Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Preseason Week 3 vs. Cardinals
By Adam Carlson
Defensive MVP – Honorable Mentions
The Minnesota Vikings defense has to be happy with their efforts even if there were mistakes made. Keeping Arizona out of the end zone for the entire game is quite an accomplishment and the bend, but don’t break style of defense looked good, especially against a dual-threat player like Kyler Murray.
Here are some of the defensive standouts from this game:
- Devante Downs, linebacker – When talking about a player who was everywhere on the field, Downs has to be part of the conversation. He was second on the team with five tackles (four solo) and one sack on the day. With depth behind the starters and Eric Wilson up for grabs, he’s doing all the right things to earn a spot.
- Ifeadi Odenigbo, defensive end – Well, I’m sold. Last week, I said it would take another good performance for him to lock down a spot on the 53. This week, he did it again. He made life tough for the opposing quarterback and although it didn’t always mean a sack, he made his presence felt from the outside.
- Mackensie Alexander, cornerback – Watching Alexander evolve as a defender has been great. He took some lumps in his first few seasons but seems to be putting it all together. He nearly had a pick-6 if he could have held on to the ball, but he did add three tackles, all solo.
- Anthony Barr, linebacker – It’s getting a bit redundant to keep putting Barr in these lists, but he’s really playing out of his mind this preseason. He once again led the team in tackles with six (five solo) but showed his ability to play contain or get pressure. Barr is ready for that season opener!