New year, same elite defense
Ever since Mike Zimmer became the Vikings head coach in 2014, the team’s philosophy has centered around them having an elite defense.
In three of Zimmer’s five years with the team, Minnesota’s defense has finished among the top six in the league in points against and total yards against. In 2017, the Vikings were No. 1 in both of these categories on the defensive side of the ball.
Even with a bit of slow start last season, Zimmer was able to get his guys back on track and Minnesota’s defense still finished among the NFL’s best.
Heading into 2019, there is no reason to believe that the Vikings’ defense won’t be the strongest aspect of their team once again and there is no reason to believe that they won’t finish among the league’s top units once again.
With Shamar Stephen returning this offseason, Minnesota’s starting defense is essentially the same as it was in 2017 minus safety Andrew Sendejo. Instead of Sendejo, Anthony Harris is expected to be the Vikings’ other starting safety next to Harrison Smith and most would interpret that as an upgrade in talent.
If there is anything to be sure about when it comes to Minnesota in 2019, it’s that the play of their defense will be a vital key to their success.