Minnesota Vikings 2016 regular season superlatives

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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Most likely to continue tackling until his arms fall off

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) drops a pass as he is hit by Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) drops a pass as he is hit by Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Kendricks, linebacker

Fans of football have seen many great Hollywood pictures based on the sport over the years. Great films like Any Given Sunday, Rudy, or Remember the Titans are remembered for their amazing drama and realistic portrayal of the sport.

However, we won’t be talking about one of those.

In the comedy sports movie The Waterboy, Bobby Boucher (played by Adam Sandler) needs some help to get motivated to make tackles after showing hesitation to give big hits to his opponents and bring them down. His coach tells him to picture all the people who were mean to him in the past to give him, “tackling fuel.”

Linebacker Eric Kendricks must have a huge tank to contain all the tackling fuel he can hold. During the 2016 season, he led the team with 109 combined tackles, including 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

The debate may continue on whether or not water sucks or Gatorade is better, but there should be no arguments when it comes to the tackling efficiency of Kendricks. The young, athletic linebacker has a very bright future ahead of him in the middle for the Minnesota Vikings.

– Adam Carlson

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