Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2019: Previewing the linebackers

Starting Linebacker: Eric Kendricks

While Barr had to wait for his payday, Eric Kendricks was the first one to get the bag from the Vikings as he signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension prior to the 2018 season. Like Barr, he appeared to have a rough year following his new contract, but in this case, the numbers actually back things up.

In terms of tackling numbers, Kendricks’ 108 total tackles were on par with his 2016 (109) and 2017 (113) seasons. However, Kendricks dropped off when it came to pass coverage and making impact plays while stopping the run.

In coverage, Kendricks struggled to stop opposing running backs as he allowed 1.42 yards per coverage snap. According to Pro Football Focus, that number ranked 13th among linebackers with 20% coverage snaps and his nine coverage snaps per reception ranked 52nd. To make matters worse, quarterbacks had a great time picking on Kendricks as they posted a 104.7 passer rating when targeting him thanks to three touchdowns allowed in coverage.

Even stopping the run was a chore for Kendricks as PFF charted his run-stop percentage at just 6.4, 61st in the NFL among linebackers. This is part of the reason why the Vikings slipped to 15th against the run last season.

While the Vikings defense performed well as a whole throughout the 2018 season, a better version of Kendricks would be a huge boost. If Kendricks can find his game, the Minnesota Vikings have a chance of stepping it up to another level in 2019.