Minnesota Vikings: The cornerbacks
Through Mike Zimmer’s career as both a head coach in Minnesota and as a defensive coordinator in both Dallas and Cincinnati, great coverage has been a hallmark of his defenses. This, however, has not been the case with Zimmer’s cornerbacks in the 2019 season. Both Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes have been severe liabilities in coverage — Rhodes has allowed 59 completions on 70 targets for 707 yards and an opponent passer rating of 127.8. Waynes has allowed 61 completions on 84 targets for 653 yards, and an opponent passer rating of 109.9. Between them, Rhodes and Waynes have allowed nine touchdowns, and only Waynes has an interception. Mike Hughes and Mackensie Alexander have been decent — certainly better than Rhodes and Waynes — but were it not for the efforts of safeties Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris, this defense would be in a world of trouble. Smith and Harris have nine interceptions and no touchdowns allowed between them, and Harris is one of two defensive players this season — Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White is the other — to pick off six passes without allowing a touchdown. The Vikings start their 2019 postseason run against the Saints, and if Rhodes and Waynes play as they have all season, it could be a very short postseason run, indeed.