Vikings Duo Becomes Only 3rd to Reach 2022 Milestone
Adam New
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When the Minnesota Vikings signed edge rusher Za’Darius Smith in free agency, and it was confirmed Danielle Hunter would be staying in town, it led to the mouthwatering prospect of two elite edge rushers on the Vikings defense. The phrase “meet at the quarterback” was quickly banded around.
Vikings Duo Becomes Only 3rd to Reach 2022 Milestone
Danielle Hunter reached 10.5 sacks for the season, with two sacks in the recent win over the Giants. The Vikings EDGE duo became only the third pair of edge rushers to have 10 sacks this season. Hasson Reddick and Javon Hargrave of the Philadelphia Eagles and Matt Judon and Josh Uche of the New England Patriots are the only other tandems to achieve the feat.
On the surface, Hunter and Smith haven’t appeared as dominant as Vikings fans might have hoped. However, a closer look shows two players doing everything they can while not always being backed up by their teammates or the team’s coaching. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell seemed reluctant to blitz, perhaps due to a lack of belief in the defense’s ability in coverage.
The Vikings routinely only rushed four defenders, and the coverage was often still poor — particularly in the middle of the field. Even if the Vikings pass rushers won their matchups, they often struggled to get to the quarterback in time. With easy completions immediately available, opposing QBs tend to release the ball before defenders can get there.
Is Donatell Bringing the Pressure in Time for the Playoffs?
There was apparent frustration from head coach Kevin O’Connell with his defense, and he stated a few weeks ago the unit would be more aggressive going forward. Since, there has been an increase in aggression and the number of blitzes. The successful cornerback blitz from Patrick Peterson against the Giants is a prime example.
It’s not about blitzing for the sake of it; it has to be done at the right time, with the right play, and the right personnel to be successful. Against the Giants, the Vikings defense was starting to find the right blend. It was helped by the emergence of Duke Shelley and Brian Asamoah, two naturally aggressive defenders.
Whether the Vikings defense is finding itself at the most opportune time as we head into the most crucial phase of the season, this will become abundantly clear over the coming weeks.
Hunter and Smith Lead the Vikings Defense
Pro Football Focus has Hunter and Smith as the Vikings top two defenders this season, with grades of 87.9 and 84.8, respectively, Patrick Peterson in third with an 80.3 grade. I see no reason to argue with that top 3.
The new acquisition in free agency via Green Bay started the season on fire. He amassed 8.5 sacks in the first seven games of the season; however, he only has 1.5 sacks in the last eight games. Early on, opposing teams looked to concentrate on stopping Hunter, often double-teaming him.
With teams realizing just concentrating on one of the two elite pass rushers the Vikings possess won’t work. Hunter has had more space to operate in, and the numbers have reversed. In the first seven games, Hunter had 3 sacks; then, in the last eight games, he had 7.5 sacks. Both came into the season with a history of injury problems, while Smith has had some niggling problems during the season. Hunter seems to be going from strength to strength. Both players have played in every game.
Not Just About Sacks
Sacking the quarterback is where edge rushers make their name — and their money — but this Vikings duo is about more than that. They both bring an all-round game. Both are towards the top end regarding tackles for loss; Smith (15) and Hunter (12) are just as effective against the run. The pair have also attached combined for eight pass deflections and three forced fumbles.
The Vikings have relied on Hunter and Smith’s skillset being enough. In the big games against the very best the league has to offer, the Vikings need more from Donatell to help his best players get into favorable positions to impact the game.
And playoff football is just around the corner.
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