Minnesota Vikings

Vikings LB Barr a lone bright spot in Week 1 loss vs. 49ers

Published Sep. 15, 2015 9:36 a.m. ET

foxsports

There wasn't much for the Minnesota Vikings to praise after a 20-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, except for the play of outside linebacker Anthony Barr.

Barr stayed in the entire game and led the team with 12 tackles, according to ESPN's Ben Goessling.

One bright spot for #Vikings last night: Anthony Barr. Played all 73 snaps, recorded 12 tackles (including Vikes' only TFL), 1 PD.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) September 15, 2015

Ten of Barr's 12 tackles were solo stops. He was the only Vikings defender who made a tackle in the backfield and also the only one to record a pass breakup.

Barr was the ninth-overall pick in last year's draft and started the first 12 games of the season before going down with a knee injury. The Vikings are lucky to have him back in the lineup, for he proved that he's still Minnesota's most impactful defensive player in a losing effort on Monday night.

If the Vikings are to tighten up on defense as the season progresses, they'll have to rally around their star player on that side of the ball.

(h/t @GoesslingESPN)