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Xavier Rhodes, Vikings DB’s will have another Tough Matchup Sunday

By Paul Bellesen

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) talks with Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) talks with Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last Monday night, Xavier Rhodes and the Minnesota Vikings defensive backs had a tough matchup with the Giants three headed monster receiving corps. This week there will be another tough matchup at home against Houston.

Monday night’s win seemed like a coming out party for Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes. It was primetime, and he was matched up with one of the best up and coming wideouts in the NFL in Odell Beckham Jr.

After holding Beckham to a career low 23 yards, Rhodes garnered attention from the national media.

Playing a tough, physical game all the way through, it seemed that Rhodes was getting the best of Beckham. Rhodes came away with an interception, and causing Beckham to receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Bleacher Report does a weekly ranking of the best players in the NFL for that week. For week 4, Xavier Rhodes was the 4th ranked player in the entire NFL.

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Not only did Rhodes play lock down defense, he had help from his defensive back counterparts. Terrence Newman, Captain Munnerlynn, and Trae Waynes also played at a high level.

Last weeks matchup was not only to lock down Beckham, but also Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard. Both Cruz and Shepard has proven to be big play threats as well as Shepard being a big threat in the slot.

The Vikings defensive backs held the Giants three headed monster receiving corps to 103 totals yards, combined.

This week they  will be in for another challenge. This time around, there is another talented receiving corps coming to town.

Starting with DeAndre Hopkins, who might have the best hands in the NFL. Hopkins had a down week last weekend, but don’t count on him doing that two weeks in a row.

Next, breakout rookie Will Fuller. Fuller has posted 323 receiving yards so far in his rookie season. He is known as a deep threat, and that is a great compliment to Hopkins. Fuller is also a threat on punt returns.

The Texans are also holding rookie Braxton Miller and second year wideout Jalen Strong. The Vikings defensive backs will have their hands full this weekend.

Next: Vikings vs. Texans Offensive Breakdown

From what we have seen from Xavier Rhodes and the Vikings defensive backs, they should be up to the challenge. With back to back weeks holding down the opposing team’s number one wideout, they will look to keep that streak alive.

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