All season long, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense has been almost undisputedly considered the best in the NFL. 

It is easy to see why. 

Through nine weeks, Minnesota’s defense gives up the fewest points per game (14.5), the second-fewest total yards (280) and passing yards (161.1) per game. The Vikings also have 29 sacks, the second-most in the league. Their 13 turnovers forced are tied for the fifth-most. 

With even an average offense, the Vikings would likely be considered Super Bowl favorites. Minnesota made a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday to reunite with quarterback Kirk Cousins in hopes of fixing its putrid offense. Through eight games, Minnesota’s defense has carried the team. 

That is something the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can relate to. 

Aside from RB Bucky Irving, the  Bucs’ offense has been a huge disappointment so far this season. Whether starter Baker Mayfield or backup Jalon Daniels has taken the snaps, Tampa’s passing game has floundered. 

2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka has not taken the Year 2 leap many expected. Egbuka’s 31 receptions, 278 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns- paltry numbers through nine games- all lead the team. 

Fellow WRs Chris Godwin Jr., Ted Hurst, and Jalen McMillan have all failed to meet expectations, whether by underwhelming play or injury. 

The offensive line, expected to be arguably the best in the league, has played nowhere close to its potential. 

Any success the Bucs have earned this season has come off the back of the defense (and Irving). With a better offense, the Bucs’ record could be 6-3 instead of 3-6. 

Though Tampa’s defense has been great all season, it hasn’t gotten nearly the attention or credit that Minnesota’s has received. 

Should it?

That’s what the folks over at The Athletic debated. 

Is the Buccaneers’ defense the best in the NFL? Is it better than the Minnesota Vikings’ defense?

Ted Nguyen gives Tampa general manager Jason Licht a ton of credit for building a terrific defense through the draft. That includes two of the three Bucs who made The Athletic's All-Rookie Team.

He also highlights the statistical similarities between the two defenses.

"Coordinator Brian Flores and his Minnesota Vikings defense get all the headlines, but Todd Bowles has the Buccaneers defense playing at an elite level.

"After picking off Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams four times Sunday night, the Bucs are tied with the Vikings for first in defensive EPA per dropback. Their run defense ranks third in defensive success rate. We all know defensive tackle Vita Vea is a force, but second-year edge David Walker is having a breakout season. The Vikings create havoc with their scheme and holding the pen last, with players such as Harrison Smith constantly making adjustments on the field. The Buccaneers have a difficult scheme to play, but they have an incredibly strong roster comprised of players drafted by general manager Jason Licht, who selected all but one defensive starter.

"The Buccaneers have one of the league’s best young secondaries. Cornerback Jacob Parrish, part of last year’s draft class, has taken a step up in his development. Rookies Keionte Scott (nickel) and Josiah Trotter (inside linebacker) have made immediate impacts. First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. has gotten off to a slow start, but he just had his best game, so we’ll see if he can build on it.

"The Buccaneers weren’t fooling Williams with tricky coverage rotations, but Bowles’ blitzes confused the protection scheme and created pressure, and the secondary made windows tight downfield. I still have the Vikings ahead of the Buccaneers, but Tampa Bay has a talent advantage, which could make a difference later in the season as their young players get experience."

If you just look at the numbers, Tampa's defense has been on par with Minnesota's. 

The big difference is each team's record.

The Vikings started the season 6-0 and were the last undefeated team in the NFL before dropping their last two games. 

The Bucs, meanwhile, are 3-6, and have had to fight just to keep their season alive for weeks.

The Vikings also beat the Bucs in Week 3 behind an incredible defensive showing.

However, if the Bucs go on a run and win the NFC South and the Vikings continue to slip, Tampa's defense may start to steal the spotlight. Tampa's ability to create turnovers is unmatched in the league, and the pass rush has the potential and talent to be much better.

The Bucs need to start winning consistently for their defense to start getting the credit it deserves.

Until that happens, Minnesota's defense will continue to be seen on a different level than Tampa's.