5 things to know about the Vikings and Jaguars for Week 13

Minnesota is gaining more yards than any other time in the Zimmer Era

This feels like a footnote because 2020, so far, happens to be one of the gloomiest seasons of the Zimmer Era. Minnesota has had just one losing season since 2014, and that was Zimmer’s inaugural season.

But right now, the Vikings are gaining more yards than ever under Zimmer. At 387 yards per game, Minnesota ranks seventh in the leagues in yards gained. In an ordinary year, this would likely lead the Vikings to a record of 9-2 or 8-3 as Zimmer’s defense typically holds opponents south of 20 points. Not right now, though. The Vikings rank 27th in the business in points allowed, and the team’s 5-6 record is reflectively upside down because of this stat.

In 2019, Zimmer’s defense ranked 5th in this points-allowed metric. That’s a spiral southward of 22 spots. Most of the ineptitude occurred before the team’s bye week when all but one opponent (Houston) scored less than 25 points.

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Since the bye week, the only team to score 25 points or more against the Minnesota Vikings was Carolina last week. And, that took place because of two defensive touchdowns by rookie safety, Jeremy Chinn.