6 Vikings storylines to watch in the second half of the season
By Chris Schad
Danielle Hunter’s continued breakout
No, I didn’t forget about Danielle Hunter. And how could anyone, really? The fourth-year defensive end has become one of the main pillars for the Vikings in the first half of the season, racking up a NFL-leading 11.5 sacks including 3.5 against Detroit in Week 9.
Hunter has become a complete player for Minnesota that can not only terrorize the quarterback, but he can help stop the run as evidenced by nine tackles against the LIons. Such a breakout comes at a perfect time after the Vikings handed him a five-year, $72 million extension during the offseason.
If Hunter keeps up his excellent play, there’s a chance he could push for 20 sacks and make his case to be named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in a field that includes Chicago’s Khalil Mack and Los Angeles’ Aaron Donald.