Wrong Aaron! It’s Jones, Not Rodgers, Who Benefits Most from Hunter’s Absence
The excitement of Week 1 took a bit of a hit in Vikings Nation on Wednesday
when it was announced DE Danielle Hunter was placed on the
Reserve/Injured list with an injury. Hunter, the team’s top pash rusher a
season ago, has a significant presence on the team’s defense and his role
was only more important heading into 2020 with the departure of veteran
The good news is Hunter can return to the field after three games. But as of
now, there’s no assurance he will. His status will remain a lingering question
as the Vikings embark on the season.
First things first: Let’s all wish for a speedy recovery for Hunter.
Secondarily, though, how does his absence impact the Vikings?
It obviously stings from a pass-rushing standpoint. Hunter had 14.5 sacks in
back-to-back seasons during 2018 and 2019, earning him a pair of Pro Bowl
nods. Those two seasons also helped him become the fastest player to reach
50.0 career sacks (he’s still only 25 years old).
So, one might presume, opposing QBs, including Aaron Rodgers, are breathing a sigh of relief
knowing they may not have to face a fully-healthy Hunter this season. But for
this week, at least, there’s another Aaron who may benefit even more. And
that’s Aaron Jones.
The Packers running back had 270 rushing yards against the Vikings in 2019
and now with Hunter out of the mix for Week 1 his chances of duplicating last
season’s success are enhanced. For as productive as Hunter has been in
rushing the passer, he’s just as important and productive as a run-stopper.
After Green Bay in Week 1, the Vikings face the Colts in Week 2 and the
Titans in Week 3.
The Colts have one of the NFL’s best run-blocking offensive
lines and the Titans feature Derrick Henry, the 2019 rushing champion.
Needless to say, an opportunity exists for young Vikings defenders to step up
along the defensive line in Hunter’s stead. With or without Hunter, Vikings
Head Coach Mike Zimmer will be able to generate a pass rush in the short
term. Whether he can find a way stem the tide against the run without
Hunter may be the larger problem.
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