The defense is back to full strength
The Vikings have been known for their defensive prowess pretty much since Mike Zimmer took over as the head coach in 2014.
They have been an attacking group, that routinely causes big plays and gives opposing offenses all kinds of headaches. Fans can be excited that Minnesota’s 2019 unit pretty much returns all 11 starters on defense.
The only exception to this would be Shamar Stephen replacing Sheldon Richardson at defensive tackle. That change amounts to a decrease in interior pass rush but an increase in run stoppage ability.
How that affects the overall performance of the defense remains to be seen. But when Stephen was starting in 2017, the Vikings’ run defense was much more stout than it was in 2018.
Not only is this defense returning almost every starter, but these are also guys who have years of experience in Zimmer’s scheme. These players know exactly what they have to do in every situation and they shouldn’t need any coaching during games as shifts and reads should be second nature to them by now.
This group is also healthier than it was a season ago. Minnesota cornerback Xavier Rhodes was playing dinged up for the majority of last year and he’s had time to recuperate. Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen missed a good chunk of the season due to work on his mental health and he is back and ready to roll.
With 10 of 11 starters returning and with key members of the unit being 100 percent healthy for 2019, this is a Minnesota defense that is ready to dominate once again.