5 Titans players the Vikings should worry about in Week 3
By Nik Edlund
Kevin Byard – S
It seems like the Titans have a handful of underrated players and Kevin Byard is definitely one of them. This guy is finally starting to get some of the league-wide recognition he deserves, and he deserves quite a bit.
The rangy safety has 332 career tackles, three sacks, and a very impressive 17 interceptions. He’s the definition of a ballhawk and he has amazing ball skills.
Kirk Cousins better be very well aware of where Byard is on the field at all times. He can’t force the ball to Adam Thielen if Byard and another defender are doubling him.
Cousins also needs to be careful throwing to the Minnesota tight ends if Byard is the one covering them because with those interceptions and 38 career pass breakups, the chances of something bad happening for the purple and gold when throwing his way are quite high.
The Vikings’ run blockers will need to be aware of Byard as well. He is excellent at coming up and supporting the run and if a tight end or a receiver doesn’t crack down on him, he’ll be in the backfield quicker than a jackrabbit to blow up the play before Dalvin Cook or Alexander Mattison have a chance.
Must Read. 5 most disappointing Vikings players in Week 2. light
Byard may not be the most familiar name to Vikings fans, but there’s a very strong chance they’ll remember him after this Sunday’s game.