Will the Vikings’ defense be better or worse in 2019?

By Nik Edlund | Jul 23, 2019

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) pumped his fist after he sacked Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) in the first quarter at EverBank field Sunday December 11,2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. ] The Vikings played the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Feld. Jerry Holt / jerry. Holt@Startribune.com (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /

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The Minnesota Vikings defense didn’t play up to their usual high standards last season. Will they be better or worse in 2019?

On the defensive side of the ball, the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the best in the NFL for a handful of years.

Even though they finished fourth in the league a season ago, some things just seemed off with the unit. Minnesota’s defense was uncharacteristically missing tackles and they gave up a lot more big plays than they normally did in the recent past.

Opposing offenses were also able to run against the Vikings defenders last year as they gave up over 115 yards per game on the ground.

For 2019, Mike Zimmer’s defense is coming back pretty much intact from a season ago. The only change is that Shamar Stephen is replacing Sheldon Richardson on the inside of the defensive line.

So after a little bit of an off-year, will Minnesota’s defense be better or worse in 2019 than they were last season?

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