Loss of Mike Hughes Tempered by Great Depth and Improved Mack Alexander

Oct 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes (21) is injured during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Yet again, the Vikings have lost their top drafted rookie for the season to a torn ACL. And that’s not the only similarity between Mike Hughes’ and Dalvin Cook’s rookie injuries either.

They both happened at the same 27 yard line at US Bank Stadium. 27 yards… I don’t remember, didn’t something happen with Blair Walsh there too? Just kidding, that moment is burned into my memory forever. Anyway, the number 27 isn’t the Vikings’ number.

Many fans and experts alike felt that the loss of Dalvin Cook last year would be too difficult for the Vikings to overcome, yet they ended the season at 13-3 with a very strong rushing attack behind the likes of Latavius Murray and Jerrick McKinnon. In fact, after the Dalvin Cook injury last year, the Vikings only lost 1 more regular season game… with Case Keenum. Too bad Denver can’t say the same…

Case Keenum fumbled and almost threw an INT on the same play.pic.twitter.com/kkkrBeBy9j

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 14, 2018

Will the Mike Hughes injury have the same null effect? Or, will his absence prove more detrimental to the team than losing our starting running back last year?

As we are learning with the Pittsburgh Steelers, running backs tend to be easily replaced. The same cannot be said of a team’s starting nickel cornerback, one of the hardest positions to learn in the NFL, especially with Mike Zimmer’s defense.

Mike Hughes made a strong impact from game one, when he intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo for a touchdown against the 49ers. He won the starting nickel corner position that week, with his strong performance. The struggles of his main competition at the position, Mackensie Alexander, also helped solidify a starting role for him as a rookie. Also, lets not forget the masses calling for Alexander to be traded in the offseason. Good thing that never happened…

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There were some growing pains after week one for Hughes though, but the talent was clearly there. Hughes struggled with a few defensive pass interference penalties, but this should have been expected when learning the rules of the NFL.

Mackensie Alexander arguably had his strongest showing this season, as Hughes’ replacement, against the Cardinals. Other than the defensive pass interference penalty against Mackensie, which didn’t seem to be entirely his fault, he showed the potential to live up to his draft position.

With Mike Hughes out, the Vikings will rely more on CB Mackensie Alexander. Mike Zimmer said Alexander “understands things so much better” this season.

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) October 17, 2018

Mike Hughes’ injury won’t just effect the Vikings defense, however, as he had become our primary kick returner too and even returned punts during Marcus Sherels’ absence. Mike Priefer has stated that Holton Hill will now become our go-to kick returner. Hill showed some skill, as a returner during the preseason, however not enough was seen from him to make a full judgment. Marcus Sherels’ health will be something to watch as the season progresses, which is an interesting note after yet again, many thought he wouldn’t make the final 53 this year.

All in all I believe Mike Hughes’ absence will affect both the defense and the special teams unit, but like last year, we can overcome the loss of our top rookie due to the immense depth that has been accumulated on this roster.

Thanks Rick.

Ian Parrague @SuperSkolFan
Minnesota Sports Fan