Vikings Pass Rush May Get a Boost Against Packers
K. Joudry
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Slowing down Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and AJ Dillon is no small feat. I hate to admit it, but those guys are pretty good at football. Of course, a surefire way to stop any star QB rests in hitting him repeatedly. The Vikings pass rush will have a better chance of doing so because of the news emerging today.
Kenny Willekes, Minnesota’s sophomore defensive end, has been activated from the Covid-19 list. For a refresher on his impact in the Ravens game, take a peak at what Vikings.com had to say:
The second-year defensive end increased that number to 41 snaps Week 9 against Baltimore after the loss of Danielle Hunter. Willekes recorded a half-sack of Lamar Jackson and totaled seven tackles.
If Willekes can test negative, he’ll be available for the Packers game, offering the Vikings pass rush another viable option.
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Admittedly, the snaps have been modest for Willekes. It’s far, far too early to say that he’ll develop into a great pass rush option moving forward. PFF indicates that he has played 56 snaps along the d-line and one in the box. What’s encouraging, though, is his strong showing in Baltimore and his reputation as someone with a strong motor. It’s the constant effort that makes him capable of succeeding.
Getting Willekes back would indeed be a good thing for the Vikings pass rush. Partner him with Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, and Anthony Barr; the Vikings therefore have some good news on the defensive side of things.
