Two of the last four times Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter has played the Detroit Lions, he’s earned an NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor just days later.
It happened again Sunday when Hunter sacked Lions quarterback David Blough three times during the first half of the 20-7 win. Hunter was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.
His first career NFC Defender of the Week award came after last year’s home win against Detroit, when the Pro Bowler had 3.5 sacks and a 32-yard fumble returned for a touchdown.
Hunter is the fourth Vikings player this season to earn NFC Player of the Week honors, joining safety Anthony Harris (Week 1), kicker Dan Bailey (Week 5, Week 8) and running back Dalvin Cook (Week 10).
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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