The Vikings’ Defense Gets the Toughest Test Yet
The Minnesota Vikings are slight favorites against the Detroit Lions at home on Sunday. It’s among the most anticipated regular season matchups in recent memory. More than anything, it’s an opportunity for Brian Flores to show just how good his defense can be.
The Vikings’ Defense Gets the Toughest Test Yet
Thus far, the Vikings have given up more than a handful of passing yards. That should include an asterisk, given how often teams have been trailing against them and, therefore, need to pass. The Detroit Lions may not be trailing out of the gate, but their offense is key to their success.
Dan Campbell has done a great job turning around a former doldrum holder in the NFC North. Jared Goff has stepped in for Matthew Stafford, and the passing game remains a prolific part of the offense. Between youngster Jahmyr Gibbs and veteran David Montgomery, the Lions’ rushing attack is amongst the best in the NFL.
If the Vikings win on Sunday, it will be largely because the defense can slow down an offense that averages the third-most yards per game across the entire league. Detroit is familiar with putting up a substantial amount of points, especially against defensive units that can’t slow them down. The Dallas Cowboys are likely still walking funny from the paddling they took just a week ago.
The reality is that Brian Flores has this Minnesota Vikings defense playing at a level that we haven’t seen for quite some time.
The secondary has benefitted from a pass rush that gets home early and often. The secondary has been able to lock down opposing wide receivers, and the linebackers have kept the middle of the field in check.
By any measure, the Minnesota defense has been amongst the best in the entire league. If they can substantiate that against an offense like Detroit, their heights will rise to an entirely new level.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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