Vikings Stock Watch: Dallas Turner's Climb Up the Ladder

The Minnesota Vikings may not be playing the kind of offensive football that head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to see, but they are in first place in the NFC North with a 3-0 record. In addition to their Week One fourth-quarter dominance that led to an impressive comeback victory over the Packers, the Vikings shut down the Bears in Week Two and overpowered the Buccaneers’ offense in Week Three.

There has been significant growth in the defense that coordinator Brian Flores has put on the field every year, and this year’s version appears to be one of the best in the league. The attacking, blitzing scheme that Flores employs has certain lethal characteristics that each opponent has learned first-hand. However, the overall effectiveness is determined by its leaders, and the most dangerous defensive player the Vikings put on the field is outside linebacker Dallas Turner.

This is really not a surprise, because he started to come into his own last year when he led the Vikings with 8.0 sacks during the 17-game regular season. He already has 3.5 sacks in the first three games of the year, and he has joined the top sack artists in the league. He is tied for fourth in that category along with established stars Aidan Hutchinson, T.J. Watt and Chase Young.

Turner filling the role of dominant defender

Most great defenses have at least one player who can intimidate opponents with his ability, ferocity and presence, and Turner is filling that role for the Vikings.

In addition to his sack total, he has chased quarterbacks throughout the first three games. He had a relentless pursuit of Caleb Williams in Week Two, and his big hit on Chicago backup QB Tyson Bagent at the end of the game ensured the Minnesota victory over the favored Bears. His non-stop pursuit of Baker Mayfield in Tampa led to 6.0 sacks in that game by the Vikings.

The rest of his teammates are following Turner’s lead. The Vikings defense ranks second in points allowed — 13.7 per game — and that unit also has the fourth-best rush defense in the league.

The Vikings have a dominant defense and effective special teams. If the offense can raise its level of play, O’Connell will have a dangerous team this season.