2018 Season Preview: Is the Vikings’ defense even better?

Last run for Minnesota’s Bash Brahs?

Since they both arrived at UCLA in 2010, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks have developed a tight bond with one another.

In 2013, they were both a part of a UCLA linebacker group that helped the school finish with one of the 40 best defenses in the nation. Now in Minnesota, Barr and Kendricks are a major piece of a defense that is regarded by many as the toughest in the NFL.

The bond of these two California-raised linebackers has played a key part in the Vikings’ defensive evolution under head coach Mike Zimmer. Both have been playing together for so long, just a few looks is all that is required for communication when they’re playing in front of a deafening crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Since Minnesota drafted him in 2015, Kendricks has led the Minnesota defense in tackles in each of his three seasons. The Vikings’ were so impressed with his performance that they awarded the young linebacker with a five-year extension worth up to $50 million in April.

After getting off to a hot start in his Minnesota career, Barr’s play has shifted to a more solid state than the spectacular level it was at during his first two seasons in the NFL. Zimmer hasn’t noticed much decline in his linebacker’s contribution though, as the Vikings head coach is always quick to remind others how vital Barr is to his team’s defense.

It’s possible that Minnesota’s linebacker duo could be split up next season if the team is unable to find a way to retain Barr in 2019. Although, if the last mark these two leave together as a tandem on the Vikings is a Super Bowl win this season, that seems like a pretty satisfying parting gift.