EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.– Defensive backs are a specialty for Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, and it has shown during his two seasons at the helm in Minnesota. Zimmer often finds a recipe for success in the secondary, and 2015 was no different as veteran players bolstered the Vikings defense.

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn's performance made a significant uptick after a rather quiet 2014. Zimmer slid Munnerlyn to the nickel back position, a move the corner back initially had a hard time swallowing. As his time in Minnesota progressed, however, Munnerlyn recognized the role he could play – and play well – when opponents had three receivers on the field.

"He's improved tremendously," Zimmer said of Munnerlyn's second season with the Vikings. "He's doing the things we ask him to do. I think he's much more focused on his job and how he can do better with it. I think he's been more involved in the running game, more involved in some of the quick passes and screens that [opponents use]. Probably in every phase, he's improved."

Munnerlyn played all 16 games in 2015, starting five of them, and finished the regular season with 56 tackles, a sack, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

One of Munnerlyn's top plays of the year occurred against Green Bay in Week 17 when defensive end Everson Griffen sacked Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and knocked the ball from his hands. Munnerlyn didn't miss a step, scooping up the fumble and returning it 55 yards for a touchdown.

The play helped the Vikings defeat Green Bay and come away with the NFC North division title.

"It was big to slow down a high-powered offense and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL," Munnerlyn said after the game.

The Vikings added another veteran, cornerback Terence Newman, to the secondary via free agency. Although 2015 was his first season in Minnesota, Newman joined the team with six years of experience under Zimmer in Dallas and Cincinnati.

Newman made a difference for Minnesota both on and off the field. In addition to 76 tackles and team highs in passes defensed (14) and interceptions (three), Newman's veteran presence and leadership in the locker room proved invaluable for the younger defensive backs. He also made his first career start at safety when the Vikings went through a bevy of injuries.

Safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Xavier Rhodes returned as consistent factors for the Vikings defense in 2015. Smith missed three games due to injury but still played a major role for Minnesota, recording 87 tackles (56 solo), 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and two passes defensed over 13 games. Smith also set a franchise record when he recorded his fourth career touchdown on an interception.

Rhodes started all 16 games in his third year for the Vikings, and he finished the regular season with 68 tackles (55 solo). Rhodes proved a major threat for offenses trying to get into the end zone, tallying 13 passes defensed on the season.

Zimmer said Rhodes' coverage technique improved significantly – which helped decrease defensive holding penalties as the season progressed – with the help of boxing gloves at practice.

"He uses an open hand now as opposed to grabbing jersey," Zimmer said. "[He] doesn't get his other hand involved as much when guys make cuts opposite of his body position – a lot of things like that."

Safety Andrew Sendejo paired with Smith for the majority of the season and finished second on the team with 100 tackles, behind only linebacker Eric Kendricks (105). Safety Robert Blanton had a more limited role on defense in 2015 but rotated in as needed and led the team in tackles (nine) against Seattle on Dec. 6. Antone Exum, Jr. played primarily on special teams and started two games at safety. He had nine tackles and a fumble recovery at Atlanta but suffered a season-ending injury the following week against the Seahawks.

Rookie cornerback Trae Waynes and safety Anthony Harris got their feet wet this season. The Vikings selected Waynes 11th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft and signed Harris as an undrafted free agent.

Waynes played a handful of defensive snaps and was utilized on special teams as well. Although he was more of a rotational player in his debut season, Waynes showcased speed and athleticism in a preview of what's to come. Waynes' first action on defense occurred in Week 3 against San Diego when Rhodes left the game with an injury. The Michigan State alum finished the regular season with 19 tackles and five passes defensed, and he recorded his first career interception in the Wild Card game against Seattle on Jan. 10.

Harris spent the season's first 12 weeks on Minnesota's practice squad before earning an opportunity to start in place of the Sendejo against Arizona on Dec. 10. Harris recorded 10 tackles and one pass defensed in his NFL debut and finished the season with 18 tackles over three games played.

The chart below includes statistics of the secondary (tackles and quarterback hurries are coaches' tally):