5 Vikings players the Carolina Panthers must keep quiet in Week 6
By Jason Huber
Eric Kendricks – LB
There is a lot of talent on this Minnesota Vikings defense and it’s led by one of the best linebackers in the league in Eric Kendricks.
Through the first five games of the season, Kendricks has put up big stats, leading the team with 55 total tackles and ranking second with three tackles for loss.
Kendricks also had his first interception of the season last week against the Detroit Lions, in which he returned 22 yards.
The Carolina Panthers offense is undoubtedly going to have its hands full with all the threats on Minnesota’s defense. But if they can limit Kendricks, it takes away one of the Vikings’ biggest playmakers on that side of the ball.
Kendricks had an interception against the Panthers last season when Teddy Bridgewater was running the show and Sam Darnold will have to keep his eyes peeled open this week with the All-Pro marshaling things at the second level.
It doesn’t appear likely that Christian McCaffrey will return after missing practice on Thursday. So unless Chuba Hubbard sets the tone in the run game, Carolina’s fate will rest squarely on the quarterback’s shoulders.