“Next man up” is about as cliche a terminology as there is in football. It is more of a motivating tool than a real philosophy, a way to maintain team spirits when key players have to miss games. Yet, with the 2018 Vikings, the mantra of “next man up” has proven to be more than just a shallow axiom. It has worked. The Vikings’ defensive depth has been tested all year, yet the defense has improved week-to-week, now somewhat resembling last year’s top unit. And along the way, Minnesota has learned that they have some solid players that have lurked behind starters, waiting for their chance. No better examples exist than Stephen Weatherly and Anthony Harris.
Both have been with the Vikings for some time, albeit in minute roles. Harris joined the team after going undrafted in 2015. For the next three years, he would be a significant player on kick coverage teams. He would also see starts here and there when Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo missed time.
Weatherly had an ever-so-slightly more auspicious start as a seventh round pick in 2016. While he did not start a game until this season, he did find a niche in 2017 as a fourth defensive end, playing primarily run downs or for short spells in the middle of games.
Entering 2018 training camp, both expected to make the team, but continue in their smaller roles. Things changed a bit for Harris when George Iloka joined the team just before the season started. Harris’ spot on the roster became a little less certain, given the Vikings’ talent in the secondary and Iloka’s history with coach Mike Zimmer. Alas, he made it through to the 53-man roster.
Weatherly had the opposite circumstances. The Vikings shocked fans by cutting veteran mainstay Brian Robison, essentially leaving the third end spot open to Weatherly. Suddenly, his playing time and significance ticked up dramatically.
It then jumped tenfold when the Everson Griffen situation took place. As the All-Pro Griffen missed seven weeks to deal with his mental health, Weatherly was thrust into a starting role. In that time, the third-year end made his presence felt, consistently getting pressure while remaining a force in the run game. Danielle Hunter racked up sacks opposite Weatherly, thanks in no small part to the latter’s strong bull rush. While some may have thought him a liability, Weatherly proved himself more than up to the task. And his teammates reaped the rewards.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Griffen returned in week nine, but Weatherly has continued to take advantage of ample playing time. His pass rushing has improved greatly this year, but his most obvious strength is his instincts as a run defender. Time and time again, Weatherly makes plays, thanks to his long, powerful arms, discipline and nose for the football. His tackle totals are not enormous. But nearly every time Eric Kendricks makes a tackle in the backfield on a stretch run, it was because Weatherly separated from his opponent and pushed the back all the way to the sideline.
As for Harris, his emergence was a little more gradual. Initially, he was simply a special teams guy with occasional defensive snaps. Even when Sendejo went down with injury, it was Iloka who became starter. Over the next couple weeks, however, Harris’ playing time increased until he finally earned the starting spot over Iloka in week eight. He has now started in five games and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Smith, who also has three, reached that total by starting in all 12 games.
Harris’ playmaking has gone beyond interceptions. His instincts in coverage have been excellent for someone with a relatively small number of defensive snaps prior to this season. Just this past week, he saved a touchdown on the goalline. On third and short, Harris hit Julian Edelman just as the ball got there, perfectly walking the line between interference and good coverage. The Patriots had to settle for a field goal.
Harris’ and Weatherly’s emergence as playmakers has done more than kept the Vikings afloat while starters nurse injuries. It has allowed Zimmer to have rotations with his defense. He can give different looks with different personnel without sacrificing overall quality of the player. With both nearing the end of their contracts (Harris this year, Weatherly next), it also means both will likely be seeing some decent money. But that is a different discussion for another time.
For now, the Vikings defense is looking as good as it has all season. After a rough start, they have pushed into the top-10 in total defense. While a lot factors into that turnaround, Harris and Weatherly have played significant roles in getting the defense back on track.
–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith.
Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfl
Latest Vikings News
- What Non-Playoff Teams Have Best Chance To Make 2022 NFL Playoffs?
- NFL Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo, Commanders, Deshaun Watson
- Deshaun Watson Eyeing Buccaneers or Vikings?
- Know the Foe: Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
- Cowboys and Vikings Defenses Are On the Rebound
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Ian and John react to the tragic school shooting in Texas. In addition, […]
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they […]
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 184 "Sasha and Naomi"by Boot 2 The Face on May 26, 2022 at 1:01 am
Marty and Rucker are back talking about the hottest topic in wrestling, […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Battle of Alberta Comes To An End; Goal or No Goal... History Repeats itself for Calgary?by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 5:25 pm
-
Ep 132: Packers Fan Series with Jamie NoLastNameby Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 8:08 pm
-
Which Professional Athlete Would You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 3:00 pm
-
Ep. 254: The Mo Showby Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 2:57 am
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
-
Mavericks Avoid Elimination; Celtics Head To Miamiby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 8:26 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Ep.1: NIL And Voidby Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 8:00 am
-
Episode 49 Criss Partee and Sava from Courtside (YouTube) run down the latest NBA newsby Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 4:50 am
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm