​MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 16: Blake Cashman of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.”” (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images) GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 25: Blake Cashman #51 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Colts 16-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) GettySAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 27: President Ted Tollner of the Holiday Bowl congratulates Blake Cashman #36 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers for winning the defensive player of the game trophy after defeating the Washington State Cougars 17-12 in the Holiday Bowl at at Qualcomm Stadium on December 27, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 20: Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a play with Isaiah Rodgers #2 against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of the game at Soldier Field on September 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) GettyMinnesota Vikings LB Blake Cashman has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 7. He was announced as the selection after a dominant performance in the Minnesota Vikings’ 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Blake Cashman Stands Out
The middle linebacker finished with 12 tackles (eight solo), including two for loss, two sacks, three quarterback hits, and four passes defensed. The sack total and pass breakups were both career highs. He was all over the field in a game where the Vikings’ defense limited the Colts after an early touchdown and helped preserve the team’s undefeated record. Ultimately, if you were watching the game, Blake Cashman was playing out of his mind.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 25: Blake Cashman #51 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Colts 16-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The numbers were great, but it has been something we are starting to just expect from Blake. Cashman became the first player since Chicago’s Alex Brown in 2005 to record at least two sacks and four passes defensed in the same game. He was also the first since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to post 12 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defensed in a single outing. Adding to the personal achievements, it was his 20th career game with double-digit tackles and the 16th since he joined the Vikings. He has now recorded at least seven tackles in 17 straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest by a Viking since at least 1987.
GettySAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 27: President Ted Tollner of the Holiday Bowl congratulates Blake Cashman #3