during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Vikings, 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer yells at his offense as they come of the field during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Vikings, 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates with cornerback Trae Waynes (26) his interception against the Chicago Bears at the goal line in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates with cornerback Trae Waynes (26) his interception against the Chicago Bears at the goal line in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Leaders

The one place where the Minnesota Vikings truly shined was on defense. Using a great mix of veterans and young players, the team was able to put together one of the best pass defenses in the league and keep the score low to help out an offense that struggled early.

Here are the players who led the team in some important categories on the defensive side of the ball:

Combined Tackles – Eric Kendricks (109)

Kendricks was an absolute monster when it came to tackling. Even though he missed one game due to injury, he was able to land at 24th in the NFL in tackles and continue to improve upon his 92 tackles from last season. He has truly proven to be a gem at middle linebacker.

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Sacks – Danielle Hunter (12.5)

Not enough positive things can be said about Danielle Hunter. The young defensive end led the team in sacks despite being part of the rotation and acting as a backup. His 12.5 sacks landed him in a tie for 3rd in the NFL, an impressive mark for the 22-year-old who more than doubled his numbers in this category from last year.

Interceptions – Xavier Rhodes (5)

Rhodes kept making steps in the right direction, keeping his penalties down while becoming more of an asset to the secondary. He tied for 5th in interceptions in the NFL and has shown potential to continue growing and developing in his coverage.

Next: Zimmer 'on a mission' to prepare for 2017 season

Which Minnesota Vikings team leaders did you feel were the most impressive? Who do you think is likely to repeat as best on the roster in 2017 and who might regress? Let your thoughts and opinions be heard in the comments below.

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