Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr playing through broken hand
In the Minnesota Vikings’ 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, linebacker Anthony Barr was sensational for Minnesota. He played arguably his best career game en route to the win and helping the Vikings regain a one-game lead in the NFC North division.
Barr recorded eight tackles (two for a loss), two forced fumbles, one sack and one pass deflection. That line alone is pretty impressive, and watching him fly all over the Georgia Dome making plays was exciting.
And, according to Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Barr did all of that with a broken hand.
Anthony Barr confirms that he has been playing with a broken hand. Certainly didn't show yesterday.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) November 30, 2015
Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Barr suffered the injury in Minnesota’s Week 9 clash with the St. Louis Rams. So, basically, as Mike Zimmer said to the media on Monday, “He has basically played three games one-handed.”
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Anyone who has watched the Vikings this season has noticed the play of Barr on this defensive unit. His extreme athleticism and ever-improving football I.Q. have helped him become one of the best playmakers on this defense, if not the best. Needless to say, Barr is a big reason for the vast improvement of the Minnesota defense.
The Vikings get a big test this week as the Seattle Seahawks come to town, and they bring an offense that just put up 39 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. If Barr continues to play the way he has been, this Minnesota defense that averages just 17.6 allowed per game might give Seattle a different game on Sunday.
Next: RECAP: Vikings run down Falcons, win 20-10
As always, continue to check in daily with Sporting Sota for news and analysis on the Minnesota Vikings leading up to Sunday’s pivotal NFC matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.