6 takeaways from the Vikings Week 5 win over the Giants

Rhodes is no longer elite

Following a 2018 season that made it seem like he took a bit of step back from his All-Pro form, the hope was that Xavier Rhodes would return to performing like one of the best corners in the NFL this year.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

Heading into Sunday, opposing quarterbacks already had a 97.3 rating when targeting receivers covered by Rhodes and his performance against the Giants likely isn’t going to help bring that rating down.

With the Vikings leading New York 10-0 in the second quarter on Sunday, the veteran Minnesota corner was tasked with covering Giants rookie receiver Darius Slayton. Instead of Rhodes shutting down the young pass catcher, Slayton buzzed past the Vikings cornerback and hauled in a 35-yard pass for a touchdown.

In addition to giving up a score, Rhodes was also flagged for two penalties on Sunday. He has already accumulated half as many penalties this season (four) that he finished with in 2018 (eight).

Rhodes may have a few good games left in him, but the days of him being one of the top corners in the league seem to be pretty much over.