• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Dec 24, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) and safety Andrew Sendejo (34) at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Vikings 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings’ Defense Surprisingly Low on Big Plays

June 30, 2018
Former Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine

Chicago Bears: Team Makes First Move To Add Salary Cap Space

March 2, 2021
How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”

How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”

March 2, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

March 2, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Focusing on the Wrong

March 2, 2021
WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021

WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021

March 2, 2021
Lost Weekend Casts Doubt on Sabres Direction And Future

Lost Weekend Casts Doubt on Sabres Direction And Future

March 1, 2021
Lavonte David Could Be Possibility for Browns

Lavonte David Could Be Possibility for Browns

March 1, 2021
Kansas City Chiefs: Senior Bowl Watchlist

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Jordan Smith

March 1, 2021
LeBron James Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

LeBron James Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

March 1, 2021
NHL Trade Speculation Swirling About Struggling Predators

NHL Trade Speculation Swirling About Struggling Predators

March 1, 2021
NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?

NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?

March 1, 2021
Five of the Top 2021 First-Round Prospect Options for New Orleans

Five of the Top 2021 First-Round Prospect Options for New Orleans

March 1, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

Vikings’ Defense Surprisingly Low on Big Plays

Sam Smith by Sam Smith
June 30, 2018
in Featured, Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North, NFL
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Dec 24, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) and safety Andrew Sendejo (34) at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Vikings 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 24, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) and safety Andrew Sendejo (34) at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Vikings 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Vikings’ 2017 defense was consistently lauded as one of the best units in recent memory, and for good reason. They boasted three All-Pros, Pro Bowlers at all three levels and the top defense in both yards and points per game. But for all that praise, there was something lacking in the overall performance of the group: They were not the most prolific when it came to big plays.

For the purpose of this discussion, we will define “big plays” as three key drive-altering results: Turnovers, sacks and negative plays. The Vikings were either near the bottom or around the 50th percentile in virtually every aspect of all three categories. Granted, because of the general stoutness of their overall defense, they did not need a high quantity of game-changing plays. But the discrepancy between their defensive proficiency and their ability to end drives in one snap is a little jarring.

More FromFPC

Former Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine

Chicago Bears: Team Makes First Move To Add Salary Cap Space

March 2, 2021

Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

March 2, 2021

Raiders Opinion: Focusing on the Wrong

March 2, 2021

Lost Weekend Casts Doubt on Sabres Direction And Future

March 1, 2021

Let us start with turnovers. As far as interceptions go, the Vikings were decent, if not quite elite. Their pick total of 14 was tied for 13th in the league. Now, that number is pretty pedestrian, given their All-Pro secondary, but respectable nonetheless. The real head-scratcher is their ability to force fumbles. The Vikings forced a measly 16 fumbles last season, 29th-best in the NFL, and recovered only five. Remember, the Vikings defensive line was one of the bets at stopping the run in football. Their linebacking corps was tremendously productive. And on top of all that, the secondary is about as physical a unit as the league has to offer. Yet, they could only force 16 fumbles.

The Vikings do get credit in two areas when it comes to turnovers, however. For one, they were among the best in football at red zone takeaways; they had three last season, tied for fifth. Plus, their offense was so effective at taking care of the ball that the defense truly only needed to be what they were: Dominant without being necessarily exciting. That was evident in the team’s record when getting a small number of takeaways. They played in nine games with only zero or one takeaway, going 6-3 in such games. Of course, they were undefeated when they took the ball away two or more times.

As a pass rushing team, the Vikings were slightly less proficient than reputation would indicate. Though they boasted top-notch players up and down the starting unit, the lack of pass rush depth ultimately made Minnesota an average team, at least by the numbers. According to STATS’ Protection Index, which measures offensive line performance by a variety of factors, the Vikings were 15th-best in football at rushing the passer. They were relatively average in terms of hurries (18th-tied) and knock downs (18th-tied). Minnesota also forced the fewest holding penalties with nine, tied with three other teams.

And then there are general negative plays. The Minnesota defense ranked near the bottom in the league in total negative plays (25th) and runs for negative yardage (30th). They were middle-of-the-road in total negative yards (22nd) and sacks (17th-tied).

So why are the Vikings so good defensively? The simple answer is steadiness. They do not make a ton of big plays but they do not allow many, either. A good indicator of this is their secondary’s “burn percentage.” That is, how often they are beaten by the receiver they cover. Among players with at least 25 targets in 2017 (260 players), every single Viking defensive back finished in the top quarter of the league. The highest percentage was actually Xavier Rhodes at 54.2 percent, who was 66th. Harrison Smith, Mackensie Alexander and Andrew Sendejo were each in the top-20.

Another reason is that they were elite at halting promising drives. The Vikings were second in the league in average points per trip inside the 30 behind only the Chargers. They were first by a wide margin in touchdown efficiency on such trips. Throw in the third-most three-and-out possession allowed and you have a recipe for the number one defense in football.

What all this means is that if the Vikings even marginally improve their defensive playmaking, they could be looking at an historically great defense. Of course, they would also have to maintain the strengths the defense already possesses.

The lack of turnovers is the most worrisome, though it is only a slight worry. Last season, Minnesota gave the ball away third-least in the NFL. A lot of that had to do with Case Keenum. For however limited he may have been, he kept the offensive train on the tracks better than anyone could have imagined, especially in the red zone. Keenum’s red zone passer rating was third-best among quarterbacks with at least 30 attempts, largely due to his 16 touchdowns to zero interceptions. Kirk Cousins, on the other hand, was far further down the list. He completed only 52.4 percent of red zone passes while throwing three interceptions.

The overall point is that the Vikings cannot be expected to have the same turnover ratio with Cousins at quarterback. He is going to throw interceptions because he takes bigger risks. He has a lot more boom than Keenum, but also a fair amount more bust. For the defense to maintain the overall effectiveness of last season, they are going to have to help out their quarterback with more big plays. They put a lot of money into their franchise quarterback, and the defense is going to get him the ball a lot. But just that one or two extra stalling of drives per game could mean all the difference.

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn

  • Fall from Grace for the Once-Proud Minnesota Vikings Defense
  • Vikings at Buccaneers: Preview and Prediction
  • NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Vikings Favored to Claim Rare Win in Chicago
  • Lions Commit Three Turnovers, Get Run Over in Loss to Minnesota
  • Disappointing Vikings Poised for a Second Half Run
Tags: 2018 NFL SeasonDefenseKirk CousinsMinnesota VikingsNFL
Share603Tweet377
Previous Post

Which Jaguars Will Earn Their First Pro Bowl In 2018?

Next Post

Looking Back At The Seahawks’ 2017 Draft

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Next Post
Looking Back At The Seahawks’ 2017 Draft

Looking Back At The Seahawks' 2017 Draft

Familiar face in New York lands Jets Trumaine Johnson

Familiar face in New York lands Jets Trumaine Johnson

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.194: Cascading Waterfall of WTF
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 7:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4347396937.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 11 - LeBron vs. Ibrahimović; Why Kobe Isn't the Right Choice for NBA Logo
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 1:59 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43696480/pick_and_roll_3_1.mp3
  • Ep. 193: From Rocky Top to Beale Street
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 6:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6079720572.mp3
  • Ep. 192: A Second Try
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 4:30 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9501382331.mp3
  • 3/1 - Rodgers/Brady, This Day in History; Wilson/Watson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9357618891.mp3?updated=1614626720
  • Ep. 70: Commissioner's Classic Wrap: Justin Robinson
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7823044541.mp3
  • Ep. 57: Free Agency Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1398047175.mp3
  • Predicting the Yankees 2021 Opening Day Roster
    by Full Press Coverage on February 28, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9671934669.mp3
  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

More Wrestling News

  • How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”
    by Murray Pam on March 2, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Drake Batherson potted another two goals Monday in the Ottawa Senators 5-1 romp over the Calgary […]

  • Stockton Heat Storylines to Follow After Opening Series
    by Paige Siewert on March 2, 2021 at 4:28 am

    Better late than never is the theme of the AHL season this year. The Stockton Heat dealt with […]

  • Back At Full Strength, Flyers Are Riding High As They Head To Pittsburgh
    by Carol Schram on March 2, 2021 at 1:47 am

    Healthy once again, the Philadelphia Flyers are on a high as they head into Pittsburgh for three […]

  • Penguins’ Offense Goes Cold in Shutout Loss to Islanders
    by Luke Talotta on March 1, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped the second of back-to-back meetings with the New York Islanders in […]

  • Lost Weekend Casts Doubt on Sabres Direction And Future
    by Michael Augello on March 1, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    The case could be made that the Buffalo Sabres have been the most troubled franchise in the NHL […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage