One Viking listed among Pro Football Focus' top 101 players from 2016

The NFL’s eldest cornerback was the only Viking among the top 101 players from last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Terence Newman continued his stalwart play in a 14th season, anchoring one side of the Vikings’ third-ranked pass defense until a neck injury limited him for a few games. He’s the only Vikings defender listed in PFF’s top 101 players from last season off a defense that finished third in yards allowed and sixth in points, which could start some conversation. No Vikings ranked in the top 75.

Newman comes in at No. 76 as the eighth cornerback. PFF’s Sam Monson wrote: “What Terence Newman was able to do this season at 38 years old should not be possible. Only Richard Sherman gave up a reception less often in terms of coverage snaps per catch than Newman, who allowed a total of 31 yards after the catch all year. He did miss some time, but he was responsible for only 245 receiving yards all season, and with only four penalties to his name, there isn’t a whole lot of hidden yardage there disguised as penalties. Newman allowed just one touchdown all season and a passer rating of 62.0 when targeted.” 

It was surprising to not see more Vikings defenders on PFF’s list as Newman was not one of the four original Pro Bowlers in defensive end Everson Griffen, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, safety Harrison Smith and returner Cordarrelle Patterson. Nose tackle Linval Joseph and center Joe Berger could also be in the conversation.