5 stats that show the Vikings defense is better than it seems
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the Vikings’ defense is one of the worst statistically at allowing yards.
It’s become commonplace for Vikings fans to get really annoyed and stressed out by the performance of the defense. They continue to allow teams to stay in games despite not allowing teams to get to the red zone.
They are also allowing less than 24 points per game, ranking 21st in the NFL going into the weekend.
Things haven’t looked great for most of the season, but not all hope is lost with the ultimate bend, but don’t break unit. There are five statistics that show the Vikings defensive unit is better than they appeaer.
They are great in the fourth quarter
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to pass while New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) defends during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
It isn’t just the offense that has been great in the fourth quarter, but the defense has also been great when it matters. During Sunday’s win over the Jets, the Vikings held the Jets to 10 points, but most importantly, they were 1/3 in the red zone in the fourth quarter, including two fourth-down stops.The Vikings have the second-best fourth-quarter point differential at +47, just seven points behind the Jets at 54 points.
Timely turnovers have made a huge impact
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) reacts with safety Josh Metellus (44) after an interception late during the fourth quarter off New York Jets quarterback Mike White (not pictured) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have made some really clutch plays so far this season, most notably when it matters most at the end of games. In each month this season, the Vikings have clinched a game with a timely turnover.
September: Josh Metellus interception vs. Detroit
October: Cameron Dantzler forced fumble vs. Chicago
November: Patrick Peterson interception vs. Buffalo
December: Camryn Bynum interception vs. New York Jets
These types of plays show that the Vikings have learned how to play better in clutch situations, whereas last year they finished 6-8 in one-score games.
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Turnover differential has been huge
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) reacts after the game against the New York Jets at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings haven’t just forced turnovers in big spots, but they have consistently done so this season. Throughout the year, the Vikings have forced 20 turnovers and have a +8 turnover differential, which is the second-best mark in the league. So far, the Vikings have 12 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries, and their 20 forced turnovers is tied for fourth in the league. They haven’t just been lucky either, which has been a massive benefit.
They get to the quarterback
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mike White (5) runs the ball while Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) defends during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have been really good at getting to the quarterback this year with Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter being the best at it. Smith (1st) and Hunter (10th) are both in the top 10 at getting pressures per PFF and they have 9.5 and 7.0 sacks, respectively. So far on the season, the Vikings have 30 sacks in 12 games and those numbers are likely to rise with the strength of schedule getting significantly easier.
They are getting to the quarterback without blitzing
Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings aren’t just doing a great job of getting pressure on the quarterback, but they are doing so without blitzing the quarterback. Entering Sunday’s game, the Vikings had the seventh-lowest blitz rate in the league at 17.2%. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell has not wanted to send excess pressure with what he likes to run on defense.
