Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores told his defense to “do what we’ve been doing and a little bit more” as Minnesota seeks a 3-0 start to the regular season for the first time since 2016.
Unheralded outside linebacker Pat Jones II had two sacks of Brock Purdy in Week 2 and leads the team with 4.0, but his play on early downs and attention he drew on third downs stands out to Flores.
“It’s those other snaps I’m looking at. I like the sacks too, don’t get me wrong,” Flores said of Jones’ strong start.
There was heavy offseason speculation about the demise of Minnesota’s pass rush after Danielle Hunter left in free agency. But the Vikings have 10.0 sacks, four takeaways and allow 11.5 points (third in the NFL) during a perfect start some didn’t see coming.
“We play team defense. I don’t know whose going to make the play. What I like to see is a number of players making plays, it’s not a one-man show,” Flores said. “We’ve just got to keep our head down and keep working.”
Minnesota knows not to overreact in Week 3. The Vikings began last season 0-3, then won six of seven games only to collapse under the weight of injuries — to wide receiver Justin Jefferson and then-quarterback Kirk Cousins — and finished 7-10.
Back in 2016, they started 5-0 only to wrap the year at 8-8.
But as first steps go, the Vikings like where they stand in September — the lone undefeated team in the NFC North.
Flores felt the tide was turning after developing a vision of what his defense could be in free agency. He collaborating with the scouting staff and front office knowing the plan was “a little different.” He felt finding footing early in the season was a critical launch point, and the Vikings executed the vision to perfection with wins over the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
“It’s not a grocery list — there’s other factors, budgets, salary cap. But there’s certainly a vision early on. To watch it kind of come to life has been pretty cool. But it’s still early. We’ve got to continue to build.”
One critical signing that helped significantly was bringing in Eden Prairie, Minn., product Blake Cashman. Raised a Vikings’ fan, Cashman and his brother used to mow lawns for NFL players including running back Adrian Peterson.
A cornerback and linebacker for a high school state champion in the same town the Vikings’ team headquarters is located as a teammate of Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., Cashman was lightly recruited to the University of Minnesota.
Cashman developed with the Houston Texans after being drafted in the sixth round by the New York Jets. Flores pushed for his signing after recalling a conversation with Cashman’s linebackers coach at Minnesota, Mike Sherels.
Sherels’ perspective: praise and projection of his potential impact was off the charts.
Flores crafted a vision for Cashman, and the Vikings landed him in March with a $22.5 million, three-year deal. Thus far, Cashman is exceeding expectations, especially in terms of communication and getting people in the right place, Flores said.
“He’s big on ‘where’s my help and how can I help someone else?’ It’s a big part of team defense,” Flores said. “I’m excited to have him. Excited to keep working with him.”
Hunter landed with the Texans (2-0) and heads to Minneapolis as a key figure in Houston’s pass rush. He has 1.5 of the Texans’ 9.0 sacks in 2023.
–Field Level Media
