Defense still wins championships in the NFL.
That's why the Minnesota Vikings shouldn't be dismissed as viable contenders in the NFC. A defense that has traditionally ranked among the best in the league has not only regained its swagger, but is starting to create the kind of disruption that fuels extended runs in the postseason. The Vikingsrank ninth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense, and are tied for third in sacks. Most impressively, the unit has keyed impressive wins against the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions, two teams that went to the playoffs a season ago.
While some will scoff at the notion of the Vikings sustaining their promising start due to offensive question marks (a young quarterback and the lack of a true No. 1 receiver), after studying the All-22 Coaches Tape, I believe the return of the Purple People Eaters is enough to make Minnesota a legitimate player in the NFC race.
Here is what I discovered in tape study:
The Tampa 2 is alive and well in Minnesota.
The simplistic scheme that was popularized by former Vikings defensive coordinator Tony Dungy during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been a staple of Minnesota's defensive playbook over the past decade. Former Dungy assistants Mike Tomlin and Leslie Frazier implemented the scheme while serving as defensive coordinators for the Vikes. Alan Williams, Minnesota's new defensive coordinator and another Dungy disciple, has tweaked and modified the scheme to fit the team's current personnel, but the philosophy remains the same.
The Vikings take the run away on early downs, utilizing a simple, one-gap scheme that features eight-man fronts. Eventually, Minnesota forces opponents to throw against a stifling coverage that takes away the vertical passing game. The Vikings coax undisciplined quarterbacks into making mistakes and turnovers when they ignore the open check-down and attempt to squeeze the ball into tight windows.
This unit's discipline, effort and hustle really stand out on tape. The Vikings are sound with their gap assignments against the run, while also showing exceptional attention to detail with their drops in pass coverage. The simplistic approach results in superb execution, and Minnesota has been able to overwhelm opponents with its tenacity and physicality.
Now, most associate the Tampa 2 philosophy with the two-deep, five-under coverage that frustrates quarterbacks forced to play against the look in long-yardage situations. The defense takes away most quarterbacks' favorite throws (deep tosses down the sidelines and in the middle of the field) with the clever positioning of defenders, as displayed in this screengrab:
While the Vikings routinely jump into the Tampa 2 in long-yardage situations (second and third down with seven-plus yards to go), the team has shown more diversity with its cover schemes by frequently playing variations of Cover 1 (man-free) and Cover 3 (three-deep, four-under) in certain circumstances. The use of man coverage with bump-and-run technique takes away free access for wide receivers and forces quarterbacks to squeeze balls into tight windows. In addition, the utilization of a "robber" (a safety or linebacker sitting in the middle of the field at 5-10 yards) neutralizes the effectiveness of crossing routes, with defenders switching assignments to avoid picks. Here is that look:
This creates hesitancy in the quarterback's mind, providing the Vikings' pass rush with more time to get home.
With Williams employing a simple (but effective) scheme that eliminates big plays and forces opponents to sustain long drives, the Vikings are able to keep the score down and give their offense chances to win late in the fourth quarter.
The Vikings' defensive dominance starts in the trenches.
Defensive coordinators around the NFL will quickly tell you that the only way to consistently win is to own the line of scrimmage. Although the premise sounds simple in theory, it's difficult to achieve without the depth and talent to wear opponents down over the course of a game. As I studied the Vikings on tape, I came away impressed with their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage with their front four. The unit routinely plays on the opponent's side of the ball, and the consistent penetration has been critical to Minnesota's success against the run. The Vikings are allowing just 3.9 yards per rush -- tied for ninth in the NFL -- while surrendering just two runs of 20-plus yards and one run of 40-plus yards in 181 attempts. By holding opponents under 4 yards a pop, Minnesota forces quarterbacks into long-yardage situations, freeing a deep and talented defensive line to aggressively rush up the field and create disruption in the pocket. As a result, the Vikings have racked up 22 sacks, with the defensive line accounting for 16.
Part of the Vikings' D-line success can be attributed to a rotation that includes seven defenders who thrive in specific roles. Jared Allen and Brian Robison play extensively on the edges, and their explosiveness overwhelms opponents at the point of attack. Everson Griffen is a playmaker with the ability to wreak havoc on the pocket from multiple alignments. With experience as an outside linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle, Griffen is the hybrid rusher every defense needs to fulfill an exotic sub package.
On the interior, Kevin Williams and Letroy Guion are versatile defenders who can rush the passer or stop the run from a shade position. Christian Ballard and Fred Evans are effective run stoppers as part-time players; they allow Williams and Guion to remain fresh for passing downs. With each player thriving in an assigned role, the Vikings' front line can be a nightmare for any opponent.
In the screengrab below, the Vikings line up in a Bear front with Allen aligned over the offensive guard in a 3-technique:
On the snap, the Vikings execute an exotic blitz from the Bear front, causing confusion on the Tennessee Titans' offensive line:
The result? Allen sacks Matt Hasselbeck for an 11-yard loss.
In the screengrab below, Robison's wide alignment makes the opposition wary of his speed and quickness off the edge:
This sets up an inside move:
Robison finishes the play by sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton for a 9-yard loss.
In the screengrab below, the Vikings are bringing an all-out blitz, with Griffen crashing off the edge:
With Detroit Lions tackle Jeff Backus assigned to block the most dangerous threat to the inside, Griffen waltzes in unimpeded for a sack.
In the screengrab below, the Vikings are running a twist, with Williams slanting inside to the opposite A-gap and Griffen looping behind Williams into the A-gap on the left:
The deception of the stunt creates a seam for Williams to slip through:
Once again, Skelton is taken down for a big loss.
Harrison Smith is the straw that stirs the drink.
The evolution of the NFL into a spread-formation league has made it imperative for elite defenses to have a hybrid safety in the starting lineup. NFL tight ends possess the speed and athleticism of wide receivers in bodies built like those of NBA power forwards. Safeties must have corner-like movement skills while also displaying linebacker physicality. Smith certainly fits the bill, with a 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame and a nasty disposition that intimidates pass-catchers venturing over the middle of the field.
After studying the All-22, I'm surprised at how quickly Smith has developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety. He is versatile enough to make plays against the run as a box defender, but he also displays the cover skills and range to be effective in man or zone coverage. This enables the Vikings to utilize Smith in a variety of ways.
Smith anticipates the dig by the slot receiver at the top of the screengrab and picks off the route:
The resulting pick-six -- Smith's first career interception -- was a game-changing play in Minnesota's 21-14 win last Sunday.
With Smith able to patrol the middle as a head-knocker against the run and a ball-hawk in passing situations, the Vikings' secondary has played a pivotal role in the defense's impressive start. If Smith can continue to play with the savvy and swagger of a veteran, Minnesota's D certainly will pose problems for opponents down the stretch.
Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
