Generating consistent pressure
Getting Danielle Huner back into the fold is the biggest of boosts for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. There was some doubt he’d be participating in camp due to a contract dispute, but those in power thankfully came to a mutually beneficial arrangement just before the early part of their offseason program.
Without the former LSU star flying off the edge in dominant fashion, the Vikings found it difficult to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their final average of 1.4 sacks per game was ranked No. 28 across the league and this simply cannot continue if they want to make more noise in 2021.
Hunter’s presence should make everyone around him better. Dalvin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce are two space-eating defensive tackles capable of causing havoc, but Minnesota also needs some dynamic young stars to stand up and be counted throughout the campaign.
D.J. Wonnum showed flashes of brilliance late in the year and should make strides. Much is also expected of Patrick Jones II and Janarius Robinson, who were drafted by the Vikings this spring and bring a tremendous amount of talent to the table.
We all know Hunter is going to get his numbers. But if others don’t also contribute, it will make things a lot easier for opposing protection schemes.