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

Familiarity with the scheme

This Vikings’ defense is loaded with players who have been in Mike Zimmer’s system for multiple seasons. These guys are at the point where they know the nuances of this defense almost as well as the man who invented it.

Every level of this defense has at least one player who is basically a coach on the field. Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen know this defense like the back of their hands. They can adjust when they see certain formations, know where the linebackers will be shifting to, and also know whose responsibilities change because of it.

At linebacker, Anthony Barr and Erick Kendricks are the field generals. They can call out certain looks and make the correct adjustments to get the defenders where Zimmer wants them to be.

A big reason for Barr’s return this year was his familiarity with this defense and it might have been difficult and time-consuming for Minnesota to try and teach it to a rookie or a free agent.

In the secondary, guys like Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes know everything about this defense. Especially Smith, who can see everything from his safety position and he can make all the calls for where guys should be lining up.

Having so many players be so experienced with the same scheme is a huge advantage for the Vikings. They will be ready to roll from the first day of training camp this year and Minnesota should be in store for a very good season.