Minnesota Vikings 2017 Statistical Predictions: Tackles
By Jordan Ison
If there was one bright side to the 2016 season for the Minnesota Vikings, it was the defense. Let’s evaluate the stats on the defensive side of the ball.
In 2016, after a quick 5-0 start, many reporters were talking about how the Minnesota Vikings could go undefeated. Clearly, that didn’t happen, but if there was one reason for that kind of talk, it was all about the defense.
Mike Zimmer has found pride in his ability to have great defenses. This year should be no different. Despite a sloppy preseason, the Vikings are still poised to have one of the best defenses in the league this year.
With a secondary led by Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes, combined with a strong D-line, the Vikes’ defense should be a force. There are clearly a lot of defensive statistics to look into, but let’s start with tackles – total, sacks and tackles for a loss.
Here are my statistical predictions for the top tacklers on the Minnesota Vikings in 2017:
Eric Kendricks
Kendricks led the Minnesota Vikings in tackles in 2016, and I expect the same in 2017. He made big strides as the leading linebacker a year ago. His ability to sniff out running plays combined with his speed in the secondary should allow him to be a solid two-dimensional player.
Total Tackles: 112
Tackles for Loss: 7
Sacks: 4
Harrison Smith
Smith is one of the top safeties in the league, and rightfully so. His speed combined with hitting power makes him a force in the secondary. He’s also one of the best (if not the best) safety in the league at shutting down rushing plays before they can get going.
Total Tackles: 94
Tackles for Loss: 3
Sacks: 2
Andrew Sendejo
Sendejo may be one of the more underrated safeties in all of the NFL. Everyone keeps saying he should be replaced, but he’s always in the right place at the right time. He should be able to tally up a high tackle count with his ability to be in the right place.
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Tackles: 75
Tackles for Loss: 2
Sacks: 1.5
Anthony Barr
Barr was expected to have a breakout season in 2016. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for him. He saw his production dip last year, but should see improvements this year. He should get plenty of opportunity to prove himself as a Pro Bowler.
Tackles: 72
Tackles for Loss: 2
Sacks: 2.5
Danielle Hunter
Hunter was the biggest surprise of 2016. Despite not being an every down player last year, he led Minnesota in sacks and quickly became a team favorite. He should get a lot more work in 2017 and capitalize on that extra time on the field.
Tackles: 67
Tackles for Loss: 3
Sacks: 13
Next: Vikings Stats Leaders: Passing
It’s obvious that the Minnesota Vikings depend on their defense to win a lot of their games. The defense hasn’t looked great in the preseason, but that shouldn’t be a huge worry going into the regular season. Expect another top-notch performance defensively in 2017.