Current and Former Minnesota Vikings Excelling with New Teams

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Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This offseason the Minnesota Vikings saw a significant amount of roster turnover. Most notably, after Kirk Cousins taking his talents to Atlanta, was on the defensive side of the football, after Danielle Hunter followed Kirk south… just a bit further west, landing with the Houston Texans.

Stephon Gilmore, other new Minnesota Vikings thriving

Meanwhile, the Vikings aren’t really missing either player. Sam Darnold has proven himself a very capable quarterback, thus far. On defense, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard have mostly allowed fans to forget about Hunter and the 16.5 sacks he piled up last season.

The defense, as a whole, has struggled in two straight losses. But for the most part, Brian Flores’ squad has been no worse for the wear, even after swapping out more than a handful of starters during the offseason. One of the most unsung heroes, especially in the first five games of the season, is cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Back when the Minnesota Vikings were flirting with Stephon Gilmore this offseason, the hope was that the 34-year-old veteran could stabilize a secondary that lacked a high-end outside cover guy who was battle tested. Prior to riding the struggle bus vs Detroit and LA, Gilmore was all that he had been cracked up to be, and more. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz highlighted just how good that signing has been.

Gilmore has started all seven games and played 86% of the snaps for the Minnesota defense, which leads the league in my DVOA ratings. The raw coverage stats are pretty average for Gilmore, who has one interception this season. He has allowed a lot of shorter completions and finally gave up his first touchdown against the Rams in Week 8, a 7-yard score for Cooper Kupp. However, Gilmore’s coverage DVOA is near the top of the league because of adjustments for who he has had to cover… The Vikings are glad to have Gilmore, who is a key player on their elite defense, to cover some of the best receivers in the game.

Aaron Schatz on Stephon Gilmore (ESPN)

Schatz listed the wide receivers Gilmore had to cover, through the first seven games of the season: Malik Nabers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Garrett Wilson, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp have given Gilmore everything he can handle, and more. He may be getting worn down, too. His PFF grades vs LA hit a brutal season low (44.7 DEF, 45.0 COV)

On Sunday, Gilmore gets a bit of a softer landing spot vs Joe Flacco and the Indianapolis Colts. Neither Josh Downs or Michael Pittman Jr are Puka Nakua or Cooper Kupp. Still, this is the NFL, where you don’t get a week off.

Related: Vikings vs Colts QB Drama: Head Coach Under Fire and Not Handling It Well

Despite having performed well thus far though, it will always remain a week-by-week thing with Gilmore. He’s 34 years old, and the point in which his body doesn’t allow him to maintain this level may take place at any moment.

Danielle Hunter enjoying life after Vikings

Cousins may have gotten the substantial payday, but Hunter did ok for himself too. And on the football field, Hunter picked up right where he left off with the Minnesota Vikings. At 5.5 sacks Hunter is 12th in the NFL in sacks, after Thursday night’s game.

“Houston ranks second in pass rush win rate (51.6%) and third in the NFL with 27 sacks. It also has the league’s fourth-best defensive DVOA when the defense brings pressure on the quarterback. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Hunter leads the NFL in pass pressures at 51, seven more than any other defender. He also has 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.”

Schatz on Danielle Hunter (ESPN)

It’s tough to compete as an edge rusher when you don’t have a teammate worthy of attention themselves. That makes what Hunter did last season that much more impressive, given the non-existence of Marcus Davenport. But together with Will Anderson in Houston, the Texans have been wreaking serious havoc in opponents backfields.

Related: Jaguars Paid Minnesota Vikings to Take Cam Robinson. Here’s Why…

It wasn’t as thought the Vikings weren’t interested in Hunter’s services. He had an injury history though, is aging, and was going to command a premium payday. With the way it worked out, it has been a win for both parties.

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