Madden NFL 21: 5 Vikings who should see their ratings jump in 2020
By Chris Schad
Eric Kendricks
At this point, I’m curious if the adjusters even watched the Vikings defense last year. If they did, they would have seen a long-haired, sideline-to-sideline missile destroying ball carriers and locking down tight ends and running backs in coverage. That of course would be All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Kendricks’ rating has been on the lower end for the past couple of seasons despite what he meant to the Vikings offense. Seemingly stuck with an overall in the high-70s, Kendricks has recorded at least 100 total tackles in each of the past four seasons. Those haven’t been accompanied by large sack numbers, but his work in coverage made a huge difference as opposing quarterbacks posted an 83.9 passer rating when throwing in his direction — 11th among qualifying linebackers.
Kendricks may not be an elite player, but to be ranked in the low-70s year after year is just puzzling. A bump to the low-80s would be welcome and if the adjusters were feeling generous and pushed him to an 86 or 87, Viking fans would welcome the change.