Vikings: Secondary Shmecondary

Don't worry, I'll get to the Twins soon, but I want to finish this Goddamn Vikings outlook because I'm stubborn and selfish.

Let's talk about something that really excites me: the secondary of the Vikings. Why is this so exciting to talk about? Because in recent years before Zimmer's beautiful mug showed up, the secondary was a joke.  Like, not the funny kind of joke that we all love.  Like a Trump for President kind of joke.  Like the painfully drawn out joke your uncle tells at every holiday and you are too nice to stop him and let him know you've heard that 14 minute joke a hundred times before.

Remember when Chris Cook was our "lockdown" corner? Wow, we we're wrong.  I wonder if he is still in the league.

Nope.

Well, back to the players we actually have.

Defensive Backs: FS Harrison Smith (26), CB Xaviar Rhodes (25), SS Anthony Sendijo (28), CB Terrance Newman (37), CB Trae Waynes (23), CB Captain Munnerlyn (27), SS Antone Exum Jr. (24), CB/SS Jabari Price (23), CB Melvin White (25)

(USA TODAY Sports: Kirby Lee)

The secondary of the Minnesota more than held their own this year. Harrison Smith showed again why he is one of the best safeties in the league and that he will remain there for a long time.  He is one of the best all-around players the Vikings have seen on defense since Jared Allen.  He's like a Jared Allen (Good Luck with your future, Cowboy) but for the secondary.  Mean, sly, and just someone you want to be best friends with.  And we share the same last name, so we are practically brothers and stuff.

Sendejo, on the other hand, showed that he is adequate at best and should be replaced sooner than later with his lackluster play beside Smith.  Also, his last name is different than mine, and I don't like outsiders.

(USA TODAY Sports: Brain Hemmelgarn)

Rhodes continues to be one of the worst, best corner backs in the league. I say that because he can lock a player down all game, but then give up consistent yards on passes or penalties because of his difficulties turning back to the ball.  Hopefully he can correct this and can become the lock down corner I believe he can be.     He's right there....so close...but just not elite yet.  Sniffing at it, though.

Newman was a wonderful surprise and he is a dark horse for me to take over at the SS spot for the Vikings next year and maybe the next few after that.  Even at his age (37), he has shown consistency and great play make ability at the bookend of the defense.  Moving him to safety would allow young and talented Waynes to step into a new role as the starting corner across from Rhodes without losing too much at the spot.   (Did you hear that, Zimmer?  This is an open letter specifically to you. Make it hap'n cap'n.)

Speaking of Cap'n.

(Corbis Images:Ann Heisenfelt)

"Sup" - Captain Munnerlyn is thinking in this picture I assume

Munnerlyn proved with a year more in Zimmer’s system that he can succeed at a high level in the Nickel spot.   And if anyone here calls him a Nickelback, I will shut off the internet for a day, hunt you down, and torture you with...you guessed it...Nickelback music.  That will teach you to relate a horrible, horrible band to anything related with the Vikings. Goddammit, now I'm angry.  You see what you made me do? But yeah, Munnerlyn, you get a solid thumbs up from me this last season.

Exum Jr. or Price could also be possibilities at the SS position if the Vikings don’t head to FA or the draft to fill that hole.  Hehe, fill that hole. 

Skol!