Based on his history, it was no secret that hiring Brian Flores as defensive coordinator meant the Vikings were going to be blitzing a lot in 2023. And yet, even within that context, the rate at which Flores has sent at least five players at the quarterback this season has been almost hard to fathom.
The Vikings were leading the NFL in blitz rate coming in Sunday's game against the the Bears. Then they blitzed Justin Fields on 12 of his 17 dropbacks (71 percent). When Fields got hurt and rookie Tyson Bagent came into the game, the Vikings blitzed him on a remarkable 14 of 15 dropbacks (93 percent).
Through six weeks, the Vikings lead the league with a 57.9 percent blitz rate, according to Pro Football Reference. The next-closest team is Flores' old boss Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, who are at 43.4 percent. The 2019 Ravens, at 55 percent, are the only team in the last five years to finish a season having sent blitzes on at least half of their defensive snaps.
It's hard to argue against Flores' approach. This is clearly what he believes is the best way to make up for a lack of talent and experience at several spots on this defense. Although they got burned at times against teams like the Chargers and Chiefs, the Vikings' secondary had opportunities to make plays in those games. In wins over the Panthers and Bears, the blitz-heavy approach flustered young quarterbacks Bryce Young, Fields, and Bagent into making mistakes. The Vikings even scored a defensive touchdown in both of those games after a blitzing defensive back stripped the QB.
Compared to last season under Ed Donatell — when the Vikings still had Za'Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, Patrick Peterson, and Eric Kendricks — this year's group has been notably more effective.
2022 Vikings defense
- 388.7 yards allowed per game (31st)
- 25.1 points allowed per game (T-28th)
- +5.9% DVOA (24th)
- 0.005 opponent EPA/play (16th)
- 45.1% success rate (25th)
- 5.9% sack rate (23rd)
2023 Vikings defense (through six games)
- 331.2 yards allowed per game (15th)
- 22.5 points allowed per game (21st)
- -1.4% DVOA (15th)
- -0.028 opponent EPA/play (15th)
- 44.3% success rate (18th)
- 8.2% sack rate (13th)
It's not a massive difference, but the Vikings' defense has improved its production across the board even after losing those four veterans. This year's team has also gotten just two games from Marcus Davenport, who was Smith's replacement, while other newcomers like Ivan Pace Jr. and Byron Murphy Jr. have mostly played well. Flores' scheme and approach is allowing players like Jordan Hicks, Danielle Hunter, Josh Metellus, and Harrison Smith to thrive.
The rate at which the Vikings are blitzing is almost unprecedented. But it's working, so don't expect Flores to change anytime soon.
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