3. Troy Dye - LB
In his fourth season since he was drafted out of Oregon, Vikings linebacker Troy Dye put together a solid performance against the Saints. He didn't make any game-changing plays, but he also didn't make any game-losing plays either, and that's as good as you can ask for out of a backup like Dye.
With Minnesota linebacker Jordan Hicks leaving the game and backup Brian Asamoah already missing the contest due to injury, the task was on Dye to step in and fill the shoes of the stellar Hicks.
Dye didn't light up the world by any means, but he made solid plays and filled in nicely for a player who has meant so much for Minnesota's ascending defense this season.
Dye deserves his praise for how he was ready to step in for the Vikings this past weekend and do his job well.
He was actually a starter when New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara ran for six touchdowns against Minnesota back in 2020, so let's all sigh a breath of relief that he was able to stop the Saints this time around.