Minnesota Vikings believe they have the best defense in the NFL

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after sacking Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers for a safety during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after sacking Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers for a safety during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

There are many great defensive units in the National Football League, but the players from the Minnesota Vikings believe they have the best group.

Ever since Mike Zimmer took over as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, the defense has taken on a new look and a new attitude. This transformation has resulted in amazing growth and development from players, and placed them among the elite defensive units in the NFL.

In fact, the players have bought into this defense so much that they are beginning to make bold claims. Recently, defensive lineman Tom Johnson was asked about just how good Minnesota’s defense is, and here is how he replied according to the Pioneer Press:

"“We’ve got the best defense in the NFL,’’ the defensive tackle said."

While other players weren’t as bold in stating their place among the league’s best defensive units, several of them expressed their desire to be the most feared unit.

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"“That’s the mindset we have to have,”safety Harrison Smith said. “That’s what’s in my heart, so I think that’s what’s in Tom’s heart. Everybody knows, though, we still have to show up and actually certify that.”"

Even Danielle Hunter, who is on track to be a starting defensive end headed into the 2017 season knows this team is talented and capable of being the best.

"“That’s what we’re going for,” defensive end Danielle Hunter said. “You got to want to be the No. 1 defense.”"

The Vikings do have some work to do if they want to be the top defensive unit in the league. Last season, they ranked 3rd in fewest points allowed, 3rd in fewest passing yards allowed, 5th in total sacks, 6th in fewest points allowed, and 12th in interceptions.

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While those rankings are great, Minnesota will need to kick it up a notch if they want to end the 2017 season with the #1 defensive unit in the NFL. Still, it is great to see the players believing they can achieve that goal and hear the confidence from the locker room.

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