The Viking Age
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Vikings midseason review: Defense leading the way in 2017

By Adam Patrick

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Anthony Barr #55, Andrew Sendejo #34, and Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings join their teammates in linking arms before the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Anthony Barr #55, Andrew Sendejo #34, and Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings join their teammates in linking arms before the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Linval Joseph
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Linval Joseph /

Defensive Line:

This season, the Vikings’ pass-rushers are playing out of their minds. Led by defensive end Everson Griffen and defensive tackle Linval Joseph, this unit is among the absolute best of any team in the league right now.

Griffen is having an All-Pro type year so far with a sack in every game and 10 sacks total. Not only is he a candidate for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award, but the argument could easily be made for him as a league MVP as well.

Minnesota’s run defense has vastly improved from a season ago and much of that has to do with Joseph clogging up the middle of the line. The Vikings defensive tackle has been causing problems for opposing offensive lines all year long and is also on pace to set a new career high in sacks.

Danielle Hunter is doing well in his first full-season as a starter. His statistical production may be lower than it has been in past years (just three sacks so far), but that is because opposing blockers have been giving him a lot extra attention.

How well this trio of pass-rushers performs for the remainder of the year will likely have a tremendous impact on the amount of success Minnesota will achieve.

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