The Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of making history as they aim for a sensational 3-0 start to the regular season for the first time since 2016. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has emboldened his squad with a rallying cry: “Do what we’ve been doing and then some.” With the spotlight on their performance, the Vikings’ defensive unit is ready to rise to the occasion.
In the spotlight is the relatively unheralded outside linebacker Pat Jones II, who has been nothing short of electrifying. Jones recorded two sacks on 49ers’ sensation Brock Purdy in Week 2, and currently leads the team with an impressive 4.0 sacks. Yet, it’s his relentless play on first downs and the pressure he generates on third downs that truly impresses Flores.
“It’s those other shots I’m looking at. I like sacks, too, don’t get me wrong,” Flores remarked on Jones’ impactful start to the season.
There was rampant offseason speculation about the Vikings’ defensive collapse following the departure of star player Danielle Hunter. However, Minnesota’s defense has defied critics, putting up jaw-dropping numbers: 10.0 sacks, four takeaways, and an average of just 11.5 points allowed per game— the third-best in the NFL during this period.
“We play team defense. I don’t know who’s going to make the play. What I like to see is more players making plays, not an individual show,” Flores emphasized. “We just have to keep our heads down and keep working.”
The Vikings guard against any complacency as they head into Week 3. The team has faced its own rollercoaster moments; they started last season 0-3, turned it around to win six out of seven games, but ultimately faltered due to key injuries to wide receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Kirk Cousins, finishing the season 7-10. History remains a cautionary tale, recalling their 2016 start of 5-0 that ended with a middling 8-8 finish.
But for now, the Vikings cherish their strong September start: they are the only undefeated team in the NFC North.
“It’s not a shopping list. There are other factors, budget, salary cap, but there’s definitely a vision from the beginning. It’s been amazing to see it come to life, but it’s still early. We have to keep building,” Flores passionately added.
A key offseason acquisition proving his worth has been Blake Cashman, a Minnesota native and lifelong Vikings fan. Cashman, a versatile cornerback and linebacker, found his way to the Vikings with a backstory that hit home—literally. The same Cashman who once mowed the lawns of NFL stars like Adrian Peterson is now making them on the field.
Cashman emerged from a lightly recruited high school background in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, later shining at the University of Minnesota. Drafted by the Jets in the sixth round, he honed his skills with the Houston Texans before Flores advocated for his acquisition, resulting in a three-year, $22.5 million contract in March.
“He’s very concerned with ‘where’s my help and how can I help someone else?’ He’s a big part of the team’s defense,” Flores said, highlighting Cashman’s exceptional communication and situational awareness. “I’m excited to have him. Excited to continue working with him.”
Meanwhile, former Viking Danielle Hunter is now a formidable presence in the Texans’ (2-0) defense. With 1.5 of the Texans’ 9.0 sacks in 2023, Hunter is poised for a dynamic return to Minneapolis.
With Flores’ leadership and the Vikings’ unyielding team spirit, this could indeed be a season to remember. What’s clear is that the passion and resolve of the Minnesota Vikings stand as their greatest allies.
