2015 Minnesota Vikings Defense Rolling Over From 2014

The Minnesota Vikings defense was greatly improved from the 2013 season to 2014 under the guidance of new head coach Mike Zimmer. The change to a new system seemed to benefit many of the defensive players that remained on the roster following the changing of the guard, including Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes and Sharrif Floyd.

After the big change for 2014, it seems like not a lot will change for the Minnesota Vikings going into the 2015 season.

According to an article on ESPN’s website, the team returned the highest percentage of defensive player snaps taken from last season to this season. Here’s what they had to say about it.

"“No team retained a higher percentage of its 2014 defensive snaps than the Vikings, who brought back players who received 94 percent of their playing time. The only significant departure on defense was at middle linebacker, where the Vikings let Jasper Brinkley leave in free agency. Otherwise, the entire group returns in 2015, and the Vikings spent their first three draft picks on players they hope can help the group in 2015.”"

While the many of the players taking those snaps have returned to the team, there are some that will be fighting for that starting role in 2015. Players like Captain Munnerlyn, who started at outside cornerback for the Vikings through a large portion of the season, will see himself likely moved to the nickel spot if rookie Trae Waynes or veteran Terence Newman can win the job. Also, Chad Greenway could be competing with a player like Gerald Hodges for one of the outside linebacker spots.

Still, it’s good to see young players in a fresh system who were successful last season return to a defense that is on the rise. Adding in draft picks and some veteran leadership should be beneficial for this Minnesota Vikings team hoping to make a splash in 2015.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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