Stephon Gilmore to Return Just in Time for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings will take their talents to the West Coast on Sunday. They will face the Seattle Seahawks, rounding out a tour of the NFC West.
Stephon Gilmore to Return Just in Time for Vikings
A win would have them finishing 3-1 against the mediocre division. If they are going to get it done, the return of veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore could be impactful.
There isn’t much that stands out about the Seattle Seahawks. Geno Smith is a middling quarterback, and if he does go, he will be playing through an injury. The running game between Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet is solid but not overly impressive. As a team, though, Seattle throws the football.
Through 14 games, the 240.4 yards per game through the air ranks fifth in football. Head coach Mike Macdonald has leaned into his quarterback and wants to ensure that the talented stable of wide receivers gets the football. D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have provided high-caliber options for Seattle. Their presence has pushed veteran Tyler Lockett down the depth chart.
Minnesota has had a strong rush defense for most of the season but has been burned in the secondary. That has somewhat flipped recently, and Gilmore’s return will be welcomed. The Vikings must keep the Seahawks’ running game intact, but it is important to give Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin additional help for the talented receivers.
Gilmore possesses ideal size at the cornerback position, and that’s imperative when facing a wide receiver like Metcalf. The Seahawks star is muscular and big. He can utilize length to help out his quarterback, and there isn’t a defender he’ll shy away from. Gilmore has been absent the past couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Rejoining the defense just before the playoffs is a significant development.
In his absence, Fabian Moreau has held serve. He was out of practice on Wednesday and may reduce the Vikings’ depth if he can’t go. No matter what, though, the top and most desirable option returning to the lineup is very good news.
Minnesota must slow the Seahawks’ passing attack to grab another road victory. Getting to Geno Smith is part of the equation, but defending when he gets the ball out is a must.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Return Comes into Focus
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.