More Harrison Smith, Please

It was difficult to watch the Minnesota Vikings defense last season. The passive play was nauseating. Perhaps the most difficult watch was the way defensive coordinator Ed Donatell used safety Harrison Smith. More accurately, it was the way Donatell didn’t use his versatile defender. Since his first year with the Vikings in 2012, Smith has always been at his best playing all over the field, using his instincts. Leslie Frazier took advantage of his versatility and instincts. Mike Zimmer took even greater advantage with a more experienced player. For whatever reason, Donatell didn’t. He took away Smith’s versatility, shackled his instincts, and planted him at the back of the the Vikings passive defense. It was difficult, frustrating, and sad to see. I hate to celebrate the misfortunes of others but it was a great day when Donatell was fired after the season. It was an even greater day of celebration when Brian Flores was hired to coordinate the Vikings defense. My first thought, Flores is going to love Harrison Smith. 

Harrison Smith is a great football player. His greatness comes from his versatility. He’s position says safety. His play says so much more. It’s difficult to pick what he does best. Most of his splash plays come within reach of the line of scrimmage. He’s just as adept at roaming the back of the defense. Unless he’s picking off a pass or breaking up a reception, those plays aren’t as splashy. Pretty much the only thing I’d rather not see him do is cover a swift receiver, one on one, down the field. Play Smith to his strengths. That should be easy enough to do. It’s mind-numbing thinking about why Donatell didn’t. 

What a difference a year, and coordinator change, makes.

Harrison Smith’s alignments, 2022:

Free safety: 55.6%

Box: 25.7%

Slot: 13.2%

Defensive line: 4.3%

Wide CB: 1.2%

Harrison Smith’s alignments, 2023 (4 games):

Free safety: 30%

Box: 31%

Slot: 17.3%

Defensive line: 17.7%

Wide CB: 4%

I’m a little surprised that Smith lined up at free safety only 55.6% of the time last season. I expected the number to be closer to 75%.

Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers reminded everyone of what Smith can do when allowed to play without restraints. He was a game-long menace. He collected three sacks. The first was a strip-sack that D.J. Wonnum scooped up and returned for a 51-yard touchdown. The second and third sacks came on the Panthers final three plays and ended all hopes of tying the game. The Vikings won their first game of the season largely on the play of Harrison Smith. 

The Vikings defense is learning it’s way in Flores’ scheme. Through the first three games, there have been some rocky moments and stretches. I expect the defense to get better as they grow more comfortable in the scheme and with each other. It’s early but the potential success of this defense is dependent on the pass rushing of Danielle Hunter, the continued health of Marcus Davenport, and the versatile play of Harrison Smith.