6 Minnesota Vikings who need to step up their play this season

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Andrew Sendejo #34 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after intercepting Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Andrew Sendejo, safety

Well known for his fearlessness to throw his body at ball carriers and create big hits, Sendejo teams well with Harrison Smith to form one of the toughest and most intimidating safety duos in the NFL.

However, new rules to protect players have seemed to make the hard-nosed athlete struggle with penalties and his off-the-field antics, including teammates urging to #FreeDejo and his own wearing of a hat that says “Make Football Violent Again” hasn’t helped to change his reputation.

On one hand, Sendejo is having one of the better seasons of his career according to Pro Football Focus, but he is still down 11.2 from his previous season, falling from an 80.9 to a score of 69.7 through the first five weeks of the season.

The biggest culprits in his drop in effectiveness are struggles when tackling and rushing the passer. Still, there is plenty of time for ‘Dejo to turn things around and be a sure tackler while making those big hits like he did last season.

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