02-19-2023, 03:02 PM
The past two seasons suggest that you can't just change the coach.In 2021, the Vikings ranked 30th in yards allowed per game and 24th in average points allowed. This despite being second in the NFL with 51 sacks.
This season, the Vikings were 31st in yards allowed, 30th in points allowed and 22nd in sacks.
In 2021, the Vikings ran a 4-3 defense.
In 2022, they ran a 3-4.
Two different schemes, similar outcomes.
The Vikings are moving on to their third defensive coordinator in three years, and they need to move on from some players. In addition to being $23.3 million over the cap, they need to clear enough space to bring in players that fit Flores' philosophy.
"I think a lot of the players that are here are smart and can do it — smart, tough, physical," Flores said. "Guys who love to play. Team first. You need 'dirty work' guys on your team. And by that, I mean guys who are taking on double teams so somebody else makes a tackle or spilling a play so somebody else makes a tackle or batting a ball down."
The front seven needs more bite. The Vikings must decide whether to keep linebackers Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks who, combined, would save $14.5 million.
Slot corner Chandon Sullivan struggled all season. The Vikings need to upgrade there. Harrison Smith is 34 and the team could save $7.3 million by cutting him. But they might need his experience to keep the secondary organized. Does Patrick Peterson want to come back? They need corners who can play man coverage.
Flores could get more out of some players next season. But the poor results from the past two years suggest they don't have enough of the tough, smart, physical and unselfish players Flores covets.
"I'm still in the early stages of getting to know this team, but I'm looking for guys like that," he said. "Guys who, in a world where everybody wants to be the center of attention, those guys want to do what's best for the team."
https://www.startribune.com/brian-flores-minnesota-vikings-new-defensive-coach-new-defensive-players-nfl-la-velle-e-neal-iii/600252787/
This season, the Vikings were 31st in yards allowed, 30th in points allowed and 22nd in sacks.
In 2021, the Vikings ran a 4-3 defense.
In 2022, they ran a 3-4.
Two different schemes, similar outcomes.
The Vikings are moving on to their third defensive coordinator in three years, and they need to move on from some players. In addition to being $23.3 million over the cap, they need to clear enough space to bring in players that fit Flores' philosophy.
"I think a lot of the players that are here are smart and can do it — smart, tough, physical," Flores said. "Guys who love to play. Team first. You need 'dirty work' guys on your team. And by that, I mean guys who are taking on double teams so somebody else makes a tackle or spilling a play so somebody else makes a tackle or batting a ball down."
The front seven needs more bite. The Vikings must decide whether to keep linebackers Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks who, combined, would save $14.5 million.
Slot corner Chandon Sullivan struggled all season. The Vikings need to upgrade there. Harrison Smith is 34 and the team could save $7.3 million by cutting him. But they might need his experience to keep the secondary organized. Does Patrick Peterson want to come back? They need corners who can play man coverage.
Flores could get more out of some players next season. But the poor results from the past two years suggest they don't have enough of the tough, smart, physical and unselfish players Flores covets.
"I'm still in the early stages of getting to know this team, but I'm looking for guys like that," he said. "Guys who, in a world where everybody wants to be the center of attention, those guys want to do what's best for the team."
https://www.startribune.com/brian-flores-minnesota-vikings-new-defensive-coach-new-defensive-players-nfl-la-velle-e-neal-iii/600252787/
