Minnesota Vikings defense nearing elite status in the NFL
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have built a tough defense under head coach Mike Zimmer that has become one of the best in the National Football League this year.
It’s been a while since the Minnesota Vikings had a defense that fans could be proud of. In the past, fans likely myself couldn’t even look at the TV when the boys in purple were attempting to stop the opposing team from picking up a first down or scoring a touchdown because we expected the worst.
However, Mike Zimmer’s team has the defense hitting on all cylinders. The team hasn’t let an opponent score more than 23 points all season and have relied on that defense to help keep the offense in close games.
Just to put things in perspective, here are some statistics showing just how efficient the Minnesota Vikings defense has been this year from the NFL.com website:
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) and defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) stop St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) on a two point conversion attempt after a touchdown in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Points allowed per game (17.1) – NFL rank: #2
Opponent 3rd down completion rate (32%) – NFL rank: #3
Passing touchdowns allowed (11) – NFL rank: #5
Rushing touchdowns allowed (5) – NFL rank: #7
Yards allowed per pass completion (6.9) – NFL rank: #8
Passing yards allowed per game (228) – NFL rank: #8
Yards allowed per game (336.6) – NFL rank: #9
First downs allowed per game (19.4) – NFL rank: #9
Of course, those numbers could be even better if the horrific season opener against the San Francisco 49ers wasn’t included. Sadly, that complete breakdown by the Minnesota Vikings has to be part of the numbers.
The Minnesota Vikings will have these statistics put to the test on Sunday when they battle the Green Bay Packers. It’s always tough to play a division rival, especially one as explosive offensively as the Packers.
Hopefully, the Vikings will continue to have a stout defense against the boys from Green Bay and Minnesota can stay in the driver’s seat in the NFC North.