Eric Kendricks, linebacker
A switch to a 3-4 defense seemed like it would help to showcase the skills of veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, instead, he seemed to have a huge amount of difficulty getting the job done on a regular basis.
It’s great that he made some memorable plays but he also missed quite a few tackles and gave up a lot of receptions in the middle of the field. Both he and Jordan Hicks saw many plays that could have been stopped after a short gain go for major yardage.
Kendricks still led the team in tackles last season, but that was more of a case of the linebacker having more opportunities. His number of sacks and interceptions took a big dip from his 2021 campaign.
Now that he is on the wrong side of 30, the Minnesota Vikings will need to evaluate if Kendricks will be part of their defense moving forward under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores next season.