After his pick-six turned around the game in Sunday’s 25-16 win over the Titans, second-year middle linebacker Eric Kendricks has been named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for Week 1.
This is the first time winning the award for Kendricks, who recorded six tackles in addition to his 77-yard interception return for a score.
A Vikings defender has now won the Defensive Player of the Week award five times since head coach Mike Zimmer was hired in 2014.
Ben Goessling is in his sixth year covering the Vikings, having joined the Star Tribune in 2017 after four seasons at ESPN and one at the Pioneer Press. He is an Apple Valley High School and University of Minnesota graduate. Follow him at @GoesslingStrib.
Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.
Andrew Krammer joined the Star Tribune in July 2016 after three years covering the Vikings for 1500 ESPN. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Follow him at @Andrew_Krammer.
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