Eric Kendricks’ Sack & Interception Key for…

No Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce, Anthony Barr, Patrick Peterson nor Harrison Smith.

But, YES, Eric Kendricks.

The Vikings defense was missing five starters for a myriad of reasons Sunday, but the hub of the wheel and a key to the heartbeat of the whole operation remained in place, and Kendricks delivered in his home state.

On Minnesota’s second defensive snap, the Vikings picked a good time (based on the Chargers protection) to turn Kendricks loose to pursue Justin Herbert. The linebacker who had starred in the Los Angeles area at UCLA sacked the second-year QB for a loss of 15.

“It was actually a called pressure, and it was a good call,” Kendricks said. “It worked out just how we practiced it, honestly. I got on his heels really quickly. I think it surprised him. He kind of stumbled a little bit, and I got him.”