Why the Vikings current start mimics their 2017 season

The defense has looked dominant

In 2017, the Vikings were fueled by an offense that came of age. But they were also helped out by one of the most dominant defenses in franchise history. Minnesota finished first in points allowed (252) and yards allowed (4,415) and used that to shut down many high-powered offenses to dominate the NFC North and race to a first-round bye in the playoffs.

So far this year, the Vikings look like they’ve returned to that form. Through the first four games, Minnesota ranks seventh in points allowed (63) which equates out to the exact same points per game total as their counterparts from two years ago at 15.75.

They also have been solid defensively in terms of allowing yardage as 1,251 total yards also checks in at seventh in the NFL. While their yards per game has gone up by 40, they’re still getting a similar result.

In addition, the Vikings are passing the eye test of being a dominant defense. Everson Griffen has returned to his 2017 form, notching a pair of sacks in the first couple games, and Danielle Hunter has been just as beastly, collecting three sacks in the first four weeks.

Minnesota has also upgraded their secondary with Anthony Harris on the back end and the returning health of 2018 first-round pick Mike Hughes and slot cornerback Mackensie Alexander. While the totals haven’t risen to the top of the league, it’s safe to say that Mike Zimmer’s defense has done its job in the first couple of games this season.