It’s hard to know how a player will perform or fit with a team from one season to the next. It’s even harder when a team like the Minnesota Vikings is making major changes to their offense or defense or has undergone coaching changes.
Entering the 2022 NFL season, the Vikings had a lot of players join the team or have some things to prove. Thankfully, there have been some individuals who have stepped up their play this season and have exceeded expectations.
Minnesota is off to a 5-1 start this season and much of the reason for that fast start is the excellent play of several players who stepped up when they were given an opportunity to shine on the field.
Here are five players who have not only exceeded expectations for the first six games of the season but give fans hope that the team’s success will continue after their bye week has concluded.
Christian Darrisaw, offensive tackle
Expectations are always high for a first-round draft pick, but the Minnesota Vikings have struggled to find excellence and consistency at several spots on the offensive line in recent history. That is why Christian Darrisaw has been a pleasant surprise this year.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is not best known for his mobility. He is a pocket passer who needs to be able to trust his blockers to give him a clean pocket while the play develops.Darrisaw has done just that/
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With excellent bookends, Darrisaw and O’Neill on the ends of the line, the future of the unit is looking pretty good. Although Cousins isn’t off to a hot start this year, Dalvin Cook is averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
The Vikings’ offense has struggled at times even with the breakout play of Darrisaw, so having him continue to play at a high level is a must. In the meantime, it’s starting to look like Minnesota could finally have a long-term answer at left tackle.
Jordan Hicks, linebacker
Moving to a 3-4 defense changed quite a bit for the Minnesota Vikings. Jordan Hicks joined Eric Kendricks as interior linebackers, a place where Kendricks used to lead the team in tackles on a regular basis.
Hicks immediately seemed at home in the Vikings’ defense and continues to carve out his role. Through the first six games, he leads Minnesota in tackles with 56 while Kendricks is seven behind him.
Statistically, Jordan Hicks adds two sacks, four pass defenses (including an interception), and a forced fumble so far this season and will continue to add to those statistics as the season goes on.
Minnesota found a gem when they signed him in free agency to complete their defensive transition. Although other signings got more attention, there is denying the impact Hicks has had on the defense so far.
Za’Darius Smith, linebacker
Za’Darius Smith was the big splash the Minnesota Vikings made in free agency to pair with Danielle Hunter as the edge rushers in the new-look defense. However, his success was far from a given.
Coming off an injury, it was hard to know which version of Smith the Vikings would get with their multi-year investment. Thank goodness Smith has been healthy and focused through Minnesota’s first six games.
Heading into the bye week, Smith leads the Vikings in sacks with 5.5 and has been able to get pressure on a regular basis while Hunter has three sacks but has been used more in run support for Minnesota.’
So far, Minnesota’s big investment in former Packers’ defender Za’Darius Smith seems to be a wise one. The team as a whole is still working on meshing as a unit, particularly against mid-range or deep attacks, but Smith will be a welcome part of the unit for many years to come.
Irv Smith Jr., tight end
a lot of players in the NFL don’t get second chances at success. Irv Smith Jr. got off to a horrible start in his career due to injuries that kept him off the field. Thankfully, 2022 has been good for Smith.
Irv may not be blowing up the stat lines every week, but he has been finding a way to contribute when needed. His ability to gain yards after the catch makes him a dangerous weapon, especially when defenses are focused on Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
After six games, Smith is fourth on the team in receiving yards with 140 but is tied for the most receiving touchdowns at two. Being a reliable target for Kirk Cousins will keep the ball coming in his direction.
Smith is third in pass targets. 29 passes have been thrown his way, behind only Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, If Smith can stay healthy, he should continue to be one of the top targets in the Vikings’ offense.
Ryan Wright, punter
The Minnesota Vikings made the bold decision not to bring back punter Jordan Berry after a solid year as a punter and holder to bring in Ryan Wright instead. So far, this seems like the right decision
Wright has averaged 45 yards per punt this season with a long punt of 73 yards. His punts are rarely returned for significant yardage, Opponents have only gained 53 yards on 10 punt return tries.
OF course, Wright will need to be consistent in order to keep his position through multiple seasons. He has shorted a couple of punts so far this year, giving the opposition a shorter field than expected.
Since Minnesota’s offense goes through stretches where they struggle to pick up first downs, odds are that Wright will get plenty more opportunities to show off his booming leg on a regular basis.