Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Graff also handed out the highest possible grade to the Vikings defensive line, noting that Everson Griffen has been been stellar through the first four games.
Even after a trying year, Griffen has bounced back with an incredible start to the season. The Vikings knew they had one of the game’s best defensive ends in Danielle Hunter, but with Griffen returning to Pro Bowl form, they now have one of the best edge-rushing duos in the NFL.
Griffen’s sack total isn’t super impressive (two in four games), but that doesn’t tell the full story. According to SportRadar, Griffen is tied for sixth in quarterback hits [with eight]. Hunter, meanwhile, has three sacks and six quarterback hits.
Linval Joseph remains a very talented defensive tackle and has 14 tackles, including four for loss. Shamar Stephen hasn’t been super impressive through four games, but Griffen, Hunter, and Joseph have done enough to score a high grade for the D-line.
Hunter leads the Vikings with 3.0 sacks, while Griffen and Joseph each have 2.0 apiece. Stephen notched his first sack of the season Sunday against Chicago.
Graff handed out ‘B’ grades to three other units — the linebackers, defensive backs and special teams.
Here’s what Graff wrote about special teams:
First-year Special Teams Coordinator Marwan Maalouf has had a mostly quiet start to his tenure, surely a welcome thing for any Vikings coach in charge of this unit.
He orchestrated the team’s first punt block since 2014 in the opener, but it’s been mostly unremarkable since then.
Marcus Sherels has taken over punt returning duties after [Chad] Beebe’s injury and showed in Chicago that he still has sure hands and swift moves. Britton Colquitt ranks 12th in net punt yards (43.3).
And while kicker Dan Bailey hasn’t been asked to kick any big-moment, go-ahead field goals, he’s 3-of-4 on field goals and 9-of-10 on extra points.
Graff gave grades lower than a ‘B’ in four other areas — quarterback, offensive line, wide receivers and coaching.