The Vikings Run Defense Quietly Has Been Elite
Josh Frey
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Over the previous two seasons of 2020 and 2021, the Minnesota Vikings run defense had been one of the most atrocious units in the entire NFL. During the 2020 season, they allowed 2151 rushing yards at a 4.6 YPC clip, which was the sixth-most in the entire league. We all remember the six-TD performance by Alvin Kamara on Christmas Day.
Then 2021’s group performed even worse. They gave up 2222 yards, and their 4.7 YPC allowed was third worst in the NFL. These struggles on the defense were part of the reason that the Vikings ultimately fired Mike Zimmer after a second straight season of below .500 football.
However, so far in 2022, this Vikings defense has quietly turned from atrocious to elite at stopping the run. Heading into Week 9, the Vikings have allowed the sixth fewest rushing yards in the NFL (753), and their 4.2 YPC allowed is tied for seventh in the league.
This has happened despite getting off to a rather rough start in the opening weeks of the season. Against the Packers, AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones piled up 94 yards on 15 carries. Then the following week, Minnesota gave up 163 rushing yards in Philadelphia to Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.
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Since that time, though, Minnesota has really shut things down for opposing offenses. Over the Vikings past five games, opponents are averaging just 95.8 rushing yards per game. None of their last three opponents (Bears, Dolphins, Cardinals) have even surpassed 80 yards on the ground.
As much as fans have dumped on Ed Donatell for some suspect pass defenses, and his ability to contain mobile QBs, we have to give him and his group credit in this aspect. Being able to stop the run has forced opponents into shorter drives and gives the team much better chances of winning games.
Moving forward, this could be a huge aspect of winning some big games. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants heavily rely on their running game to win games. Assuming the group continues to play well, this should give the Vikings a huge advantage in these matchups and as we move into the playoffs.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.