“Failing by Design:” Criticism of the Vikings Defense Reaches a National Level
K. Joudry
|
For a little while, Vikings writers and podcasters have been voicing criticism of the Vikings defense.
Even if we just narrow things down to Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD, we can scrounge up plenty of concerns about the defense. There has been talk about the Detroit defensive stinker, how Kirk Cousins’ elite performance was wasted, how failing to generate pressure will lead to more losses, and even some chatter about how the defense is coming in at last in the NFL.
Our quibbles aside, it’s notable that criticism of the Vikings defense has gotten to a national level. Mina Kimes of ESPN articulated some concern:
Kimes delivers a pretty stinging critique, one that Vikings fans have been thinking about for a little while now. Too often, we’ve seen passes completed with ease. Whether it has been poor execution or poor design (or a combination of both), the far-too-lax coverage has been an increasingly frustrating part of everyone’s Sunday.
Much of what’s prompting the criticism is the recent loss to Detroit. Allowing 34 points is no one’s idea of success, especially when we remember that a missed field goal could have easily pushed that score to 37 points for the Lions. We also think of the broadcast drawing attention to the 5-straight games of surrendering more than 400 yards.
Take a look at the clip where Kimes makes some great points about playing off coverage:
The criticism that Kimes directs toward the Vikings defense makes a lot of sense. Indeed, the numbers don’t lie: playing off coverage does not go well for Minnesota’s defense. At some point, an adjustment will need to be made to give this side of the ball a better shot at competing.
The wild thing is that playing tighter coverage may allow the pass rush to perform better. Just another second of coverage may allow players like Za’Darius Smith, Danielle Hunter, and Dalvin Tomlinson to impact the QB.
It’s hard to envision a scenario where Minnesota makes a deep playoff run if their defense doesn’t take a notable step forward. For a little while, the team has been playing with fire. Sunday’s 0-sack, 0-turnover performance meant Detroit’s offense couldn’t be stopped with any consistency.
On Saturday, the team will get the chance to make the changes that Kevin O’Connell foreshadowed in his most recent press conference. The game will take place at U.S. Bank Stadium and begin at 12 CST. A win means Minnesota would officially secure the NFC North.
