Vikings DC Brian Flores Toying with 9-Man Fronts?

Since he took over as the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, Brian Flores has turned the defense into an experience. Success on that side of the ball is still a work in process, but Flo loves to bring the heat. Against the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson will face some unique challenges this week, at joint practices..

Brian Flores bringing the heat for Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings were synonymous with blitzing, under Brian Flores. Of course, that is something he has shown in multiple stops, over the course of his career. The former head coach helped Danielle Hunter put up a career-high in sacks last year, but the Vikings turned over the entire edge rush, for 2024.

That won’t change Flores’ blitz-first, ask questions later mentality. And no doubt Browns’ starting QB Deshaun Watson will see some interesting looks this week. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis notes that the Vikings have been experimenting with pre-snap defensive fronts that show nine (of eleven) defenders up on the line of scrimmage.

He’ll (Deshaun Watson) be tested from a mental standpoint this week, that’s for certain. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores can be a problem. The Vikings are also toying with more stunts up front than they have in the past. There might be times when nine men are up at the line of scrimmage. Who’s coming? Who’s dropping? Watson will have to identify these aspects. The talent, especially at cornerback, is not close to what the Browns have, and the defensive approach is wholeheartedly different. But it’s challenging nonetheless.

Alec Lewis on what the Browns will see from Minnesota

Johnathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel didn’t play against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dallas Turner grabbed his first professional sack. Minnesota brought down Raider quarterbacks four times and racked up eight hits. More of that should certainly be coming.

More pressure will help Vikings secondary

Consistent looks of pressure forces the quarterback to read the defense accurately, in a sped up fashion. The Raiders made it apparent that the Vikings secondary is questionable at best.

Related: Vikings WR Jalen Nailor Has One Very Important Fan at TCO Performance Center

Despite playing against a lackluster Raiders unit, too many chunk plays were allowed. There is a possibility that Minnesota gets secondary help, but Flores has to work with what is afforded to him. Not allowing opposing quarterbacks time is a way to combat things.

Great that Dallas Turner has developed a strong set of pass rushing tools along with his athleticism. He had just missed out on a sack a couple of plays earlier, beating the left tackle Peat by raking his hands down, this time he gets home with a dip move. Scary…#Skol pic.twitter.com/ra3gZmU0rV

— robert smith (@Robert26Smith) August 13, 2024

Of course the goal of the edge rush is to get to the quarterback. If Flores is going to load the box though, that means pressure can come from other places. Josh Metellus is an incredible hybrid player.

Harrison Smith has shown versatility over the course of his career. A new level for Ivan Pace Jr. will likely come as well. How that translates throughout the season remains to be seen.

Related: So… Brian Flores is Testing Quite the 3rd Down Pass-Rush Package

Watson has been sacked plenty in his career, and he has often not been healthy or available. Flores will seek to create confusion this weekend that he can parlay into success this year.