Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Week 8 vs. Green Bay Packers

Defensive MVP – Honorable Mentions

The Vikings have been giving up a ton of points this season. Coming into Sunday, Minnesota had allowed up an average of 32 points per game and the first meeting with the Packers this season saw Aaron Rodgers and company rack up 43 points against the Vikings.

Week 8 saw the purple and gold fare much better against Green Bay. The Packers were held to 22 points by a depleted Minnesota defense and somehow they won the game by creating a turnover on the usually efficient Rodgers.

Here are three Vikings players who played very well, but weren’t quite the defensive MVP.

Harrison Smith – S

Looking at the career of Harrison Smith, as a whole, it’s hard to remember a game where the star safety ever had a bad outing. The former first-round draft pick continues to be an effective defender by being a sure tackler and providing veteran leadership. He had eight total tackles on Sunday, with five of those being solo efforts, and he added one pass breakup.

Anthony Harris – S

The Minnesota safeties had to step up during this game since so many of the team’s cornerbacks were either injured before Week 8 and unable to play or they got hurt during the matchup against the Packers. Anthony Harris was one of those individuals who stepped up and played a big role in the secondary by racking up six tackles (five solo) and one pass breakup.

Jeff Gladney – CB

The cornerback situation for the Vikings was rough on Sunday, but Jeff Gladney continued to have a nose for the football. He had eight tackles on the day, six of them being solo efforts. He seems to be filling the role of the departed Trae Waynes pretty well and his coverage should continue to improve as he gains experience.