The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0. 3-0, with consecutive wins over league heavyweights San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans. The steady and efficient play of the Vikings offense and quarterback Sam Darnold has gotten a lot of deserved attention. The fun, active, flexible, and fierce defense coordinated by Brian Flores and manned by a legion of morphing, football-smart players has gotten even more attention. All offseason, as the Vikings decision-makers added defensive players that fit Flores’ dream defense, I became more, and more excited about the possibilities. I could not wait to see this defense on the field. Three games is a very small sample size. There are still 14, hopefully 17, games to play. Through three games, the Vikings defense has been so fun to watch.
Again, Flores and the players have gotten the attention. It’s much deserved attention. I just want to give some credit to the rest of the defensive coaches. These are the coaches that teach and get the players ready for game day.
Assistant Head Coach/Outside Linebackers: Mike Pettine
Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones
Defensive Line: Marcus Dixon
Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill
Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo
Assistant Inside Linebackers: Thad Bogardus
Safeties: Michael Hutchings
Defensive Assistant: Imarjaye Albury
Quality Control: Lance Bennett
The work that these coaches do during the offseason, training camp, in-season, and game day is a huge reason for the play on the field.
The hope here is that Brian Flores coordinates the Vikings defense forever. He deserves another shot at leading a team. I just hope that he loves Minnesota, this team, and this job to happily stay forever. Instead of thinking about the unknown of the offseason, I should focus on the fun of this season. In doing that, I want to thank the defensive coaches that are doing so many great things that we don’t really see.
Same goes for the offensive coaches.
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