5 things to know about the Vikings and Saints for Week 16
By Dustin Baker
New Orleans has a phenomenal defense
Vikings skipper Mike Zimmer is a defensive-minded head coach that is experiencing an offensive uptick in 2020.
Saints skipper Sean Payton is an offensive-minded head coach that is experiencing a defensive uptick in 2020.
Who knew head coaches could welcome adaptive practices? That’s what Zimmer and Payton have orchestrated this season.
The problem, though, is that Zimmer’s defense — his usual bread and butter — has fallen by the wayside because of injuries. Minnesota’s defense ranks 25th in the NFL for points allowed.
Payton’s offense, although not as prolific as yesteryear, is still a lot better than the ranking of the Vikings defense as New Orleans’ offense ranks ninth league-wide in points scored.
New Orleans is balanced whereas Minnesota is not. The Vikings offense has dragged the team to six victories despite defensive shortcomings. The Saints’ strengths are equitable. That’s why they have a 10-4 record while Minnesota meanders at 6-8.
All in all, New Orleans’ defense ranks third in yards allowed and sixth in points allowed.