Minnesota’s defense has been at its best when the stakes are highest

SmashMouth · 10-27-2018, 06:21 AM

In New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ eyes, it is not hard to see why the Vikings have had so much success defending third downs this season.

“They've got good man cover guys and they've got a good pass rush and they've got linebackers that can also cover and pressure and do different things,” Brees said with a wry smile. “For all those reasons they’re really good in that situation."

Those good players at every level have chalked up to the Vikings holding opponents to an NFL-best 23.4 percent conversion rate on third downs this season, the best figure in the NFL by a wide margin (the next best third down defense belongs to Carolina, at 32.8 percent).

Somewhat remarkably, the Vikings have now allowed a single touchdown on third down this season.

“I don't feel like they have allowed a conversion in the last three weeks maybe or 15 straight (drives),” said Saints coach Sean Payton. “(Vikings coach Mike Zimmer) done a fantastic job and they always present challenging looks with their pressure packages and they give you a lot of things to handle.

“… Perennially, they've been one of the better down defenses in all the years he's been there and it'll be an important part of the gameplan for this week.”

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10-27-2018, 06:21 AM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,477 Blog Entries: 29	Minnesota’s defense has been at its best when the stakes are highest In New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ eyes, it is not hard to see why the Vikings have had so much success defending third downs this season. “They've got good man cover guys and they've got a good pass rush and they've got linebackers that can also cover and pressure and do different things,” Brees said with a wry smile. “For all those reasons they’re really good in that situation." Those good players at every level have chalked up to the Vikings holding opponents to an NFL-best 23.4 percent conversion rate on third downs this season, the best figure in the NFL by a wide margin (the next best third down defense belongs to Carolina, at 32.8 percent). Somewhat remarkably, the Vikings have now allowed a single touchdown on third down this season. “I don't feel like they have allowed a conversion in the last three weeks maybe or 15 straight (drives),” said Saints coach Sean Payton. “(Vikings coach Mike Zimmer) done a fantastic job and they always present challenging looks with their pressure packages and they give you a lot of things to handle. “… Perennially, they've been one of the better down defenses in all the years he's been there and it'll be an important part of the gameplan for this week.” read more on NOLA Attached Thumbnails