Vikings’ middle men Tomlinson, Phillips viewed as vital to D
By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Pro Football Writer
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The rebound the Minnesota Vikings are seeking on defense won’t amount to much without a consistent effectiveness by Dalvin Tomlinson and Harrison Phillips at the interior positions. They’re run-stoppers first. They’ll need to provide a pass-rushing presence, too. The current NFL demands more from interior defensive linemen than simply plugging a gap. Phillips came to Minnesota after leaving Buffalo as a free agent. Tomlinson made his Vikings debut in 2021.