Vikings 23, Titans 13
by Patrick P. Marek
They say that the blitz giveth, and the blitz taketh away. When it is at its best, a well-timed blitz can open multiple paths to the quarterback and destroy the best laid plans of offensive coordinators and NFL quarterbacks. When the blitzing defenders get home and sack the quarterback or cause them to
hurry their throws, it can be a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, when the blitz gets picked up, it can leave huge holes in the defensive secondary that even a mediocre signal caller can exploit to dial up some big plays. Lately for the Vikings … the blitz is starting to taketh away.
Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores loves the blitz. Who can blame him? He has earned a well-deserved reputation for creating exotic blitz packages that have brought some of the best offenses and most talented quarterbacks to their knees. His defensive schemes are still described by announcers and NFL analysts with respect and hushed tones. Sometimes the term genius is uttered. Defensive improvement was a top priority for the 2024 Vikings, and Flores was given a (somewhat) blank check to use free agency and the draft to stock players with speed and versatility who could flourish in his scheme. When Minnesota started the season 5-0, Flores could do no wrong. The defense was a dominating “Chinese fire drill” of confusion and offensive destruction. Brock Purdy and Aaron Rodgers were giving Flores his props and singing his praises. Flores was starting to be mentioned as a top candidate for future coaching openings. He was the toast of the town.
Then, during Minnesota’s hard-fought, 31-29 loss to the Lions at home, the wheels started to come off. Detroit seemed like they had acquired a copy of Flores’ script before the game. The Lions offensive line picked off the Vikings pass rush with ease, and Jared Goff was a completion machine. Every time a purple defender blitzed, Goff would calmly deliver the ball to the place that they had vacated. At the time, most of the Lions’ success was attributed to Goff’s quick release and amazing accuracy. However, the NFL is a copycat league, and teams that Minnesota has faced since the Lions game have been unusually prepared to handle the Vikings incessant blitz packages.
Sunday’s victory over the Titans should have been a cakewalk. Minnesota sacked Will Levis five times, harassed him all day and limited Tony Pollard and the Titans’ run game to 33 yards rushing on 1.7 yards per carry. Because of the defensive pressure and some very aggressive (and sometimes questionable) officiating, Levis only completed 17 passes. Here’s the problem. Six of those completions were what are called “explosive passes” of 16 or more yards. Levis is a talented young quarterback. But he isn’t going to be confused for Patrick Mahomes or Josh Daniels anytime soon. He beat the blitz for completions of 16, 19, 20, 21, 30, 33, and 98 yards. It could have been even worse. Levis had two more explosive passes, including a 51-yard touchdown, negated by penalties. Something is definitely rotten in the state of Denmark. If Levis can break the celebrated Flores blitz … any capable NFL quarterback can.
The 98-yard completion was especially painful. Tennessee started a drive on their own one-yard line and had narrowly missed two safeties because of exceptional run defense, when Flores decided to dial up a blitz. Levis avoided the blitzing linebacker and launched a prayer downfield. Josh Metellus was on an island and misplayed the ball. Bam! What should have been an easy defensive containment turned into a 98-yard touchdown pass, gave the Titans hope, fans of the purple heartburn. If you take away that play and Jalen “Speedy” Nailor’s drop in the end zone, Minnesota gets an easy, decisive win. Instead, even though the Vikings are an unexpected 8-2, games like this raise doubts for the more difficult games on the upcoming schedule, and dare we say it … the playoffs.
Exotic blitz packages are Flores’ specialty, but maybe he needs to dial it down a bit. You know what else they say: “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Like ugly Christmas sweaters, the impact of blitzes are reduced if you show them off too often. The Vikings got four of their five sacks on Sunday from Andrew Van Ginkle and Patrick Jones II from three- and four-man pass rushes. When the defense can create pressure from the line, it gives the defensive secondary the chance to blanket receivers and come up with interceptions. Sometimes the threat of the blitz is just as effective as the real thing … and a lot safer.
Next week, the Vikings travel to Chicago to face the Bears for their third straight road game. Hopefully Darnold can continue to harness his “Bad Sam” persona, and the defense can limit explosive plays. If that happens, the hapless Bears can begin their long winter’s hibernation, and Viking fans can have a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Now that would be a cause for Thanksgiving!
Stay purple my friends.