7 things the Vikings do better than anyone else in the NFL
By Dustin Baker
Minnesota allows fewer big passing plays
Since 2015, the Vikings have allowed 133 pass completions that resulted in gains of 25 yards or more to their opponents. That probably sounds like a lot, but it isn’t. It’s the best mark in the NFL.
The closest NFC team to Minnesota in this regard is the rival Chicago Bears with 139 pass plays of 25 yards or more allowed.
To guru fans, this statistic is probably elementary. After all, Mike Zimmer is a secondary-minded coach and that’s perceived as his calling card, so to speak.
In addition to disallowing big pass plays, the Vikings passing defense has been impressive as a whole. Minnesota has allowed just 213 passing yards per game over the last five years and that is only outdone by the Denver Broncos. Furthermore, the Vikings have allowed the second-fewest touchdown passes since 2015 with just 97 aerial scores given up to their opponents, or 1.2 per matchup.
All in all, Minnesota allows a big completion of 25 yards or more every 2.5 quarters. This is, in large part, due to the coverage and ball-hawking of safeties Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris in addition to the skills of departed cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes.