Defensive MVP – Honorable Mentions
It’s weird to say, but the Vikings defense did their job against the Jaguars. Minnesota held their own by limiting Jacksonville’s offense to two touchdowns in Week 13, with one of those scoring plays being a fluke pass that was batted into the air and directly into the arms of a Jaguars receiver.
Jacksonville running back James Robinson was having some success on the ground against Minnesota, but thankfully the Jaguars focused more on running plays through Mike Glennon and the passing game. When it came down to it, it was the two interceptions thrown by Glennon that were instrumental in the Vikings getting the win.
Who were some of the Minnesota players that should have been considered for defensive MVP after Week 13?
Ifeadi Odenigbo – DE
Whenever the defense can put points on the scoreboard, it is a great thing. Ifeadi Odenigbo was key in getting a safety on Glennon that took the ball away from Jacksonville and helped to make up for some of the Vikings special teams miscues. Odenigbo had three of the seven hits on Glennon in the matchup, which also showed how much the other pass rushers in purple and gold struggled.
Anthony Harris – S
Losing Eric Kendricks right before the game was heartbreaking for this defense, but that didn’t mean there weren’t any playmakers available for Minnesota. Anthony Harris has been quiet for a lot of the season but he had five tackles (two solo), a pass breakup, and a tackle for a loss on the day.
Harrison Smith – S
The veteran safety looked like he knew exactly what was going on throughout the contest on Sunday. Harrison Smith was quick to get to developing plays, notching six tackles (four solo) and getting in for a split on a sack. Plus, he also had a great diving interception at a key moment in overtime to give Minnesota the ball back on offense.