A much-needed change in philosophy propelled the Vikings to improbable win
All of the stars in the galaxy aligned for the Minnesota Vikings to complete the largest comeback in NFL history against the Indianapolis Colts. Down 33-0 at halftime, it took a complete team effort to mount a come-from-behind win that will be talked about for years, if not decades. While Kirk Cousins and the offense […]
All of the stars in the galaxy aligned for the Minnesota Vikings to complete the largest comeback in NFL history against the Indianapolis Colts.
Down 33-0 at halftime, it took a complete team effort to mount a come-from-behind win that will be talked about for years, if not decades.
While Kirk Cousins and the offense made it all possible, a simple change in philosophy positioned the Vikings’ defense to keep the Colts at bay in the second half.
Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell has come under fire this season, and rightfully so. The Vikings boast the worst pass defense in the NFL, but Donatell might have stumbled upon a solution for his unit’s most glaring weakness.
In the win, the Vikings blitzed Colts quarterback Matt Ryan on 40 percent of his drop backs, per Pro Football Focus. It was a season high for Minnesota’s defense, which sent extra pressure 57.1 percent of its defensive snaps in the second half.
It makes sense in theory. If the secondary is struggling to stay glued to receivers, it’s best to send pressure and force the opposing quarterback into making a quick decision under duress.
Perhaps Donatell has finally found a successful blueprint for his defense. With plenty of film available on what has been an inept Vikings defense all season, a change in philosophy could throw opponents off when game-planning ways to move the ball on Minnesota.
Hopefully, this isn’t a one-time solution and the Vikings can dial up pressure to make life easier on the backend of the defense.
Featured image via Matt Krohn – USA TODAY Sports
