Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's new additions to defense thrive in Week 1 win
The Minnesota Vikings didn't just win during week one against the New York Giants, they walloped them by a score of 28-6. The game didn't feel close once the second half started and the defense made sure it stayed that way. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit was everywhere on Sunday and they thrived in every […]
The Minnesota Vikings didn't just win during week one against the New York Giants, they walloped them by a score of 28-6. The game didn't feel close once the second half started and the defense made sure it stayed that way.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit was everywhere on Sunday and they thrived in every facet. Going into the game, it was really important that they not just pressure Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, they needed to find a way to contain him in the pocket. They did that to the tune of just 15 yards rushing, which is excellent considering his rushing acumen.
PFF grades show a dominant Vikings defense
The defense thrived in so many ways on Sunday. They had 16 players play at least 27 snaps on Sunday, including multiple snaps with four edge rushers. What was most impressive was that the Vikings were credited with 26 pressures on 50 total dropbacks. Even more impressive was that 10 players had at least one pressure.
- EDGE Jonathan Greenard: 5
- ILB Ivan Pace Jr.: 4
- EDGE Jihad Ward: 4
- DE Jerry Tillery: 3
- EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel: 2
- NT Harrison Phillips: 2
- EDGE Pat Jones II: 2
- EDGE Dallas Turner: 1
- S Josh Metellus: 1
- DE Jonathan Bullard: 1
The Vikings had five sacks on Sunday, which is a perfect result from a pressure. However, impacting a quarterback is both better on a play-by-play basis and a more predictive element of rushing the passer. Even more impressive was five of the above players were new to the Vikings. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has overall done a great job in bringing in talent from free agency to improve the roster.
Overall, here are the best PFF grades from Sunday afternoon.
EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel: 90.6
S Harrison Phillips: 90.4
ILB Ivan Pace Jr.: 82.2
NT Harrison Phillips: 80.3
S Josh Metellus: 80.2
EDGE Jihad Ward: 79.9
CB Stephon Gilmore: 75.8
ILB Blake Cashman: 74.0
S Camryn Bynum: 71.2
DE Jonathan Bullard: 68.1
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