Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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2020 Outlook
Hughes is entering his third pro season healthy after recovering from the neck injury he suffered while making a tackle against the Bears in Week 17. He recently explained that scans revealed a "little crack in the bone."
"Over the offseason, I saw a couple different doctors just to get some opinions, and we heard nothing but good news," Hughes said. "We didn't think it was that serious from that point on. Got cleared to do everything, so I'm ready to go."
Rather than requiring surgery, Hughes said the injury just needed time to heal.
The Vikings have built on the experience that Hughes gained in his first two seasons on the outside and in the slot.
Although the nickel is under the cornerbacks umbrella, there are numerous differences for covering players on the outside, compared to in the slot. Outside defenders can use the sideline to help reduce coverage area, and they have more time to react because of the greater distance the ball has to travel to get from a quarterback to the receiver.
Slot defenders, meanwhile, have to be ready for more options of routes by receivers, must react more quickly and interact well with each level of the defense.
The positions are important in a league where passing has become paramount, and the players in the two outside spots and the slot are expected to be tested by Green Bay in Week 1.
"I anticipate playing both positions," Hughes said. "I've been playing both since I stepped into this league, so whatever the coaches feel like I do best, I'll roll with that and do whatever I can to help my team."
New Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones said Minnesota is trying to "fine-tune some of the details" in a scheme that Hughes has played and learned for two seasons.
"He's kind of one of the veterans in the room at that position," Jones said. "So for Mike, it was just really cleaning up some things, really honing in on the details of the coverages, and so it was kind of a smoother transition because he has experience inside and outside."
Hughes has been resilient, to say the least. He has shown a definitive passion for playing football since arriving in Minnesota and hasn't been shy in run support.
The native of New Bern, North Carolina, is hoping to "tap into some new levels" he was unable to reach in his first two seasons.
"I'm coming into this year 100-percent confident in my body and how I feel and the work I've put in this offseason," Hughes said. "I'm pretty confident."