Mata'afa
Defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa has been one of the Vikings’ main beneficiaries of the opportunity cleared by injuries, trades and opt outs.
Mata’afa, the third-year former Washington State standout, has earned a role in what has become a seven-man defensive line rotation after the Vikings traded defensive end Yannick Ngakoue over the bye week.
He has averaged 28 snaps in the past three games, many at defensive end, where he’s found a spark after a frustrating start to the season led to an October demotion to the practice squad. He vented his frustration on social media.
“I had to reevaluate myself and reevaluate how I wanted to be as a player,” Mata’afa said Wednesday. “I wasn’t doing enough to be on the team, so as soon as I signed with the practice squad, I went into that week thinking like, ‘This is it. Like, I’m going to go out and show every day in practice what I can do for this team.’ ”
Mata’afa’s effort has translated to games. His 10 quarterback pressures in the past three outings trails only rookie defensive end D.J. Wonnum (11) on the team, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I knew how hard it was to stay in this league, and I was frustrated with myself,” Mata’afa said. “I’ve always been an underdog my whole career: high school, college to now. My opportunity is finally coming, and I’m trying to make the best out of it."
https://www.startribune.com/mata-afa-finds-a-spark-and-playing-time-on-vikings-defense/573120931/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Glad for him but I still don't think he's a starter in the NFL. But I'm just a dumb fan, so who knows.
@"StickyBun" said: Glad for him but I still don't think he's a starter in the NFL. But I'm just a dumb fan, so who knows.Maybe the finally found a role that fits. He doesnt move well enough for a LB and he’s not stout enough inside in this d which is about gap control. Nice to see him have some success at DE as a rush specialist. If im on the other side im going to go after him in the run game.
I thought he was done but they found a spot that has worked out in a depleted line.
Wish him well, glad he's getting some reps. His cousin & my son play / train together.....and on occasion go fishing.
Go get 'em Herc. Maui Proud!
@"Vanguard83" said: Wish him well, glad he's getting some reps. His cousin & my son play / train together.....and on occasion go fishing.Go get 'em Herc. Maui Proud!
Hey, so you do care...! ;) B)
@"Kentis" said:@"Vanguard83" said: Wish him well, glad he's getting some reps. His cousin & my son play / train together.....and on occasion go fishing.Go get 'em Herc. Maui Proud!
Hey, so you do care...! ;) B)
About things purple.....YESAbout things Green & Yellow.......Hell to tha Nah.
Hercules at the very least is making a niche for himself, and after the last 3 games will at the very least be guaranteed another year. If he can continue this performance and continue to improve, he will be up for a pretty decent contract for himself next year. He is the type of player, that you know is giving a 100% effort. So if he can start to see production, improve his confidence and figures out what works in this league, I have very little doubt he will continue to get better. They have just been trying to find the right position for him to be successful, now let him get more comfortable at his weight, improve some quickness, and leave it all out there.
@"StickyBun" said: Glad for him but I still don't think he's a starter in the NFL. But I'm just a dumb fan, so who knows.No shame in collecting a check and being part of a 7 man rotation...
He made some plays that made a difference last Monday night, and I hope he continues to get better. There's just something about a Viking named Hercules that I find so easy to root for. B)
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