The Minnesota Vikings have one of the most ferocious defenses in the league, particularly against the run, where they rank fifth in yards allowed. They are ranked 17th against the pass.
Some of it is due to their aggressive defensive style under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The defense is still seventh in scoring.
They hadn’t allowed a passing touchdown or a rushing touchdown in two games before giving up two passing scores and one rushing score in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.
The game had an impact on breakout safety Josh Metellus, who is demanding more from his defensive teammates.
“Past however many games, defense had a chance to execute with the game on the line, and we haven’t done that,” Metellus said via the team on December 19. “So the next three weeks will be all about executing when the team most needs us.” That’s when you’re going to win.”
They had four sacks on Bengals quarterback Jake Browning. They were only able to intercept one of his passes, allowing the former Viking to complete 69% of his passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns.
In Week 15, Browning was 13-for-19 for 184 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
However, this is a trend that dates back even further.
In Week 15, Minnesota led the Bengals in the fourth quarter. They also had a chance to prevent the eventual game-winning field goal by the Chicago Bears in Week 12. Chicago won 12-3. In Week 11, it was a similar story versus the Denver Broncos.
“I just have to be better at executing when the game is on the line.” “This is our best ball,” Metellus said. “We haven’t allowed a touchdown in how many [games]?” But it was crucial in the fourth quarter on Saturday. So I’d say for us, it’s just executing and playing our best ball when the team needs us.”
Metellus is in his fourth NFL season and was elected as one of eight team captains by his teammates. His words undoubtedly carry weight in the locker room.
But this is largely due to his importance to the unit.
Josh Metellus Brings a ‘Unusual Element’ to the Vikings’ Offense
“How the Vikings deploy their personnel is an unusual aspect of the scheme.” Unlike most other teams, the fifth defensive back is usually a safety,” wrote Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson on December 14.
“This season, Josh Metellus, Camryn Bynum, and Harrison Smith have all played 791 snaps or more, while the team’s third cornerback has only 338.” Each of those safeties can line up anywhere they need to — deep off the line, in the box, or in the slot — and will move from snap to snap and within the play as coverage rotates.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Metellus has now played 861 snaps, ranking fourth on the team behind Bynum (918), Smith (913), and Byron Murphy (906).
Bynum, Murphy, and Smith all have snap counts in the top 40 in the NFL this season.
Injuries played a role in this. However, the effectiveness of players such as Metellus has declined. Metellus, a Pro Bowl candidate, has played only 44 of his 861 defensive snaps at free safety. He has played 332 snaps at slot cornerback.
And the Vikings’ depth is only going to get deeper, if not better. Another key piece of the defense is returning from injury.
Josh Metellus: Jordan Hicks ‘Leads Our Defense’
Jordan Hicks, a starting middle linebacker and fellow captain for Mettellus, has returned to practice, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings gave him a 21-day window to return from injured reserve. Hicks suffered a leg injury that jeopardized his season as well as the limb itself.
Metellus is overjoyed that Hicks is on track to return this season.
“It adds a lot. “There’s a reason he’s a captain,” Metellus explained. “There’s a reason he’s in charge of our defense. And it just brings a calming presence out there that you know you have a game-changer out there who’s going to make a play. Places us in the right calls and positions us in the right positions. He is very important to us.”
