Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Divisional Round vs. San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 11: Minnesota Vikings Linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) intercepts a pass during an NFC Divisional Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings on January 11, 2020, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Defensive MVP – Eric Kendricks, linebacker

There is just something special about Eric Kendricks. The First Team All-Pro linebacker showed off his coverage skills in this game by intercepting a Jimmy Garoppolo pass in the first quarter to keep the game within striking range.

Not only was he solid in pass coverage with two pass breakups on the day, but he once again was a reliable tackler, finishing the game with eight total tackles and four of those being unassisted takedowns.

Everyone knew Kendricks was good, but this was a breakthrough season for the linebacker. Not only did he perform at a high level consistently, but he seemed to improve upon his game as a whole from the last season.

Kendricks had to be breathing really hard after being on the field so long during this game, but he still found a way to make an impact during a game where the Minnesota Vikings needed to have a nearly flawless game to escape with a win.

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