11-02-2017, 11:11 AM
The fact that the Vikings, who sit at 6-2 during their bye week, are in first place in the NFC North has impressed Grant.Bud Grant oversaw the greatest stretch of defensive teams in NFL history from 1969 to ’71, when his Vikings squads gave up 9.5 points per game in 1969, 10.2 in ’70 and 9.9 in ’71.
That 1969 total still stands as the second-best mark all-time. 1971 is tied for fourth, and 1970 ranks seventh.
Grant talked about what he sees from Mike Zimmer’s defensive game plan these days, as the 2017 Vikings defense is ranked fourth in the NFL at 16.9 points per game and third in yards per game at 282.1.
“He understands defense, but he also understands one of the most important things in coaching is you have to understand the personalities and put them in the right spots,” Grant said. “He understands who can play and puts them in position to be successful. He is a great defensive coach. As long as you go along and only allow a team one or two or even three touchdowns a game, you have a chance to win.”
http://www.startribune.com/bud-grant-has...454594723/
That 1969 total still stands as the second-best mark all-time. 1971 is tied for fourth, and 1970 ranks seventh.
Grant talked about what he sees from Mike Zimmer’s defensive game plan these days, as the 2017 Vikings defense is ranked fourth in the NFL at 16.9 points per game and third in yards per game at 282.1.
“He understands defense, but he also understands one of the most important things in coaching is you have to understand the personalities and put them in the right spots,” Grant said. “He understands who can play and puts them in position to be successful. He is a great defensive coach. As long as you go along and only allow a team one or two or even three touchdowns a game, you have a chance to win.”
http://www.startribune.com/bud-grant-has...454594723/