Minnesota Vikings finding success from blitzing quarterbacks

The Minnesota Vikings and head coach Mike Zimmer are finding success sending many blitzes at opposing quarterbacks during the 2015 NFL season.

Mike Zimmer isn’t a head coach that is known for sending a lot of pressure at quarterbacks.  In fact, the team has only sent an extra pass rusher on 31.3% of their defensive plays according to ESPN.com, fairly close to the NFL average of 29.9%.  However, that number is sure to increase if the trend from the last two weeks continues.

In Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, the Minnesota Vikings did something that was out of the ordinary.  They blitzed Jay Cutler on 51% of his dropbacks, the most that Zimmer has ever sent as the team’s head coach.  When you combine that with the previous week’s efforts against the Detroit Lions where the team had their third most blitzes under Zimmer, you see a trend emerging.

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates after making a sack on Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (not pictured) in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

But what is interesting is that despite all the extra pressure, the Vikings still get pressure when they send a standard pass rush.  They made their presence felt on 35.3% of plays when they only sent the front four after Jay Cutler.  Statistically, that makes things great for the Minnesota Vikings, as they can show blitz and back into coverage, yet still get pressure to disrupt plays.

This will come in handy in the future, as disguising when the team is going to send extra pressure is likely to throw off opposing teams and allow the Minnesota Vikings to vary their pressure and still achieve solid results.

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It’s no secret that the Minnesota Vikings recent success is based on establishing a tough defense.  Currently, the team is #2 in fewest points allowed per game, #7 in fewest yards allowed, and #8 in fewest passing yards per game.  Defensively, Minnesota is finding major success while their offense attempts to get on track.  If Minnesota can get their offense together, the Vikings might be a team that can really scare opposing teams heading into the second half the NFL season.

And if those statistics don’t scare people, just think about the number of hits that the boys in purple have been laying on opposing passers, specifically Matt Stafford (13) week 7 and Philip Rivers (13) in week 3.  That alone should make quarterbacks a little nervous to face Minnesota.