5 most disappointing Vikings in their Week 17 loss to the Packers

D.J. Wonnum – DE

This is the second straight week D.J. Wonnum has ended up on the disappointing list. Ever since his breakout game against the Bears a few weeks back, Wonnum has been M.I.A. That is the problem with this young player, there just isn’t any consistency to his game.

When playing the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, in order to win, there needs to be constant pressure. Rodgers can’t be comfortable in the pocket and needs to be hurried so he can’t make his reads. He also needs to be hit early and often so he begins to feel the heat even when it isn’t there. If he’s given time, he will tear any defense apart.

The Packers also have a  trio of talented receivers, and if Rodgers is back there with all the time in the world, they will find ways to get open no matter how good the coverage is. The fact there was no pass rush from the Vikings made all these things come to fruition, and with Wonnum as the team’s current primary pass rusher, much of the blame falls on his shoulders.

Wonnum needs to figure out how to be more consistent. He doesn’t have to be great every single week, but be a guy who can have multiple hurries a game and hit the quarterback a few times. With Griffen and Hunter out, Wonnum has needed to step up. The fact he’s only done this in spurts is disheartening.