Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Week 16 vs. Green Bay Packers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 23:Minnesota Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrated after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 23:Minnesota Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrated after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 23: Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) returned a fumble in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /

Defensive MVP – Honorable Mentions

The defense of the Minnesota Vikings was on top of their game during Monday Night Football. Their combination of strong tackling with good coverage and a decent pass rush kept the Packers to only two touchdowns, three field goals, and a two-point conversion.

Despite being on the field for a majority of this game, the defense remained strong, only giving up a couple of big plays while doing their best to keep Minnesota competitive as they tried to figure out an effective offensive strategy.

Even though these players weren’t named the MVP, here are some honorable mentions for the award:

  • Eric Kendricks, linebacker – Before leaving the game with an injury, Eric Kendricks was capitalizing on errors by the Packers and plays made by other Vikings players. He recovered two fumbles by Green Bay, setting up the Minnesota offense with good field position both times.
  • Mackensie Alexander, cornerback – Alexander was everywhere in this game, showcasing his tackling skills on many occasions. He limited the gains by Green Bay ball carriers quite well and is a good reason their opponents struggled so much to move the chains during this contest.
  • Anthony Harris, safety – Coverage was a bit of a question mark for Harris when he took over for Andrew Sendejo this season, but he made two great plays on the football in this game, one resulting in an incomplete pass while the other was intercepted and returned for ten yards.
  • Ifeadi Odenigbo, defensive line – It’s always nice to get some complimentary pass rush. Odenigbo has been a rotational and situational defender this season and it has been a role he is flourishing in. He hit Aaron Rodgers twice in the game, once resulting in a sack on the Packers quarterback.