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

Loss of Sheldon Richardson

The Vikings’ defense really only lost one starter this offseason, but what a doozy that one loss was.

Sheldon Richardson was the perfect fit as the penetrating three-technique defensive tackle on Minnesota’s front line. He was a disruptor who blew up the middle of opposing offenses and he created much needed interior pressure.

Richardson was consistently harassing quarterbacks and making them throw the ball much earlier than they wanted to. His departure to the Cleveland Browns will likely hurt the Vikings’ defense in 2019.

The worse part is that Minnesota doesn’t have anyone in line who can duplicate the interior pressure Richardson created last season. The Vikings brought back Shamar Stephen this year, but his strength is stopping the run.

So Minnesota’s run defense could improve in 2019, but they could also become more susceptible to the pass if quarterbacks have more time to throw the ball and scan the field. In a division with Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and a developing Mitch Trubisky that is a scary thought.

The Vikings will hope a rotation of young players can help relieve the loss of Richardson. Jalyn Holmes, Hercules Mata’afa, and Armon Watts will be the guys battling in this year’s training camp to make the team. How much interior pressure each can create will go a long way in determining their fate.

However, Asking an unproven young player, or even a rotation of young unproven players, to replace the great Sheldon Richardson is an expectation that will more than likely not be met.