Minnesota Vikings Week 8 player rankings: Adam Thielen impresses
By Adam Carlson
4. Danielle Hunter (Up 1 spot)
A lot is being made about Thielen’s streak of 100-yard games, but Hunter is continuing a streak of his own. Credited for half a sack during this game, he has now brought down the quarterback at least once in each game of the season. Danielle also sits tied for second in the league in sacks with 7.5.
He got pressures on the rookie quarterback of the Jets on several occasions as well, but also showed great run support. Hunter tallied three tackles on the day, one of them being solo to go with his fractional sack.
3. Linval Joseph (No change)
Battling a wide variety of ailments, Joseph was unable to suit up this week against the New York Jets and ended up having Jaleel Johnson be the starter in his place next to Sheldon Richardson and Stephen Weatherly.
Dealing with ankle, knee, and shoulder injuries, Joseph might be good to in Week 8 against the Saints. But with great depth like Johnson and Parry available, there is absolutely no reason to rush him back into the lineup, even though he is an absolute monster.
2. Harrison Smith (no change)
Not relied on too much in the tackling game this week, Smith still racked up four tackles (three of them solo) and continued to be in a good place to make plays. In the passing game, he defended two passes from Sam Darnold. One of them was an interception that he returned for 52 yards.
He continues to show that no matter what the coaches ask of him, he can get it done. Sure, he didn’t have a sack on the day, but he still showcased plenty of skill against the run and the pass to be effective and change the game.