Vikings usage of defesnive personnel has evolved significantly and it could be a problem
The Minnesota Vikings defense is one of the more impactful and efficient units in the entire National Football League. They are at the top of the league in EPA allowed per play, success rate and sacks along with second in turnovers forced. It's been a great unit to watch this season because they have been […]
The Minnesota Vikings defense is one of the more impactful and efficient units in the entire National Football League. They are at the top of the league in EPA allowed per play, success rate and sacks along with second in turnovers forced.
It's been a great unit to watch this season because they have been dominant against their opponents and have held them to 14.75 points per game. One things has stood out so far this season: defensive coordinator Brian Flores is mixing up his personnell less in the secondary.
Brian Flores is relying heavily on starters
This season, the Vikings haven't been using many reserves on the backend of their defense, mainly because of their safeties being so good.
The Vikings have been isuing a significant amount of six defensive backs on the field. Per Sports Info Solutions, the Vikings are first in the league in the following personnel groups
- 2-3-6: 45 snaps
- 3-2-6: 26 snaps
The Vikings hving used six defensive backs on the field regularly isn't too much of a surprise. They love having three safeties on the field regularly with Josh Metellus being a true hybrid player. It also helps that they have a do-it-all linebacker in Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. that they trust to play on the second level.
What is surprising is how little the Vikings have rotated their cornerbacks. Last season, the Vikings were regularly playing 4-5 cornerbacks each game. This season? They have played just three cornerbacks during three of their four games. Akalyeb Evans only got on the field in one game for three snaps and that came in week one against the New York Giants.
The Vikings top three cornerbacks have played an extremely high number of snaps, especially the top two as they do enjoy playing big nickel frequently.
- Byron Murphy Jr.: 240
- Stephon Gilmore: 236
- Shaquill Griffin: 161
Is this a smart strategy? When you factor in a potential playoff run, it's not a great strategy considering Gilmore is 34 and Griffin is 30. Will Flores start to trust Evans or dress veteran Fabian Moreau to keep his top guys fresh for the stretch run? That will likely be answered after the bye week and it could play a major factor down the line.
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