Kevin O'Connell, Brian Flores reveal thoughts on talented Vikings edge rusher group that will spark excitement
The usage of the Minnesota Vikings edge rusher group has been fascinating to watch all season. In week one, rookie Dallas Turner played a season-high 35 snaps and hasn't played that many snaps the rest of the season. We've also seen interesting usage with the NASCAR package of four edge rushers on the field at […]
The usage of the Minnesota Vikings edge rusher group has been fascinating to watch all season.
In week one, rookie Dallas Turner played a season-high 35 snaps and hasn't played that many snaps the rest of the season. We've also seen interesting usage with the NASCAR package of four edge rushers on the field at the same time to generate a pass rush.
What has been really interesting is how things have manifested when players have been out or taken off the field.
Kevin O'Connell, Brian Flores talk Gabe Murphy's debut
One of the interesting things here was how the Vikings would use rookie Gabe Murphy in his debut. He was filling in for Pat Jones II who was out with a knee injury.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores talked about his debut and how they just put him in Jones' role.
"We kind of went to stick Gabe in there and kind of pat Jones's role in the dime package a little bit on early downs. He obviously showed well in training camp, playing multiple positions on the edge inside. He's done a nice job in practice. So that was kind of the role we had probably ended up playing a little bit more than that."
It was interesting to hear Flores just come out and say that, especially because it's felt that way with Dallas Turner all year. When head coach Kevin O'Connell was asked about Murphy's debut, he echoed similar sentiments.
"I think he's just a little different from a standpoint of that you saw him inside a little bit more, you saw him in some different spots, he's really versatile. We've framed his role in many ways after Andrew Van Ginkel's role you can see D.T. [Dallas Turner] and it was a little bit more in that Jonathan Greenard framework, but all those guys are so versatile. Pat Jones has been a huge part of our team. So, when you can compare Gabe [Murphy] to assume a little bit more of that role, splitting some of those duties with D.T., keeping all those guys fresh. I think it was a performance I've been waiting for just because it's been a long road for Gabe coming off of a really impactful training camp. I thought Dallas Turner was really active, and you felt the athleticism and the juice. A couple plays that he ran down, physicality. So, I was really encouraged by both those guys yesterday."
There has been a ton of concern among the fanbase about Turner not playing many snaps over the course of the season, especially after how much he played in the season opener against the Giants. The idea was that Van Ginkel was playing so well that he couldn't get into the game much and it was a theory that was somewhat substantiated by the comments of O'Connell and Flores.
The Vikings want their edge rushers right now to play certain roles and they have been steadfast in how they use them so far this season. Will that continue? I'd expect it to this season but those roles may evolve next year and beyond.
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