The Minnesota Vikings have faced a tough decision this offseason regarding their edge rushers. With the departure of Everson Griffen and the uncertain future of Danielle Hunter, it was up to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to make some tough calls. One of the biggest decisions was whether to stick with the young talent of Danielle Hunter, or bring in a new player to fill the void. Ultimately, Adofo-Mensah decided to take a chance on rookie Jonathan Greenard, and the results have been nothing short of impressive.
At the midpoint of the season, it’s time to take a closer look at how Greenard and Hunter have stacked up against each other. Both players have been vital to the Vikings’ defense, and their performances have been key in the team’s success so far. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how these two talented edge rushers measure up.
First, let’s start with Danielle Hunter. Hunter, a former Pro Bowler and two-time Pro Bowl alternate, has been a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense since he was drafted in 2015. He has consistently been one of the top pass rushers in the league, with an impressive total of 54.5 sacks in his five seasons with the team. However, this season has been a bit of a challenge for Hunter, as an injury has kept him off the field for the entirety of the year so far.
On the other hand, Jonathan Greenard has been a pleasant surprise for the Vikings. The rookie out of Florida has stepped up in Hunter’s absence and has made a significant impact on the team’s defense. In just seven games, Greenard has already recorded 5 sacks, putting him on pace for a double-digit sack season. His speed and agility have been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and he has quickly proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with.
While Hunter has been out of the lineup, Greenard has been able to showcase his abilities and earn more playing time. This has allowed him to get more comfortable within the Vikings’ defense and has led to a steady increase in his performance. His ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt plays has been crucial in the team’s recent success.
But it’s not just about sacks. When it comes to overall production, Greenard and Hunter are neck and neck. In terms of tackles, Greenard has 24 and Hunter has 25. Greenard also has a slight edge in tackles for loss, with 6 compared to Hunter’s 5. Additionally, both players have forced fumbles and have been able to get their hands on the ball in crucial moments.
Another area where Greenard has been able to shine is his versatility. While Hunter is primarily used as a pass rusher, Greenard has shown that he can be just as effective in coverage. His speed and athleticism allow him to drop back into coverage and make plays in the passing game. This adds another layer to the Vikings’ defense and makes them even more unpredictable for opposing offenses.
It’s important to note that Greenard is only a rookie, and he still has room for improvement. With more experience and coaching, he has the potential to be an even more formidable edge rusher. But even at this early stage in his career, he has already proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Vikings’ defense.
Of course, it’s impossible to ignore Danielle Hunter’s track record. He has proven time and time again that he is one of the best in the league at what he does. And while he may have been sidelined this season, he is expected to make a full recovery and return to his dominant form next year.
In the end, the decision to bring in Jonathan Greenard has paid off for the Vikings. His performance has exceeded all expectations, and he has been a key contributor to the team’s success. And when Hunter returns, the Vikings will have a formidable duo at the edge, giving them a strong pass rush for years to come.
It’s clear that both players bring unique strengths to the table, and together they make a formidable force. Whether it’s Greenard’s speed and versatility or Hunter’s experience and dominance, the Vikings’ edge rushers are a force to be reckoned with. And with the second half of the season still to come, it will be exciting to see how these two players continue to perform and contribute to the team’s success.
In conclusion, the comparison between Jonathan
