The Minnesota Vikings defense dismantled the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on Christmas Day. The purple and gold took the ball away from their division rivals six times on their way to upsetting their division opponents in Week 17,
The unit led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores is the primary reason the Vikings were able to get their eighth win of the season during the Netflix broadcast of the game, and several key players stepped up to help secure the victory.
Among those making plays for Minnesota was veteran safety Harrison Smith. The 36-year-old defensive back looked as though he had turned back the clock while wearing the Winter Whiteout uniform on Thursday.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Smith has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his fantastic Week 17 performance against the Lions on Christmas Day.
Smith was a game-changer in the victory. Minnesota's first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft was all over the field. He may have only registered three tackles, but one of those was a sack of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and another was a tackle for a loss.
In addition to his big tackles, Smith intercepted a Goff pass and knocked another pass down at the line of scrimmage while also defending a third pass. This game highlighted his ability to be disruptive in getting after the ball carrier or dropping back in coverage.
While this game likely meant a lot to Harrison Smith, it was also a must-win game for the Detroit Lions if they hoped to make the playoffs this season. The Minnesota Vikings slammed that door shut on their rivals from Michigan, ensuring they will miss the postseason.
Smith is the oldest player to ever be named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. It is his first time winning the award since he did so eight years ago. He becomes the fourth Vikings player to be named an NFC Player of the Week this season.
Brian Flores had this to say about Smith's play in Week 17.
"I thought he played fantastic. Now, there's a couple plays that he and I both know that I wish he had back, and he wishes he had back, but that's the game."
Leave it to Flores to downplay how excellent Harrison Smith played on Christmas Day. Hopefully, he can keep the momentum going and have another great game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.