3 most disappointing Vikings from their Week 9 win vs. the Lions
By Nik Edlund
Ifeadi Odenigbo – DE
Ifeadi Odenigbo is the second defensive end to make this list and it is a bit worrisome that the Vikings edge rushers are struggling to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
In the game against the Lions, Minnesota’s two sacks came from the combined efforts of Shamar Stephen, Armon Watts, Eric Wilson, and Hercules Mata’afa. Odenigbo failed to get to the quarterback and he mustered only two tackles on the day.
Odenigbo played 72 percent of the Vikings defensive snaps and he couldn’t even hit the quarterback, let alone get a sack. This has been a problem for Odenigbo all season long and it’s a big reason why he’s one of the most disappointing players on the team so far this year.
Odenigbo was supposed to break out this season. He had seven sacks a season ago and he was in line to be a starter. He made some noise on social media when Minnesota traded for Yannick Ngakoue and his role as a starter looked lost.
But it turned out his pouting was for not as he remained a starter after Danielle Hunter was forced to miss the entire season due to a neck injury.
Odenigbo just hasn’t been the same impact player he was last year. Maybe he has stamina issues and he is better suited as a rotational guy? But that’s just a guess.
The Vikings need Odenigbo to step up and be the team’s primary pass rusher. Minnesota isn’t going to get into playoff contention though if Odenigbo continues to have these disappointing performances week after week.