5 Minnesota Vikings players to watch vs. the New Orleans Saints
By Nik Edlund
Danielle Hunter – DE
Danielle Hunter has been an animal this season. He has 14.5 sacks and has made plays that have turned some games around. He also has been great against the run, using his powerful, lanky arms to get off blocks and then engulf ball carriers.
He’s going to need to be at his best this week against one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Hunter is going to have to get in Drew Brees’ face early and often. If Brees is allowed any amount of time to scan the field, he will find an open man.
He’s got a ton of weapons to work with and even if the Vikings coverage is miraculously decent this weekend, they can’t cover these guys forever. Hunter, Everson Griffen, Ifeadi Odenigbo, and Stephen Weatherly have to get constant and consistent pressure.
If Brees takes some hits and is forced to hurry his throws, the Vikings will have a chance. All Hunter has to do is play this Sunday the way he has all season long. If he can do that, the Vikings defense could slow down this Saints explosive offensive attack, giving the team a shot to win this one on the road.