Eric Wilson: The Unsung Hero of the Minnesota Vikings’ Defense
After making a big splash in the opening 24 hours of free agency this spring, the Vikings made a shrewd move that flew under the radar in real time. It might sneakily go down as the best signing of the bunch. Linebacker Eric Wilson, who was signed as a special teams ace, has emerged as an instrumental piece on defense, and his most recent performance was his most impactful so far.
Wilson recorded a pair of sacks to go along with another tackle for a loss as the Vikings pulled back to even (4-4) and improved to 2-0 in the NFC North. Not bad considering Wilson wasn’t supposed to play much defense at all. He was forced into action a couple of months ago when linebacker Blake Cashman suffered a hamstring injury and has since supplanted linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. in the starting lineup.
Wilson’s Impact on the Team
“He’s been phenomenal,” Cashman said. “A game changer.” Defensive coordinator Brian Flores also praised the veteran journeyman for his production and forcing his way onto the field. “That’s my message to everybody who steps into the building,” Flores said. “We don’t care by what means a guy got here.” Wilson has recorded 57 tackles and 3½ sacks while making everybody around him better.
“He’s playing dang near every snap of the game,” edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel said. “It’s good to see him playing so well.” Wilson’s versatility has been on display in the way Flores has deployed him, using him as a pass rusher and in coverage. His ability to adapt and make plays has been a key factor in the Vikings’ success.
Wilson’s Background and Career
Wilson was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent and has since spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and the Green Bay Packers. He signed back on with the Vikings on a modest one-year, $2.6 million contract. “You want to play with great players on a great team,” Wilson said. “I’m really glad to be a part of it.”
Despite not having the same name recognition as some of his peers, Wilson has been as instrumental as anybody for the Vikings. His work ethic and dedication have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels praised Wilson’s commitment to special teams, saying, “That’s how this guy is built. He comes to me always asking, ‘Am I on this? Am I on this? Am I on this?’ I’m like, ‘Nah.’ He’s like, ‘I need to be on this.’ ”
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