The Brian Flores Fiends Need to Feast
If there’s any chance at all of overcoming the 1-4 start, the Vikings will need a full-team effort. Cliché, yes, but one that possesses a pile of truth. Kevin O’Connell, Wes Phillips, Brian Flores, and Matt Daniels all need to get just a bit more out of their groups.
Jordan Addison is going to be carrying a massive weight, there’s a persuasive case that Alexander Mattison (as well as Cam Akers) need more touches, and the tight ends should be featured more prominently. What’s also true, though, is that the defense will need to play better. At times, the offense may struggle to account for Justin Jefferson’s absence, so some stronger play from Brian Flores and the defense will help an awful lot.
Brian Flores and the Need to Up the Pressure
Brian Flores is well known for his aggressive ways.
The Vikings are sending a blitzer 56.2% of the time, placing them 1st overall in the NFL. The 2nd place team — Flores’ former employer, the New England Patriots — is down at 45.3%.
More discouraging is that the production hasn’t always followed. The Vikings are sitting at 13 sacks, meaning they’re tied for 17th in that area. The hurries are a bit more impressive, with Minnesota climbing into the top half of the NFL though not among the elite teams.
Part of the issue is simple to explain. Marcus Davenport missed basically all of the initial three games, so the team had to lean on Danielle Hunter to do the heavy lifting. Hunter did his part, but more overlooked options like Dean Lowry, D.J. Wonnum, and Patrick Jones couldn’t say the same. These three still need to up their game even further; things look more encouraging for the trio with Davenport back on the field.
Next up on the schedule is the Chicago Bears. Justin Fields will be under center, someone who has a reputation as one of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in the NFL. Last season, Fields ran for more than 1,100 yards and finished in a tie for 9th in MVP voting.
Chicago’s offensive line, on the other hand, doesn’t command the same respect. Fields has already been sacked 20 times in 2023 (for reference, Kirk Cousins sits at 13). At times, being mobile is a double edged sword. Yes, plays can be extended, but scrambling around also allows for the pass rushers to get home for a sack.
And, for whatever it’s worth, PFF is putting the Bears offensive line at 22nd overall for pass blocking.
In theory, Brian Flores’ fiends are well-positioned to make a major impact on the game. No QB is capable of finding success if he’s getting hit before getting the ball of his hand. Of course, the idea is easier said than done, but it’s a goal that Minnesota’s defensive coordinator will be harping on leading up to the game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CDT. Slipping down to 1-5 would mean the Vikings are firmly staring down a lost season.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and PFF helped with this piece.
Kevin O’Connell Needs to Evolve
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.