The Minnesota Vikings have seen the rebirth and growth of the Purple People Eaters, giving Mike Zimmer the best defensive group in the NFL.
The Purple People Eaters were the all-time great defensive line that lead the Minnesota Vikings to three Super Bowls (1973, 1974, 1976). Meanwhile, the 2017 Vikings defensive performance rivals the stats put forth by the legendary group from the mid-70s.
Today’s front four resembles the early 1970s power quad in many ways. Additionally, the 2018 Vikings defensive line is protected by an incredible defensive backfield behind. Opposing offenses will be forced throughout every game to creatively game plan if they hope to make plays on these superstars.
Mike Zimmer, the proven defensive mastermind turned head coach, leads this Deep Purple defense. Zimmer took control of the reigns before the 2014 season. He inherited a talented roster, but inspired the unit that will show up on Sundays in 2018. The same unit that carried the 2017 Vikings to a 13-3 record last season, losing their starting quarterback and running back to injuries for the year in the first month of the season.
Minnesota’s Purple People Eaters are reborn in the nasty four man front starting the 2018 season. Last year, the Vikings defense combined to accrue 37 sacks. Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph have been been paid in the past two seasons.
What’s more, Griffen and Joseph got Pro Bowl nods in 2017. The two stars have been with the Vikings organization since 2010. Hunter, slightly newer, donned the Purple in 2015. Their familiarity with Zimmer’s defensive scheme will pay dividends this year.
The Sheldon Richardson “prove-it” contract he signed with Minnesota unnecessarily improves the defensive line. He complements Joseph and is a serious upgrade for depth. Since his move from the Jets, Richardson will be surrounded by a complete defense for the first time. His contributions will look like his early career when he shined.
Linebacker Anthony Barr has produced since being drafted ninth overall by the Vikings in 2014. In his four seasons, Barr has received three Pro-Bowl nominations. In a contract year, we could see him take a step forward as he looks to earn his big payday.
The consummate professional on the Minnesota Viking defense is safety Harrison Smith. After two Pro Bowls and a 2017 First-Team All-Pro selection, he still flies under the radar at times. People forget his 17 interceptions and four touchdowns for his career. He is a standout player and will continue to impress and get better as he gracefully manages the deep center of the Vikings defense
Xavier Rhodes is the cherry on top of the lockdown sundae. A true shutout corner at 6-1, 218 pounds, he runs with the best of them. His presence allows the defense to apply pressure to the quarterback and play man defense. He, like Smith, received a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2017.
This defense is clearly complete with weapons to attack with on every level. The hope in Minnesota is that it will allow them to not just get back to a Super Bowl, but to finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year.