Vikings' balance on offense, defense pivotal to 9-2 start
In Mike Zimmer’s first three seasons as coach, the Vikings often won games despite their offense.
Zimmer built a top-notch defense in a hurry, but the offense remained behind. Minnesota was 27th in the NFL in total offense in 2014, 28th in 2015 and 28th last season.
Well, the other side of the ball finally has caught up.
The Vikings are the NFL’s only team to rank in the top five in total offense (5th) and total defense (5th). That kind of balance has been a key reason in Minnesota being 9-2 and tied for the second-best record in the NFL.
“It’s important for us as an offense,’’ wide receiver Adam Thielen said Friday. “Obviously, we have a lot of confidence with our defense, but we want to kind of have their backs as well. So when they let up a score, we want to have their backs and score, so it just takes some pressure off them.’’
http://www.twincities.com/2017/12/01/vikings-balance-on-offense-defense-pivotal-to-9-2-start/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
That’s what is happening. Defensive players sure like what the offense is doing.
“I think the offense playing well just gives us a lot of confidence,’’ said linebacker Anthony Barr. “We don’t feel the pressure to make every play a score on defense. We just go out there and play freely. We still have got to play well and play our keys, and we can’t just give up points. But the margin of error is larger.’’
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