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PFF Ranks Minnesota Vikings Secondary best in NFL

By Ryan Palmer

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings secondary has been ranked No. 1 in the NFL by Pro Football Focus heading into Week 7, after starting out the preseason at No. 7.

As the number’s are proving, the Minnesota Vikings‘ defense is good, but Pro Football Focus states that our secondary is the best.

It appears as though the rest of the world is finding out what Minnesota Viking’ fans have known since Week 1, our secondary is really good.

Pro Football Focus had this to say about the secondary-

"Heading into the season, we knew this group would be good, but through five games, they are exceeding even high expectations. Harrison Smith is still arguably the best overall safety in the game. Despite having a plethora of young talent at cornerback, Terence Newman has graded the highest in coverage out of the CB group, and his 0.54 yards per cover snap allowed is the second-lowest mark among corners with at least 100 snaps in coverage this year."

I love that Terence Newman is still tearing-it-up at 38- years old. It gives me hope that a fellow “middle-aged” male can still perform at such a high level, lookout YMCA rec league, I’m coming. Seriously though, Newman has been amazing.

Mike Zimmer could not have asked for a better role model to be around this young unit. His dedication to technique and studying is sure to trickle-down to Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackensie Alexander.

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Opposing QB’s that don’t want to challenge Newman and Waynes have the option of attacking Xavier Rhodes. The 6’1, 215 pound corner is a beast to deal with. Rhodes normally blankets the top receiver for opposing teams.

So if Plan A (Newman and Waynes) and Plan B (Rhodes) are not working, who do you target? Spread them out and challenge their nickel package you say, meet Captain Munnerlyn.

Munnerlyn gets no love playing in the slot, but he could start on most NFL squads. The Captain has shown that he is a true team-player. After being somewhat reluctant to take on the role, Munnerlyn has been playing some of the best football of his career.

Next: Wolves Notes: Dunn, Rubio, Shumpert and Tyus Jones

The Viking’ secondary will be tested against rookie Carson Wentz in Week 7, but they are up for the challenge. Look for this unit to record a couple of INT’s against the former NDSU star.

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