1 Step Back, 1 Step Forward, & The Brian Flores Fervor
The chances of Minnesota replicating their 13-4 record seem quite small. After all, it’s an elite win total, one that positioned the Vikings within the league’s top 5 regular season teams. Even Brian Flores is unlikely to allow Minnesota to reattain such lofty heights.
Indeed, 13 wins in 2023 will probably be an elusive goal. Be that as it may, would Minnesota still be able to take a step forward even as their team takes a step back in the standings? If so, it’ll likely be because of Flores, who is already being anointed (by many) as a defensive savior.
Brian Flores and The 2023 Vikings
An identical defensive effort – one where the team allows an average of 25.1 points against per game for the third-straight year – would likely sink the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. If defense wins championships, then Minnesota hasn’t been anywhere near contention in recent years.
Thankfully, we can look forward to a different approach in 2023. Instead of a passive, uninspired group, we can look forward to an aggressive, physical one. The prospect of blitzes galore and tons of man coverage is a source of hope and intrigue for Vikings fans and writers. We can likely assume that many of the players are similarly thrilled about where things are going.
Moreover, it’s notable that Flores made the effort to note that part of what he wants is to see guys having fun and experiencing joy while playing football. Folks, there hasn’t been too much defensive joy in recent Vikings seasons.
Flores seems inclined to lean into his players’ strengths. Every coach is going to say they do this, but not all of them follow through. At this point, though, there is very little reason not to take Flores at his word.
If he does, we may get that defensive step forward we’re all looking for. As far as I can tell, Vikings fans are fascinated by Flores largely because of his commitment to increased aggressiveness and his desire to magnify player abilities.
In the end, many are left wondering: can the Vikings be a better team in 2023 without a better record? Finishing 10-7 but going on a deep playoff run would certainly be far preferable to what we witnessed last year. Seeing Daniel Jones look like Fran Tarkenton 2.0 before being completely annihilated by the Eagles was, in a word, exasperating.
Forced to guess, I’d say the Vikings don’t venture into the humongous roster turnover that many fans have been clamouring for. At various point, I’ve argued that players who looked slow in 2022 – Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks foremost among them – may look considerably faster in 2023. Working within a scheme that eliminates uncertainty and ambiguity allows a player’s feet to move quickly. If either Kendricks or Hicks return, the Vikings may suddenly find themselves with a faster starting LB.
Minnesota’s defense is loaded with proud veterans. Harrison Smith, Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, Patrick Peterson (a FA who is likely to return), and Za’Darius Smith all have a history of elite play in the NFL. While every one of them might be in the back nine of their career, there is still plenty of reason to believe they can help a team find success.
Flores’ job will involve learning about his players and then concocting a scheme that allows their skills to shine (brightly). Doing so will push this group beyond the defensive doomsday that has become far too familiar in recent seasons.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
