Inside The Greatness Of The Vikings Defense And The Frustrating Offense

The Minnesota Vikings sit atop the NFL world as the final undefeated team. Look out, 1972 Miami Dolphins? No, but the team is still unbeaten, and it's warranted, driven by the league's best statistical defense. This team is the definition of yin and yang. Brian Flores commands the top defense, and Kevin O'Connell is searching for answers offensively.

O'Connell's offense is the biggest surprise. Flores always commands a defense that will overachieve and get the most out of the personnel. If the Vikings' offense continues to scuffle, there is a much more uncomfortable conversation that needs to take place. 

Let's take a look at the defense and their explosive play rates allowed (ten-plus yard runs and 20-plus yard passes).

You'll be shocked to discover that Minnesota is tenth in explosive play rate at 6.5%. The defense doesn't allow points, but can be had given the gambling nature of Flores and his blitzes. The explosive play rate allowed is eighth at 4%. That's stingy. On the ground, Minnesota allows a 9.9% explosive play rate, which is 13th in the NFL. 

The last four games have been stellar, as the defense has allowed a 3.9% explosive play rate (2nd). The explosive plays on the ground are 6.7% (4th) and 1.8% through the air (1st). These trends are encouraging. This defense will need to keep up this pace if the offense continues to struggle. 

Speaking of the offense. The 8.3% explosive play rate is 25th in the NFL. Even worse, through the air, the 3.3% is 27th in the league. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, this is flat-out unacceptable. On the ground, a 9.4% explosive play rate is good for 19th in the NFL. I've made the case for a Jonathan Taylor trade as the means for a spark, and if this team wants to make a run, the offense must be more efficient and explosive. 

There is no excuse for this offense with O'Connell as a play caller and the talent from the weapons. The last four games have shown improvement. On the ground, the Vikings have the tenth-best explosive play rate at 10%. That number is aided by Kyler Murray's long run on Sunday. The struggles continue with the pass game, as the 3.1% explosive play rate is 25th in the league. Overall, over the last four games, the total comes to 7%, which is 17th over that time period.

Bottom line, O'Connell needs to shoulder the blame for this offense and if this team falls short of the ultimate goal, it will likely be due to the offensive struggles.