The renaissance of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense is truly impressive. They currently rank:
- 13th in total defense (323.2 yards/game)
- 16th in passing defense (224.4 yards/game)
- 10th in rushing defense (98.8 yards/game)
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been incredible improving the 31st-ranked defense in 2022 to 13th overall through 10 weeks. The one stat that epitomizes what the defense is in 2023 is how many players are rushing the quarterback on a given snap.
Per Sports Info Solutions, the Vikings have sent the most three-man and five-man (blitz) pressures in the National Football League. On the same accord, they have sent the least amount of four-man pressures in the NFL.
Yes, Flores is that diverse with his pressure packages.
Drop-eight has been a really common defense for the Vikings this season. They are making teams beat them with patience and against difficult coverages. The defensive line has gotten pressure consistently with even three pass rushers, allowing Flores to get exotic on the back end and with his blitzes.
The Vikings defense isn’t quite elite right now, but there has been a massive improvement.
