Minnesota Vikings First Quarter Review: What we’ve learned so far
By Chris Schad
The NFL might have figured out Mike Zimmer’s defense
Raise your hand if you thought that the biggest concern on this team would be the defense. I didn’t think I’d see many hands either.
After leading the league in points allowed (252) a year ago, the Vikings currently rank 22nd after four games with 110. At the forefront has been the lack of a pass rush (weakened by the departure of Everson Griffen) and a secondary that has been MIA outside of the opener against San Francisco.
Head coach Mike Zimmer believes that his defensive flaws might be due to a case of over-coaching, but recent history shows it could be a bigger problem. Since the Vikings’ playoff win against the New Orleans Saints last January, the Vikings have allowed 28.6 points per game in their last six games. That includes two instances of allowing 38 points against the Rams last week and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
Last year, the Vikings were able to avoid the injury/disaster bug on defense, but they haven’t been able to be so lucky this time around. Perhaps it’s a matter of the younger players learning the system, but if this trend continues the Vikings could have a major issue on their hands.