The story behind the Vikings’ 5-0 start: Between chemistry and scheme, it’s just ‘different’
5 months, 1 week ago

The story behind the Vikings’ 5-0 start: Between chemistry and scheme, it’s just ‘different’

New York Times  

In April, Josh Metellus keyed into the Minnesota Vikings’ facility, snaked through the back hallway and climbed the steps up to the third floor. – Brian Flores pic.twitter.com/Ikkw2Jr96I — Minnesota Vikings October 15, 2024 Once his eyes dislodged from the whiteboard, Metellus listened to Flores’ vision of him as a player. GO DEEPER How Brian Flores and the Vikings built such a 'wild' and 'different' NFL defense Poetically, the beginnings of the Vikings’ 5-0 start in 2024 were birthed in the final hours of 2023. Coach Kevin O’Connell “sets the tone for the entire building,” Vikings offensive lineman Brian O’Neill said. After playing three snaps of 2-man in Flores’ first 21 games as defensive coordinator, the Vikings played eight snaps in that coverage against the Jets, according to TruMedia.

Players Minnesota Coverage Season Quarterback Nfl Vikings Darnold Max Defensive Different Griffin Flores Quarters Van Ginkel Man Coverage Metellus Brian Flores  quarterback  coverage  flores  50  different  start  nfl  chemistry  oconnell  defensive  metellus  season  vikings  players  scheme

History of this topic

Vikings’ playoff hopes (and Super Bowl dreams?) may come down to these concerns
3 months ago

Vikings’ playoff hopes (and Super Bowl dreams?) may come down to these concerns

New York Times  

EAGAN, Minn. — Crunchtime is upon us. The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL’s darlings, but their visions lie well beyond that. With head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterback Sam Darnold rightfully receiving ample credit, it’s worth taking a look at some of the factors that must go in the Vikings’ favor for the team to continue winning down …

Vikings’ defensive success highlights value of organizational continuity
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings’ defensive success highlights value of organizational continuity

New York Times  

One morning last summer, Ryan Grigson, the Minnesota Vikings’ senior vice president of player personnel, appeared in the doorway of Brian Flores’ office. “Then you put the tape on and you go, ‘Hey, maybe we should really do this.’” Former Arlington Renegades DL Jalen Redmond earned a game ball yesterday for his performance with the Minnesota Vikings. Another former GM …

The Vikings are showing their worth at 10-2 by winning the games that don’t go smoothly
3 months, 3 weeks ago

The Vikings are showing their worth at 10-2 by winning the games that don’t go smoothly

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings started the season 5-0 in relatively comfortable fashion before losing two tight games in a five-day span. “I think we continue to learn things about our team that will pay a lot of dividends moving forward,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “If you’ve got true belief and authentic belief with all the time we’ve spent together …

Vikings' Defense Struggles as Flacco Takes Over in Crucial Match
Trending News
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings' Defense Struggles as Flacco Takes Over in Crucial Match

Associated Press  

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to bounce back from a tough 2-2 start to the season after a five-game winning streak. They face the Indianapolis Colts in prime time, a team that has shown they can overcome challenges with their passing attack. The Vikings will need to find their defensive footing quickly if they want to win this game. The …

Vikings come up short in loss to Lions, and fixing the small details must be the focus
5 months, 1 week ago

Vikings come up short in loss to Lions, and fixing the small details must be the focus

New York Times  

MINNEAPOLIS — As people streamed onto the field, Josh Metellus sat and stared from a metal bench. While players and coaches from the Vikings’ and Lions’ sidelines met near midfield, Minnesota’s do-everything defender remained hunched, helmetless and pensive. “The standard,” Metellus said afterward in the locker room, “is to be great.” GO DEEPER Goff outduels Vikings, Darnold as Lions win …

Vikings' Free Agents Shine in London Win, Showing NFL's Undying Spirit
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings' Free Agents Shine in London Win, Showing NFL's Undying Spirit

Associated Press  

The article highlights the importance of free agency in the success of the Minnesota Vikings. It focuses on the acquisition of several promising young players through the draft and free agency, including Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Sam Darnold. The article emphasizes the team's ability to build a strong defense through strategic free agent acquisitions, which has contributed to …

What 5 numbers tell us about the Vikings’ impressive start to 2024 season
6 months, 1 week ago

What 5 numbers tell us about the Vikings’ impressive start to 2024 season

New York Times  

How do you describe what the Vikings have accomplished in two games? Here are five magic numbers, why they’re important and what they tell us about the Vikings’ 2-0 start: Magic number: 27 This is the number of snaps per game that the Vikings use a four-man pass rush. Magic number: 4.34 This is the average yardage between the Vikings’ …

New-look Brian Flores defense perplexes 49ers, alters our expectations for Vikings
6 months, 2 weeks ago

New-look Brian Flores defense perplexes 49ers, alters our expectations for Vikings

New York Times  

MINNEAPOLIS — He stood alone in the corner of the Minnesota Vikings’ locker room, finally able to take a breath. Cashman recorded 13 combined tackles in the Vikings’ statement 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. “B Flo, I don’t know what he’s calling,” said Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw, “but he’s cooking over there. Metellus described his …

What we learned about Vikings, 49ers as Sam Darnold leads Minnesota to 2-0 start
6 months, 2 weeks ago

What we learned about Vikings, 49ers as Sam Darnold leads Minnesota to 2-0 start

New York Times  

NFL Week 2 scores and live updates: Scores, injuries, news and analysis By Alec Lewis, Matt Barrows and Mark Puleo Sam Darnold has started 58 games across seven years with four teams. In Sunday’s 23-17 win over the stunned San Francisco 49ers, the Vikings rode Darnold’s gunslinging arm to their first 2-0 start since 2016. pic.twitter.com/0PJs9mheCK — NFL September 15, …

Vikings will start Hall at QB for final preseason game vs. Eagles, sign ex-Gophers RB Ibrahim
7 months, 1 week ago

Vikings will start Hall at QB for final preseason game vs. Eagles, sign ex-Gophers RB Ibrahim

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings will start Jaren Hall at quarterback for their final preseason game, with J.J. McCarthy on the mend and Sam Darnold solidified as the starter for the regular season. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Thursday that Hall will likely be relieved at some point Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles by recent acquisition Matt Corral. Nick Mullens, …

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty

New York Times  

The NFL Draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings’ summer schedule is heating up. Here is our full breakdown: Quarterbacks Starter: Sam Darnold On the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens Out: Jaren Hall The Vikings do not want to rush McCarthy’s development. Wide receivers Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison On the roster: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor Out: Trishton …

Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports
11 months ago

Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times  

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with nine picks over the three-day event. NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3 Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections GO DEEPER Vikings 2024 NFL …

Vikings hoping they have team in place to successfully draft, develop rookie quarterback
11 months ago

Vikings hoping they have team in place to successfully draft, develop rookie quarterback

New York Times  

You can picture the Minnesota Vikings’ draft room. Instead, head coach Kevin O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski and other members of the Vikings leadership team formulated a strategy built around simulating what it would be like to coach, work alongside and develop a highly selected quarterback. GO DEEPER Why Sam Darnold is a vital piece …

How the Vikings look after 4 games: Team MVP, top rookie, toughest remaining tests
1 year, 5 months ago

How the Vikings look after 4 games: Team MVP, top rookie, toughest remaining tests

New York Times  

The Minnesota Vikings are 1-3 with a point margin that is better than their turnover margin. Notably, the Vikings have also improved in yards per play allowed, going from 30th in 2022 to 10th this season. Top rookie: Jordan Addison Four of the Vikings’ 2023 draft picks have played thus far: wide receiver Jordan Addison, cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, defensive tackle …

The Vikings’ defense finally gets the job done, after a rough start to the season
1 year, 5 months ago

The Vikings’ defense finally gets the job done, after a rough start to the season

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — For all the firepower the Minnesota Vikings possess on offense, the straightest path to their first victory was always going to travel through the defense. The timing of Smith’s strip-sack and Wonnum’s scoop-and-score was also just right, after the Vikings punted on their first drive of the second half and the Panthers had converted six first downs and …

How good can the Vikings offense be given the current state of the offensive line?
1 year, 6 months ago

How good can the Vikings offense be given the current state of the offensive line?

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Monday Night Football featuring the 49ers vs Vikings. One consistent factor in the games between Bowles and O’Connell is the presence of enormous Bucs nose tackle Vita Vea, who caused fits for the Vikings front. On the Vikings’ first offensive play of the third quarter, Vea moved Vikings left guard Ezra Cleveland directly backward. …

Vikings defense under Brian Flores is being redone with aggression, deception and freedom
1 year, 7 months ago

Vikings defense under Brian Flores is being redone with aggression, deception and freedom

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota’s defense broke down again last season. I don’t know how they get it done over there.” The hallmark of the scheme, which has a basis in a 3-4 alignment but will switch to a 4-3 if the opponent calls for it, is to send pass rushers from unpredictable places and make the offense unsure about where …

Vikings defense dictating tempo — plus everything else we’ve seen at training camp
1 year, 7 months ago

Vikings defense dictating tempo — plus everything else we’ve seen at training camp

New York Times  

EAGAN, Minn. — Each day of Minnesota Vikings training camp begins the same way. “They always say, ‘The offense dictates.’ We dictate the tempo here.” The statement feels like a perfect line for posters inside the defensive meeting rooms. Offensive line a focal point for Kevin O’Connell Free-agent offensive lineman Dalton Risner met with the Vikings brass Tuesday. Still, considering …

Vikings OTAs: How Brian Flores’ defense becomes ‘multiple’ and more on Brian Asamoah
1 year, 10 months ago

Vikings OTAs: How Brian Flores’ defense becomes ‘multiple’ and more on Brian Asamoah

New York Times  

EAGAN, Minn. — In conversations with players on his defense, Brian Flores has talked about identity. “What I love about our defense and staff is the answer is toughness first, then fundamentals, technique and effort.” GO DEEPER Brian Flores’ defense makes 'intense' first impression at Vikings OTAs Akayleb Evans’ tackling Because the Vikings were so active during the 2022 NFL …

Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman on IR
2 years, 2 months ago

Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman on IR

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings placed right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman on injured reserve on Tuesday, all but ending the season for two starters on the precipice of the playoffs. The Vikings signed eight-year veteran center Greg Mancz to give them another option at a vital position after O’Neill suffered a significant calf injury and Schlottman …

Donatell, Vikings working on fixes for floundering defense
2 years, 3 months ago

Donatell, Vikings working on fixes for floundering defense

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The calmness and optimism Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell pours into the job has not publicly wavered, a steady demeanor built through experience and personality that’s not about to suddenly disappear at this point in a 43-year coaching career. Heck, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and get to work, and that’s what we’re doing,” …

Vikings seeing the benefit of leadership change in 6-1 start
2 years, 4 months ago

Vikings seeing the benefit of leadership change in 6-1 start

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Patrick Peterson and Jordan Hicks, two defensive starters for the Minnesota Vikings, didn’t hold back with teammates or reporters regarding the unceremonious endings to their tenures with the Arizona Cardinals. “The feeling of going to work, being in this locker room, being around these guys, everything about this group feels like family,” running back Dalvin Cook said after …

Vikings offense with O’Connell still a work in progress
2 years, 6 months ago

Vikings offense with O’Connell still a work in progress

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — After opening with a decisive win against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings have been tested the past two weeks. “We’re just continuing to evolve and we are still just three games into, officially, our guys running this system and this offense, so there’s going to be some times where we’ve got to try to have that …

Why the 2020 Vikings defense might be Mike Zimmer’s biggest challenge yet
5 years, 1 month ago

Why the 2020 Vikings defense might be Mike Zimmer’s biggest challenge yet

New York Times  

INDIANAPOLIS — The Vikings enter one of the most difficult offseasons the team has had in recent memory, stuck between the capability and desire to win more immediately and the possibility of tearing down the scaffolding to rebuild for the future. That part is always about personnel.” Early in Zimmer’s tenure with the Vikings, there was speculation that the team …

Vikings go back to drawing board after latest disappointment
6 years, 2 months ago

Vikings go back to drawing board after latest disappointment

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — After finishing one game short of the Super Bowl last season and spending big to make Kirk Cousins their franchise player, the Minnesota Vikings were surrounded by high expectations from the start. I think, if anything, it will sharpen us and give us an edge as we prepare for next year, and I think that’s a good …

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