5 best Vikings from their Week 4 victory over the Panthers
By Luke Parrish
Player No. 1
Harrison Smith - S
Harrison Smith played perhaps his best game in a very long time for the Vikings, and they absolutely needed that sort of performance from their leader. Smith finished the day with 14 tackles, 3.0 sacks, two TFLs, and a forced fumble that led to a scoop-and-score for D.J. Wonnum that put the Vikings up 14-13.
Smith came up with two crucial sacks on the final drive, including a game-sealing sack of Bryce Young on Carolina's final offensive snap of the game, which came in the red zone. The defense had some rough patches throughout the game, but they refused to get beat on that side of the ball.
Harry single-handedly took charge of this game and gave the Vikings more than a fighting chance. His veteran presence has been much-needed with such a young and inexperienced group on defense, and his skill set has been the perfect match with Brian Flores calling the defense.
If this game turns the season around for the Vikings, Harrison Smith's legacy is going to grow exponentially. One of the greatest players in the franchise's history played exactly that on Sunday, and it deserves recognition across the league.