From CBS Sports · · 1m 50s
Brian Flores' Vikings Blitz Rate
Vikings' defense blitzes 71% of games, leading NFL in defensive stats.
In brief
Vikings' defense blitzes 71% of games, leading NFL in defensive stats. Brian Flores' Vikings lead NFL in blitz rate at 71%, with 175,000 pounds of pressure on quarterbacks this season. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Vikings start 3-0 with high blitz rate
The Vikings are the first team to start 3-0 with under 250 total yards each game since the 1957 Cleveland Browns.
Flores' blitz rate jumps to 71%
Brian Flores' defense has led the NFL in blitz rate each of his past four seasons as defensive coordinator, rising from 50% last year to 71% this year.
Week 1 blitz rate: 78%
Minnesota blitzed 78% of the time in Week 1 vs. the Packers in a game they outscored Green Bay 22-0 in the fourth quarter.
Week 2 blitz rate: 81%
They ramped it up to 81% in Week 2 in an ugly weather game vs. a Bears team coming off a 59-point game.
Week 3 blitz rate: 57%
Finally, in Week 3 Flores controlled himself with a measly 57% blitz rate in a pissing match vs. fellow blitz king Todd Bowles.
Vikings lead NFL in defensive stats
The Vikings lead the NFL in defensive EPA per game, points per drive allowed, sacks, third down defense, red zone defense, among other categories this year.
Vikings' pass rush weight: 175,000 pounds
Combine that with over 100 pass plays this year and the Vikings have sent roughly 175,000 pounds of pass-rushers at the quarterback this season.
Flores faces Dolphins in Week 4
Flores' former team, the Dolphins, will be the first team he faces since joining Minnesota, with a grudge match in Week 4.
Flores' coaching challenges
Flores faces lingering concerns over his coaching style from Miami fallout and a discrimination lawsuit against the NFL that could delay a head coaching job.
What to remember
Brian Flores' Vikings lead NFL in blitz rate at 71%, with 175,000 pounds of pressure on quarterbacks this season.
