Pair of Former Vikings Linemen Sign Elsewhere, Get a Shot at Playoff Push
K. Joudry
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There are only two games remaining, but much remains to be decided when it comes to the playoff push. Over the past few days, several teams have been adding extra ammunition to prepare for the battle that is the final tournament. A pair of former Vikings linemen will have a shot at helping their team pursue the Super Bowl. Danny Isidora is heading to Tennessee and Ifeadi Odenigbo is heading to Tampa Bay.
Former Vikings Linemen & The Playoffs
DE Ifeadi Odenigbo and iOL Danny Isidora were late-round draft picks by the former leadership group. In fact, they were part of the same 2017 draft class. Odenigbo arrived through the 7th round and Isidora was brought aboard in the 5th.
Of the two, it’s probably fair to say that Odenigbo has had a better career.
For a time, he made a decent impact in the Vikings defense. He put together 7 sacks in 2019, a year when Minnesota made it into the postseason. He also added a forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and a TD that season to go alongside his 23 tackles (7 of which were TFLs). After a more modest 2020 season – 3.5 sacks, 3 TFLs – he went to Cleveland and then Indianapolis.
Vikings fans will remember the Colts game not only for the history that was achieved but for seeing their former DE create havoc on special teams. He was responsible for the blocked punt that led to a TD. Oddly, the Colts decided to move on following the game. He now has a shot at helping Tom Brady make an unlikely run to another Super Bowl. The Bucs are 7-8 and in first place in the NFC South.
Meanwhile, another of the former Vikings linemen is getting a shot. Isidora will head to the Titans to see if he can help them win the division. They’re competing with the Jacksonville Jaguars to get the top spot in the AFC South. Both the Titans and Jaguars are at 7-8.
Before joining Minnesota, Isidora played college football for Miami. He saw some game time during his rookie season, being active for 7 games and even getting a start. The next season, the team had him active for 14 games and used him for 2 starts.
However, his time in purple and gold would soon come to an end. From 2019 onward, Isidora played for the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Cardinals. Hopefully, the fit with the Titans will be a good one, allowing the fifth-rounder to settle in for a little while.
Minnesota’s Playoff Path
Minnesota will not only get into the postseason but host a playoff game once there. In fact, there is potential to host multiple playoff games if – a lot hinges on that “if” – they hold onto the #2 seed and win their opening round game. There’s even a very small chance of getting to the NFC’s top spot.
Next up is a game at Lambeau to hopefully take down the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers has helped lead his team to three consecutive wins, and he’s looking to push that streak to four games against an underperforming Ed Donatell defense.
That game will take place on Sunday, January 1. Kickoff will occur at 3:25 CST.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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