There were some excellent performances from the Minnesota Vikings players during their Week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns in the United Kingdom.
Week 8 was a pretty good week for the Minnesota Vikings. Their week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns in the United Kingdom got off to a shaky start, but the team found their groove in the second half to bring home a big win.
There were some really solid performances from this game, and statistical website Pro Football Focus shared their top grades as well as some notable performances that deserve recognition in Week 8.
Here are the top 5 graded players from the Vikings in Week 8 according to the grades on the PFF website:
- RB Jerick McKinnon, 89.1 overall grade
- LB Eric Kendricks, 81.3 overall grade
- S Harrison Smith, 81.2 overall grade
- CB Xavier Rhodes, 80.8 overall grade
- QB Case Keenum, 80.5 overall grade
It shouldn’t be a surprise to fans that the defense has 3 of the top 5 grades for the Vikings in Week 8. Kendricks, Smith, and Rhodes were all part of a defense that shut down the pass and were solid tacklers.
Jerick McKinnon was the top graded player from the game, scoring the team’s only rushing touchdown and adding a 2-point conversion. But his contribution went beyond that in the game according to PFF:
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"“He forced five of the six missed tackles that the Vikings forced as a team on run plays. Finally, McKinnon was a threat in the passing game as well since he caught all six of his targets and averaged 11.7 yards after the catch on the day.”"
Not in the top 5 but having a notable grade is cornerback Trae Waynes. He is often targeted because of the excellent play of Xavier Rhodes opposite him, but the Browns weren’t able to pick on him this game.
"“While Waynes wasn’t perfect, missing a tackle early in the game, his physical presense in coverage was key for the Vikings secondary. Targeted seven times in coverage, he allowed just two receptions for 22 yards, breaking one pass up, and forcing another incompletion with heavy contact.”"
Next: Vikings waive WR Adams, claim RB Brown
Looking back at Week 8, there wasn’t a lot to complain about as far as Minnesota Vikings player performances. Plus, now they get a week off to get healthy and regroup for Week 10 against the Washington Redskins.