Vikings S Anthony Harris named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

For his performance in Week 1 against the Falcons, Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Anthony Harris was named a full-time starter for the first time in his NFL career this season and that decision seems to be paying dividends for the Minnesota Vikings as he put together a great performance in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.

His fifth season in the NFL started off with a bang, as Harris recorded five tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery in a one-sided affair at U.S. Bank Stadium that brought Minnesota to a 1-0 record.

Picking off quarterback Matt Ryan two times in the game, once in the red zone, was instrumental in the dismantling of the Falcons and his ability to hold his own allowed the Vikings pass rush and coverage units to execute Mike Zimmer’s defense effectively against a typically high-powered Atlanta offense.

For his efforts in that game, Anthony Harris was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, as the team shared on their official Twitter account.

Harris receiving this award marks the first time a player from the purple and gold has been honored since Danielle Hunter earned that honor in Week 9 of the 2018 season and is a great way to kick off the 2019 campaign.

A big, hard-hitting defensive back, Harris has the potential to be a key piece of the team’s defense, joining former NFC Defensive Players of the Week like Hunter, Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, Everson Griffen, Eric Kendricks, and Linval Joseph as individuals to bring the award to the great north.

Congratulations go out to Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris on being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons and hopefully this won’t be the only time the defensive back receives the honor this season.