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NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2018 list includes Vikings DT Linval Joseph

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 8: Linval Joseph #98 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a sack of Nick Foles #5 of the St. Louis Rams on November 8, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 8: Linval Joseph #98 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a sack of Nick Foles #5 of the St. Louis Rams on November 8, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph makes an appearance on NFL Network’s Top 100 of 2018 list after not being included the previous year.

During the 2017 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings posted the best defense in the league. They relied on pairing a strong pass rush with a stingy coverage unit to frustrate the offenses of opposing teams.

There are many key components to Minnesota’s defense. Players like Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, Everson Griffen, Eric Kendricks are important to the team’s success, but a lot of credit also has to go to Linval Joseph.

“The Big Goon” is a game-changing defensive tackle who not only clogs up the middle to wreck havoc on offenses, but he can also get pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the middle of the line.

Last season, Joseph had the second-most tackles of his career (68 combined), adding 3.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in 16 games for Minnesota. However, defensive tackles rarely have their value measured in statistics.

Based on his performance from the 2017 season, Linval Joseph is included on NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2018 list, landing at the #83 spot on the countdown. Here is a tweet from the official Twitter account of the Vikings congratulating the defensive tackle:

Check out the video NFL Network shared announcing Joseph’s spot, shared by the Vikings Twitter account:

Linval was not included in the list last year but was 76th on the list following the 2016 season. However, his ability to disrupt defenses isn’t lost on his opponents, as expressed by Buccaneers offensive lineman Donovan Smith in the video.

"“You need about three people to move him. That’s one strong, stout player … you need two or three bodies to move him up the middle.”"

Entering his 9th NFL season, Joseph should continue to be a dominating force in Minnesota’s defense.

Next: 15 best Vikings first round picks of all time

Congratulations to Linval Joseph on being part of the Top 100 Players of 2018 countdown from NFL Network and fans should look forward to seeing him on the 2019 list around the same time next year.

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