It was during joint practices against the San Francisco 49ers last week that the Vikings provided some hints that their defense won't be an embarrassment this season.
During these practices, new edge rusher Za'Darius Smith was a monster and fellow pass-rushing savant Danielle Hunter was healthy and being Danielle again. If these two flourish as edge rushers on the field and bosom buddies off it, the Vikings will apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. And that will help every level of the 3-4 defense they plan to employ this season.
Their health will be closely watched, as Hunter missed all of 2020 and played in just seven games last season, and Smith appeared in just one. The Vikings believe they have good backups in Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum.
