Minnesota’s defense was horrendous in 2020. A lot of the team’s problems stemmed from injuries, especially at the linebacker position.
LB Anthony Barr went down with a season-ending injury in the Vikings’ second game. LB Eric Kendricks ended up missing five games due to injury. Maybe Kendricks and Barr aren’t always noticed by the casual NFL fans, but their absences were certainly felt this past season.
Kendricks’ presence has been noticed by our friends at Touchdown Wire, though. Mark Schofield, who writes for the outlet, tabbed Kendricks as the No. 4 linebacker in the NFL. Schofield wrote:
“To be an impact off-ball linebacker in today’s NFL you need to cover in the passing game. Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Kendricks has improved in that facet of the game each and every season he has been in the league. Last year Kendricks did not allow a touchdown pass when targeted in the passing game for the first time, and he posted four pass breakups along with a career-high three interceptions.”
Overall, the Vikings defense will be better than it was in 2020, mostly on account of the new talent coming in. But you can’t forget about a player like Kendricks: him staying healthy makes the whole defense work.
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