Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Preseason Week 1 vs. Saints

Defensive MVP – Hercules Mata’afa

This is a fantastic story and an excellent game from a player who fans didn’t quite know what to expect from. Mata’afa missed all of last year with an ACL tear and needed time to bulk up for a transition to defensive tackle.

He still looks small on the field, but there is no mistaking his power, speed, and agility. He hit blockers with a variety of moves to get pressure up the gut, making it hard for the oppositions run game to hit holes and the pocket to stay clean for quarterbacks.

Mata’afa did plenty of damage himself, too. He had one sack in the game with two total tackles for a loss. All three of his takedowns were solo efforts, as his low center of gravity, solid frame, and power were on display.

If this is the player Vikings fans can expect going forward, the competition for spots on the interior of the defensive line will be tough. He and Holmes are making a case to keep two backups for Shamar Stephen, especially if both can contribute on special teams.

Who was your offensive and defensive MVPs from the Week 1 preseason game for the Minnesota Vikings when they went up against the New Orleans Saints? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!