Minnesota Vikings: Newman earns NFC Defensive Player of the Week

We all know this Minnesota Vikings defense is good. Like, really good. With guys such as Everson Griffen, Harrison Smith, Anthony Barr, Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Sharrif Floyd and Eric Kendricks on the squad and a genius head coach in Mike Zimmer leading the way, it’s not really a surprise to see this unit have success.

However, it was 37-year-old cornerback Terence Newman who shined brightest for the Vikings defense this past Sunday, arguably playing the best game of his career and earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, according to the Vikings official website.

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Newman recorded two interceptions, one of which sealed the game late in the fourth quarter. He became just the second player at age 37 or older to record two interceptions in a game, joining Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. His 39 career interceptions rank third among all active players, behind Charles Woodson’s 65 and DeAngelo Hall’s 43.

In addition to his interceptions, Newman also tallied five passes defenses, which ties a game high for the 2015 season, and four tackles. His outstanding performance led the Vikings to a 30-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders while allowing just 14 points to Oakland’s high-powered offense. The Vikings are now on a five-game winning streak and a three-game road winning streak. They’re also sitting atop the NFC North standings at 7-2, a game ahead of the Green Bay Packers, their Week 11 opponent.

For the second consecutive week, a member of the Minnesota Vikings has earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after Linval Joseph earned the award by eating the St. Louis Rams for lunch in Week 9 and Newman has done so in Week 10.

Next: RECAP: Vikings defeat Raiders, take NFC North lead

With all of this said, the question begs: Which Viking will win NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 11?

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