Brian Flores is aggressive by nature and that means the 2023 Minnesota Vikings defense is likely going to be one of the most aggressive units in the NFL.
Flores, meeting the Minnesota media for the first time since being named defensive coordinator of the Vikings, explained what he wants the defense to look like next season.
“First and foremost, the good defenses I’ve been around and something I’m always going to harp on, I want guys who are having fun out there. There’s a joy when you watch them play,” Flores said Wednesday.
“All the things that you always hear, tough and smart and disciplined and physical. I’m big on versatility, guys being able to play multiple spots. In order to do that, we’ve gotta get them coached up in those multiple spots.”
Fast, versatile and aggressive. That’s basically the polar opposite of the 2022 Minnesota defense that finished 31st in yards against and 28th in points allowed under the shell coverage, four-man rush scheme under Ed Donatell.
“I’m aggressive by nature. Philosophically, that’s something that I believe in,” Flores said. “Yeah, by nature I like to be aggressive. Not reckless. There’s a method to the madness. There’s a rhyme and a reason, whether it’s down and distance, field position, etcetera.”
In his three years as head coach of the Dolphins, Flores sent a blitz at least 30% of the snaps each season, including about 40% of the time in 2020 and 2021. The Vikings blitzed on 18.6% of snaps under Donatell in 2022.
What types of players fit Flores’ style? Maybe a lot of the players on the current roster.
“I think a lot of players that are here kind of fit the bill. Smart, tough, physical. Guys who love to play. Team first. You need dirty work guys on your team,” Flores said.
“Those dirty work guys who don’t get as much media love as some of the other players. Those guys who are team-first and selfless,” he continued. “I’m looking for guys like that. Guys who, in a world where everybody wants to be the center of attention, those guys who want to do what’s best for the group. I think we’ve got a lot of those types of guys on our roster already.”
That’ll be the most interesting part of the offseason: Which of the high-priced veterans will the Vikings bring back? Harrison Smith is known as one of the best blitzing safeties in the NFL, but with $19.1 million cap hit in 2023 it makes sense for the cap-strapped Vikings to either cut him and save millions or restructure his deal.
The same goes for linebacker Eric Kendricks, who has a $11.4 million cap hit, linebacker Jordan Hicks, who has a $6.5 million cap charge, and edge rusher Za’Darius Smith,, who carries a $15.5 million cap hit.
Harrison Smith and Za’Darius Smith are both extremely versatile and terrific at bringing pressure when asked, so those are mega decisions the Vikings must answer in the near future.
