Keys for the Minnesota Vikings' defense against the Texans offense
Here are three keys for the Vikings' defense on Saturday.
Generate an interior pass rush
Free agent additions Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave likely won't be playing Saturday, but the Vikings would love to see their backup interior defensive linemen rush the Texans' passers. The three top backups-- Levi Drake Rodriguez, Jalen Redmond, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins-- are all young, promising players who could give Brian Flores even more flexibility if they can show they can be counted on to get to the quarterback.
Find the fourth EDGE rusher
The Vikings' top three EDGE rushers are set, but the battle for the fourth spot is more hotly contested. Second-year players Gabriel Murphy and Bo Richter appear to be the top candidates for the spot. But don't be surprised to see undrafted rookie free agent Tyler Batty make a case for himself if he can splash on Saturday.
Who can step up to start at cornerback?
Byron Murphy, Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are entrenched as starters at cornerback, but the spots behind them are up for grabs. Mekhi Blackmon and Jeff Okudah appear to be battling for CB3, but could second-year undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern surprise everyone and leapfrog the competition? McGlothern intercepted a pass in three straight practices last week. He splashed last preseason. Can he gain additional trust from the coaching staff if he shows out again?
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Keys for the Vikings' defense against the Texans offense
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