Vikings midseason review: Defense leading the way in 2017

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) Anthony Barr /

Linebackers:

After a year where it seemed like he was in the witness protection program, Anthony Barr has re-emerged as one of the best linebackers in the NFL this season.

Barr is second on the team in total tackles this year and it seems like the linebacker is always around the ball whenever he is on the field. Oh, and he may have guaranteed the Vikings winning the NFC North this season after knocking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers out for numerous weeks with a broken collarbone.

Eric Kendricks continues to be the quiet star of Minnesota’s defense. The team’s current leader in total tackles is not a real flashy player, but he certainly gets the job done and has been excellent in pass coverage this season.

The only other linebacker that has really seen the field this year has been rookie Ben Gedeon. In his limited time, Gedeon has made a few impressive plays. But he has also had plenty of moments that remind everyone that this is still his very first season in the league.

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