The Minnesota Vikings have taken the NFL world by storm. There is enough credit to go around for their performance. Sam Darnold has been amazing, and Kevin O’Connell is putting together his best coaching season yet. There’s still someone else that has helped to transform this team’s identity.
Stephon Gilmore has transformed the Minnesota Vikings secondary
This off-season there was plenty of worry as to how the Minnesota Vikings secondary would hold up. Shaq Griffin was the only veteran addition, and Mekhi Blackmon went down with an injury. Then at the last moment Stephon Gilmore showed up and his presence continues to be felt.
Stephon Gilmore vs Nico Collins (week 3):
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) September 23, 2024
1 reception allowed
9 total yards allowed
0 touchdowns allowed
There is nothing wrong with a cornerback group anchored by Byron Murphy Jr. and Griffin. They are solid veterans who can get the job done. Their ceilings aren’t exactly earth-shattering though, and the depth behind them is worrisome. That’s why Gilmore’s addition at the top of the depth chart has been so significant for Minnesota.
Justin Jefferson speaks about new teammate Stephon Gilmore pic.twitter.com/nOlcRaqj2Y
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 19, 2024
At age 34, Gilmore is still getting the job done. He has locked down the oppositions best wideouts, and has 14 tackles in his first three games. With the amount of action that Gilmore has seen, it shouldn’t be a shock that he immediately began to impart wisdom on his new teammates. That has unquestionably helped players on both sides of the ball, and can be an asset as the season goes on.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Crowd Had Texans Offense in Shambles on Sunday
For weeks fans called for the team to bring Gilmore in. He sought an opportunity to make an impact, and this team has given him every chance to do so.
A new first for Vikings Stephon Gilmore on Sunday
Sunday will be Stephon Gilmore’s 169th NFL game. It will be his 162nd NFL start. He has been to Pro Bowl’s, been named an All-Pro, and even has a Super Bowl ring. He gets to do something new with the Minnesota Vikings though.
Stephon Gilmore says Lambeau Field is the only NFL stadium he has yet to play: "Looking forward to it, I know the history of it. … I know how big this game is for us."
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) September 23, 2024
Sam Darnold, Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman and Jerry Tillery among other newcomers making first trip
Of course Lambeau Field is a legendary stadium. It doesn’t have the same noise factors that U.S. Bank Stadium does, but it brings a level of history relatively unmatched across the sport. That is something that Gilmore and a few of his teammates will get to experience.
Gilmore will look to keep Packers quarterback Jordan Love frustrated all afternoon. The Green Bay Packers don’t employ the same level of wide receivers that Gilmore has seen in recent weeks, but the offense can still put up points. If the veteran can continue to shut down offensive weapons, then Brian Flores will keep seeing his defense feast on opposing quarterbacks.
Related: Best/Worst Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, per PFF
The Minnesota Vikings defense has been a great unit as a whole this season. Their last veteran free agent signing is a big reason why.