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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/07/vikings-tom-johnson-weve-got-the-best-defense-in-the-nfl/
Players on the Vikings’ defense are heading into the season confident that they can dominate.“We’ve got the best defense in the NFL,’’ Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson said.
Other players echoed those sentiments. Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter said the players have it in their minds that they should be the best in the league.
“That’s what we’re going for,” Hunter said. “You got to want to be the No. 1 defense.”
Said safety Harrison Smith, “That’s the mindset we have to have.”
That’s where the Vikings were last year, as their defense dominated on the way to a 5-0 start. But the defense declined significantly later in the season, and the Vikings went from 5-0 to 8-8. The Vikings need their defense to back up its brash talk for 16 games this season
We'll see, but they are talented. Looks like Tom Johnson is stepping up big time to be more than a backup and is going to lock up the spot across from Joseph.
Quote: @StickyBun said:
We'll see, but they are talented. Looks like Tom Johnson is stepping up big time to be more than a backup and is going to lock up the spot across from Joseph.
According to Zimmer's recent comments, he is well ahead of Datone Jones... I'm surprised Shamar Stephen hasn't had more opportunities there after starting all of last season. Tom Johnson is a pass rushing specialist and not known for his run stuffing
Quote: @Wetlander said:
@ StickyBun said:
We'll see, but they are talented. Looks like Tom Johnson is stepping up big time to be more than a backup and is going to lock up the spot across from Joseph.
I'm surprised Shamar Stephen hasn't had more opportunities there after starting all of last season.
Looks Like Stephen is going to be Linval's backup this year. That should give the Big Goon some much needed rest so he doesn't tire himself out. One thing for sure is, we have some damn good depth along that D-line.
Quote: @PurpleCrush said:
@ Wetlander said:
@ StickyBun said:
We'll see, but they are talented. Looks like Tom Johnson is stepping up big time to be more than a backup and is going to lock up the spot across from Joseph.
I'm surprised Shamar Stephen hasn't had more opportunities there after starting all of last season.
Looks Like Stephen is going to be Linval's backup this year. That should give the Big Goon some much needed rest so he doesn't tire himself out. One thing for sure is, we have some damn good depth along that D-line.
For sure... Our 2nd team DL is better than a few teams first stringers.
Now only if the offense had that attitude....
Quote: @twgerber said:
Now only if the offense had that attitude....
This offense wont be confused with the 98 show, but if the OL can gel a bit we should be just fine with what I've seen so far. In fact the offense we saw at camp will be great for the D as it should lead to more sustained drives that will keep the D better rested.
Put a top 5 defense together with an efficient, balanced offense and and you've got a recipe for winning a Super Bowl. Of course, other pieces (like schedule, staying healthy, a little luck, etc) play a big part as well, but those are things we can't control. The rest is there.
The thing about the offense is that we just don't really know what we are going to get. We are going to be running a game plan that has been built up in the offseason and fully implemented as opposed to someone taking over for Norv mid season and then having to adjust. Also moving away from old tendencies to fit new (and existing) pieces at RB will change how this offense works. There has been a lot of talk over the years about how we needed to move on from our power run dominant offense and we will see if making that change allows some of the pieces we have to thrive. If so, the offense could be a very nice surprise for us. I do think we still have some concerns on the OL, but we are still going to be looking at improvements overall on the offense. At least that's what I see. Couple that with a genuinely dominant defense and we have something.
Quote: @Mike Olson said:
The thing about the offense is that we just don't really know what we are going to get. We are going to be running a game plan that has been built up in the offseason and fully implemented as opposed to someone taking over for Norv mid season and then having to adjust. Also moving away from old tendencies to fit new (and existing) pieces at RB will change how this offense works. There has been a lot of talk over the years about how we needed to move on from our power run dominant offense and we will see if making that change allows some of the pieces we have to thrive. If so, the offense could be a very nice surprise for us. I do think we still have some concerns on the OL, but we are still going to be looking at improvements overall on the offense. At least that's what I see. Couple that with a genuinely dominant defense and we have something.
Yep, the team has clearly tried to transition from power running team to more of a passing team. Even last year, when Teddy was set to start the season, you could see that transition starting to come to life.
So I see that continuing to a degree. Problem is...the offensive line...and one very promising rookie back. No question that our OL is built to run block. From Reiff and Remmers to Elflein, Boone, Easton, and even Isadora. Every one of those guys run blocks much better than pass blocks. Add to that the old NFL adage that says good defensive teams are best matched with running offenses...
And so as good as I think Bradford, Diggs and company can be, I think our "comfort zone" is still going to be run, run and more run.
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