3 unsung heroes from the Vikings win over the Falcons in Week 9

After a wild win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, which members of the Minnesota Vikings deserve more praise for their hand in the win?

The Minnesota Vikings are 5-4 and currently hold the seventh seed in the NFC playoff race. With the multitude of major injuries that have hit this roster, the fact that this Vikings squad has won four in a row has shocked the entire NFL community, not just the Minnesota faithful.

It has truly been a team effort to get to this point, with players and coaches alike working like a well-oiled machine lately.

While Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs has gotten his much-deserved love for his incredible game in Week 9, we must remember that it took the entire team to secure their win over the Atlanta Falcons.

After such an impressive victory with so much stacked against Minnesota, which members of the Vikings deserve more praise for helping the team get to win No. 5 on the year?

1. Byron Murphy Jr. - CB

Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. had arguably his best game since signing with the team this offseason, playing like the CB1 many expected him to be in Minnesota.

Murphy had the highest grade on the Vikings' defense from PFF, and his play on the field backed up that notion. While Murphy has had an up-and-down season for Minnesota, this past game against Atlanta showed just how good he can be.

Murphy ended the day with a staggering 1.2 passer rating allowed, even getting himself a crucial interception late in the game that helped Minnesota break the 21-21 tie with their next offensive drive.

Murphy only allowed two receptions on the day even though he was targeted seven times, showing just how lockdown he was for Minnesota when they needed him the most.

The Vikings' secondary has looked much improved from last season, and if Murphy can hit the level of play many were expecting from him this year, that unit will take an even bigger leap as the team pushes for the playoffs.