2. Danielle Hunter will be back and this defense will be much better
The Vikings mad a big trade for edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue right before the season. The plan was to pair him with star edge rusher Danielle Hunter for one of the league’s best pass rush duo’s. However, that plan was changed when Hunter went down with an injury.
Hunter is off of IR, but he will not be back next week. NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reports that optimism is still high in Minnesota for Hunter to return this season.
Hunter is a premiere edge rusher. When he is playing, this defense is completely different. The Vikings’ pass rush has been less than stellar so far this year. However, once Hunter returns their pass rush will once again return to form.
Ngakoue cannot carry this defense, he is a better fit as a complimentary edge rusher. When Hunter returns, Ngakoue will shine as the Pro Bowl pass rusher the Vikings traded for.
Adding a top tier pass rush will help the Vikings in many other ways as well. A premier pass rush will help the secondary because many pass plays will be short throws. Opposing quarterbacks cannot wait in the pocket and deliver deep throws. The Vikings secondary has had a lot of problems getting burnt for big plays. Teams won’t be able to do that if their pass rush is getting to the quarterback consistently.
