Vikings midseason review: Defense leading the way in 2017

Secondary:

It could be argued that this group is the most important part of the Vikings’ success on defense this year. But the defensive line might have something to say about that and Minnesota’s defensive backs would be better off just letting them have that title for now instead of trying to pick a fight with Linval Joseph.

Like Griffen, Vikings corner Xavier Rhodes is playing at an All-Pro level this year. Opposing quarterbacks barely throw in his direction. And when they do, he makes them regret it. Just ask Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, and Davante Adams how much fun they had trying to get away from Rhodes this season.

Minnesota Vikings

On the opposite side of the field, Trae Waynes has been playing at a satisfactory level recently after struggling a bit during the beginning the season. He gets all the balls thrown his way since no opposing quarterbacks want to test Rhodes. His play has gradually improved in each game this year and if he keeps improving, it could give Minnesota quite a talented tandem of corners.

Good luck finding something negative to say about Vikings safety Harrison Smith this season, because you won’t. After two straight Pro Bowl appearances, Smith seems well on his way to another this year. Whenever the Vikings have needed a big play from their defense this season, the safety has usually been the guy to step up to the plate.

When he’s not launching himself like a human-missile all over the field, Minnesota safety Andrew Sendejo has been having himself a pretty solid year. He still gives up an occasional long pass play or misses an easy tackle here and there, but this has easily been the best Sendejo has ever performed during the first half of a season in his career with the Vikings.

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And lastly, there is Minnesota corner Terence Newman. He is not a starter anymore, but he has probably had a lot more to do with the defense’s success this year than most realize.